The XF-11 was originally conceived as a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft, capable of high-speed penetration of enemy defenses. The planes design benefitted from research work by its builder, the brilliant and sometimes mercurial Howard Hughes. Inspired by an experimental aircraft he had created known as the DX-2, Hughes XF-11 was a twin-engine, twin-boom, tricycle gear monoplane that featured a pressurized nacelle for its crew and 28-cylinder engines with contra-rotating props.
Hughes piloted the XF-11 on its maiden flight, and was nearly killed when one of the props reversed its pitch and...
The XF-11 was originally conceived as a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft, capable of high-speed penetration of enemy defenses. The planes design bene...
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator first saw combat in June of 1942, making a daring raid into Nazi-occupied Romania to bomb the oil fields at Ploesti. Nearly 18,500 Liberators were built during World War II, making it by far the most-produced American combat aircraft. It served in many roles beyond heavy bomber, transport, and anti-submarine patrol, and flew in Africa, Europe, India, the Atlantic, India and the Pacific Theatre. Originally printed by the United States Army Air Force in 1942, the B-24 Liberator pilot's flight manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the...
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator first saw combat in June of 1942, making a daring raid into Nazi-occupied Romania to bomb the oil fields at Ploesti. N...
The Boeing B-29 was one of the most sophisticated aircraft of WWII. It featured many innovations including guns that could be fired by remote control and pressurized crew compartments. It was also the heaviest production plane of the war, with terrific range and bomb-carrying capabilities. Carrying a crew of ten, the Superfortress devastated Japan in a series of raids in 1944-45. Finally, in August of 1945, the B-29s Enola Gay and Bock's Car dropped the atomic bombs and forced Japan to surrender. Originally printed by the U.S. Army Air Force, this B-29 Airplane Commander Pilot's Training...
The Boeing B-29 was one of the most sophisticated aircraft of WWII. It featured many innovations including guns that could be fired by remote control ...
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the first mass-produced, four-engine heavy bomber. Used throughout World War II for strategic bombing, the plane earned a reputation for its toughness and versatility. Carrying a crew of ten, and 8,000 pounds of bombs on long range missions, the '17 wreaked havoc on Germany during the critical years 1942-45. The "Memphis Belle," the first B-17 to fly 25 missions over Europe, is perhaps the most famous plane to emerge from the European Theatre.
Originally printed by the U.S. Army Air Force in December of 1942, this...
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the first mass-produced, four-engine heavy bomber. Used throughout World War II for strategic ...
