Only one Boeing XB-15 bomber prototype was built, yet it provided the giant aircraft manufacturer with design ideas that shaped the famous B-17 and Model 314 Clipper airplanes.
warbirds
Exploring the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum
The Fagen Fighters WWII Museum is recognized as one of the most unique collections of flying military aircraft anywhere.
Picture of the Day: Spitfires still going strong
Robert Erenstein submitted this photo and note: “In Europe there are many enthusiasts trying to keep history alive. Besides US-built aircraft, there is still a number of the famous Supermarine Spitfires airworthy today. This specific one entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1942 and has a confirmed number of seven kills during World War II. After the war it was used as an instructional airframe and gate guard. It became famous as static aircraft in the famous ‘Battle of Britain’ movie of 1969. It was restored to flying condition and took to the sky again in 1995. Today she is part of The Fighter Collection Fleet. Its attractive shape and above all its music-producing engine can be seen and heard at airshows throughout Europe.”
Military Aviation Museum adds rare Zero to its collection
After sitting abandoned for more than 45 years next to a runway on the island of Taroa in the Marshall Islands, the Zero has undergone a 10-year restoration and is preparing for its first flight soon.
Picture of the Day: End of the day at Blue Grass Airport
James McCormick submitted this photo and note: “The B-29 ‘FiFi’ after its visit to the Aviation Museum of Kentucky in Lexington.”
Picture of the Day: CAP cadets meet Miss Betty
Kimberly Byard submitted this photo and note: “Civil Air Patrol Potomac Highlands Composite Squadron Cadets had a living history moment when the restored P-63 Kingcobra, “Miss Betty” landed at the Grant County Airport in Petersburg, West Virginia. The restored fighter aircraft was named in honor of Betty Bishop. In 1943, she joined the ranks of Rosie the Riveters, the thousands of women who filled the workforce to power the United States Arsenal of Democracy. Betty worked on this P-63 during her World War II aircraft factory work. Never a dull moment! Go Civil Air Patrol!”
Picture of the Day: A legacy line-up
Cheryl Goodwin submitted this photo and note: “The Navy Legacy Flight lines up for a smoke-filled takeoff at the 2022 Reno Air Races.”
The fate of World War II surplus aircraft
Thousands of war surplus aircraft were scrapped after World War II, many salvaged for their engines, parts, and aluminum. By removing aged warplanes from the scene entirely, the aircraft industry and the military did not have to contend with some in Congress who might be attracted to false savings with old airplanes versus the development of state-of-the-art new aircraft.
Tom Reilly to be inducted into EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame
Reilly is renowned in the warbird community for his restorations, including the rare XP-82 Twin Mustang, as well as his more than 5,500 hours as PIC.