Beechcraft Staggerwing
The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing is an American biplane with an atypical negative stagger (the lower wing is further forward than the upper wing). […]
Articles by Carl Chance
Homebuilt aircraft
Also known as amateur-built aircraft or kit planes, homebuilt aircraft are constructed by persons for whom this is not a professional activity. These aircraft may be constructed from “scratch,” from plans, or from assembly kits. […]
American Aircraft Manufacturing Between the Wars
At the end of World War I, the aircraft industry took a sharp nosedive. Several wartime aircraft companies closed their doors and others barely survived. One year after the Armistice, 90 percent of wartime production capacity had been eliminated. […]
Tuskegee Airmen Soared to New Heights
The 99th Fighter Squadron went to North Africa in April and flew its first combat mission against the island of Pantelleria on June 2, 1943. On June 9th, a flight, led by Lt. Charles Dryden was attacked by enemy aircraft. Lieutenants (Lt.) Willie Ashley, Sidney P. Brooks, Lee Rayford, Leon Roberts, and Spann Watson engaged the German fighter planes. […]
T-37 Tweet
The Cessna T-37 Tweet is one of the most prominent of the trainer-attack type aircraft. This small, economical twin-engine jet aircraft flew for decades as a primary trainer for the United States Air Force, and in the air forces of several other nations. […]
The American Aerospace Industry During World War II
The U.S. aircraft industry experienced huge growth during World War II. Moreover, its achievements, some claim, were as important to Allied victory as the military successes on the battlefield. American industry was fortunate in that it could operate without threat of air bombardment or other military damage to factories and without shortages of critical materials. And the industry used those advantages fully. […]
Wichita’s Wee Wooden Wonders, Part 5
When World War II grew in scope and intensity, the military wanted some cheap light planes which could be fitted with remote controls for use as target drones, to train aerial and anti-aircraft gunners – but which could hold a pilot for ferrying and other flights. […]
A DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY OF THE HELIO COURIER ULTRA C/STOL AIRCRAFT
As aviation enthusiasts, we all seem to have our own favorite aircraft. I know that I have my own all-star collection, at least in my mind. Usually it is because of some marvelous combination of form and function, or emotional attachment due to various personal reasons. […]
Aviation History Facts: March
Aviation history facts and events from the month of March […]
Wichita’s Wee Wooden Wonders, Part 4
MONOCOUPES: A TWIN AND A DART […]