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 Due
to the efforts of governments, aviation historians and enthusiasts,
a wealth of aviation history is being preserved for future generations
to marvel at and enjoy. On these pages you'll find fully restored
and operational aircraft from a bygone era. These marvelous
aircraft also serve as living memorials to the brave men and women who,
so far, have served and sometimes given the ultimate sacrifice, that we
and our families may live in a better, safer world. |
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Vintage
Warriors : Combat Veterans |
Back to
Chapter Index |
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B-17 Flying Fortress "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby"
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In World War II, the B-17G "Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby" flew
24 combat missions from England with the 91st Bomber Group, with
three other missions aborted. On it's final mission to bomb the Focke Wulf aircraft factory at Poznan, Poland on May 29, 1944, it
was listed as missing in action. The aircraft did however,
make it to Malmo, Sweden where it crash landed on an airstrip.
It was fully restored to flying condition between 1978 and 1988 and
flown to the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio October
13, 1988 (above photograph is of that historic flight.)
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B-17G Liberty
Belle |
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The Liberty Foundation's B-17G Liberty
Belle at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show August 6, 2005. During
World War II, the
Liberty Belle served in the 390th Bomber Group and flew 64 combat
missions over Europe. She underwent a 15 year restoration
process in the 1980's. Currently based and maintained at the hangars of
The
Liberty Foundation Tulsa, OK |
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The venerable P-51A |
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During
World War II the P-51 was hailed as the savior of the bomber crews
over Europe and a most formidable (and frightening) adversary of
enemy fighter pilots. |
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Vought F4U Corsair |
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The F4U, despite its ungainly looks,
was one of the most lethal warplanes of World War II, it could
fly faster, out climb and out fight any prop-driven enemy aircraft
of its era. The Corsair was well recognized by the enemy and
avoided when possible. Combined with its fearsome reputation
and its distinctive sound, the Japanese troops dubbed it "Whistling
Death."
The F4U also served proudly in the Korean War before being retired.
Powerplant: One 18 cylinder Pratt Whitney R-2800 18W Double
Wasp engine
Maximum Speed: 446 (it was the first prop-driven plane to exceed
400 mph)
Service Ceiling: 41,500 feet (12,649.2 m)
Maximum Range: 1,560 miles (2,510 km)
Armament: Six .50 cal Colt-Browning M2 machine guns (or four
20mm cannon) two 1,000 lb bombs or eight 127 mm rockets.
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Navy Hellcats |
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by: Dr. Von Zuko 1998©
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Aviation Index:
Page Index:
Heavy Bombers of WWII
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Dr. Von
Zuko's Recommended Books and DVD's on Aviation:
Find other great books on
this or any topic:
B-25 In Flight
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B-25 Mitchell Medium Bomber used by
the United States Army Air Force from 1941 until the end of World
War II. The B-25 gained fame as the bomber of the "Doolittle
Raid" of 1942.
The Doolittle Raid represented the first time a medium bomber was
launched from an aircraft carrier (USS Hornet) and successfully
delivered a bombing attack to the Japanese mainland. This
mission sent a clear message to Japan that they could indeed be
bombed.
This mission is portrayed dramatically in the 2001 movie "Pearl
Harbor."
The B-25 was also involved in the infamous Empire State Building
crash on Saturday, July 28, 1945. While flying in thick fog a
B-25D crashed into the north side of the Empire State Building.
Eleven people in the building were killed along with the 3 crewmen
in the B-25. |
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by: Dr. Von Zuko 1998© |
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In recognition of the brave men and women of
the United States Armed Forces, and their families, who support the cause of
freedom
and defend the rights of liberty for all.
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