Aircraft
Tupolev Tu-16/Xian H-6
A Xian H-6K bomber One of Russiaâs first effective jet bombers, the Tupolev Tu-16 has enjoyed a frontline service career matched by few other types. The Tu-16 was made possible by the development of the Mikulin AM-3 turbojet, which also powered the four engined Myasishchyev M-4 âBisonâ. A prototype designated Tu-88 and powered by AM-3A turbojets flew for the first…
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Cold War â Soviet Helicopters I
Early Cold War In 1962, WSK-Swidnik in Poland began producing the Mi-2 Hoplite under license, although the plant did not reach full production until 1965. With two Isotov GTD-350 turboshafts mounted above the cabin, the Mi-2 produced 40 percent more power, at less than half the weight, effectively doubling the…
Cold War â Soviet Helicopters II
Attack Helicopters As a result of the success of U. S. helicopter gunships in Vietnam, other nations, especially the USSR, realized the need for armed helicopters. Soviet military doctrine, however, had no place for a helicopter dedicated specifically to the gunship role. In the late 1950s and early 1960s the…
Short Sunderland
The large, graceful Sunderland was among World War IIâs best flying boats. Because it bristled with armament, the Germans regarded it as the âFlying Porcupine.â The advent of successful Short Empire C-class flying boats in 1933 persuaded the British Air Ministry to consider its adoption for military purposes. That year…
Grumman F8F Bearcat
Last of the line of piston engined carrier based fighters which Grumman initiated with the FF of 1931, the Grumman F8F Bearcat was designed to be capable of operation from aircraft carriers of all sizes and to serve primarily as an interceptor fighter, a role which demanded excellent maneuverability, good…
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Although it is sometimes introduced as the most famous of all US World War II aircraft, there are many who will argue that Boeingâs B-17 Flying Fortress ranks equally with several other superb machines which became available to the US Army at just the right moment. The North American P-51…
Handley Page Type O
The Handley Page O/100 biplane was the first true heavy bomber manufactured by the British. Specifically designed for the purpose of bombing Germany, an order for forty aircraft was placed while the design was still on the drawing board. On 1 January 1917, four new O/100 bombers took off for…