Australian Flying: Warbirds

75 Squadron RAAF - facts and truth

A flight of 7th Pursuit Squadron P-40Es in April 1942 over the Northern Territory. The first and second aircraft, 10 and 37, would later become some of the last taken on charge by RAAF from the Replacement Pool during August 1942 to make up Milne Bay losses. (Author’s Collection)

17 Jul 2010

Gordon R Birkett unravels myths and facts about how 75 Squadron RAAF got into action for the first time.

Thunderbolt ‘Dottie May’ - the inside story

In this wartime photograph, the rear fuselage is being supported by the hangar crane. On the floor are electrics, lights and panels allowing for work to be undertaken on K4-S. In her 5 months of service this was the first time she had been worked on under cover! (Larry Kuhl)

17 Apr 2010

Mark Sheppard, Staff historian of Allied Fighters, brings us the inside story on a rare combat veteran P-47 Thunderbolt; K4-S ‘Dottie Mae’ of 511FS, 405FG, 9AF during WWII.

Debunking dive bomber myths

Numerous SBD Dauntlesses survive, including this historic example (in the National Museum of US Naval Aviation, Pensacola) an actual veteran of the Battle of Midway. (James Kightly)

17 Apr 2010

The dive bomber is one of the most misunderstood concepts in military aviation. James Kightly explores the history and myths, and some of the facts behind the brief glory days of this specialist combat role.

Junkers airliners in Australasia

17 Apr 2010

James Kightly examines the story of Junkers thirties transports – almost as synonymous with airlines then as Airbus and Boeing are today.

Douglas DC-4 - roaming Aussie skie pre-WWII

17 Apr 2010

Prior to its civilian service in Australia, South Pacific correspondent Michael John Claringbould reveals that Douglas’ four engined transport roamed Australian skies as early as WWII.

Mitsubishi Zero VH-ZRO Tora replica Down Under

ZRO, as it is known, has appeared at many airshows in Australia and has become crowd favourite. (Glenn Alderton)

17 Apr 2010

VH-ZRO is the only Tora replica operating outside the USA. John Freedman brings us the history of this unique star of airshows and screen.

WWII RAAF Mosquito pilot Col Griffin

16 Jan 2010

WWII RAAF Mosquito pilot Col Griffin - still flying today - shares some of his memories with Kathy Mexted and tells how a wartime recruitment poster set his life on a dramatic and exciting new course.

Hawker Hurricane IIB restored

16 Jan 2010

Steve Atkin brings us the story of the re-build of the Hangar 11 Collection’s Hawker Hurricane IIB, with pictures by Darren Harbar.

Australia’s aviation heritage in limbo

16 Jan 2010

One of Australia’s most important heritage complexes faces destruction through governmental muddle and neglect.

Cessna L-19 Bird Dog - still barking

16 Jan 2010

The Canadian Forces Air Command* are the only military force still utilising Cessna’s sixty years old L-19 Birddog. On a recent visit to the USA, Editor Rob Fox discovers – ‘you really can teach an old dog new tricks’.

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