Commemorative Air Force

On November 20, 1943, the United States launched Operation Galvanic, targeting the Japanese-held Gilbert Islands in the Pacific. A pivotal component of this operation was the Battle of Tarawa, where U.S. forces aimed to capture Betio Island within the Tarawa Atoll. This marked the first major amphibious assault in the central Pacific, confronting well-fortified Japanese defenses. The invasion was supported by a formidable array of aircraft, including 11 fleet and light aircraft carriers, eight escort carriers, and land-based planes from the U.S. Navy and the Army Air Forces’ Seventh Air Force. These air units provided crucial support, conducting pre-landing bombardments and offering close air support to ground troops. Despite the Japanese having only 46 aircraft in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands combined, they managed to damage the USS Independence (CVL-22) with a torpedo, though at the cost of eight of their own planes. After 76 hours of intense combat, U.S. forces secured Betio Island. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides but demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated amphibious and aerial operations. The success at Tarawa also provided valuable lessons for subsequent Pacific campaigns.

This week's special episode of Warbird Tube delves into the legendary AC-47 Spooky Gunship, the latest addition to the Commemorative Air Force fleet and now proudly operated by the CAF Gulf Coast Wing. Known for its iconic role in the Vietnam War as the original gunship, the AC-47 “Spooky” brought powerful close air support to protect ground forces in combat zones. Join us as we explore its transformation from a cargo plane to a heavily armed gunship, earning its feared reputation as “Puff the Magic Dragon.” We’ll hear from CAF members about the journey to acquire and restore this historic aircraft, its significance in modern aviation history, and the mission of keeping its story alive for future generations. Whether captivated by military history or intrigued by aircraft evolution, this episode is packed with stories of courage, innovation, and legacy. To watch LIVE on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. Central, register at: https://lnkd.in/eCB6s7Fw

Most of you have heard of McDonnell-Douglas before, but here's a #FunFactFriday anniversary you may not have known: The first aircraft James McDonnell ever designed, the Doodlebug, made its first flight #OTD in 1929. Ironically, the Doodlebug was built for a 1927 safety competition funded by the Daniel Guggenheim, but it wasn't able to be judged due to two mishaps. During early demonstrations, its tail folded upward, causing damage that required extensive repairs and injured McDonnell's back. Later, it suffered a forced landing due to engine failure. The prize ultimately went to the Curtiss Tanager. Despite his back injury, McDonnell continued to fly the Doodlebug at air shows around the country. Finally, in 1931, it was sold to NACA as a demonstrator for its leading-edge slat technology. By the way, do you know where the term doodlebug originated?

On November 13, 1942, USAAF Lieutenants Harold E. Comstock and Roger B. Dyar of the 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, conducted test flights of the Republic P-47C Thunderbolt to evaluate a new radio antenna. During these tests, Lt. Comstock ascended to approximately 49,600 feet. Experiencing poor control responsiveness, he initiated a steep dive. As the aircraft descended below 40,000 feet, the controls froze and he unable to move his control stick, even with all his strength. Utilizing the trim tabs, Comstock managed to regain control between 20,000 and 25,000 feet. Lt. Dyar encountered similar issues during his dive but also successfully recovered. Following these incidents, Republic Aviation issued a press release claiming that the pilots had exceeded the speed of sound, a statement that garnered significant media attention. USAAF commander General Hap Arnold issued an order that the dive was not to be spoken of again. In reality, what happened to Comstock and Dyer was almost certainly something called "Compressability," a phenomenon where airflow changes at high speeds cause control surfaces to become unresponsive. This can happen at high subsonic speeds that approach the transonic range. The actual speeds achieved by Comstock and Dyar were almost certainly below Mach 1, with the control issues attributed to compressibility rather than supersonic flight. The fastest any propeller aircraft was officially recorded as achieving during the war was Mach .9 by a British Spitfire. Mach 1 would be the speed of sound. The idea that the sound barrier was broken as early as 1942 is an intriguing one though. Lt. Comstock continued his military career after WWII, becoming a distinguished fighter ace with multiple aerial victories. He passed away in 2008. Lt. Dyar, however, was killed in action on June 26, 1943. What do YOU think? Did they break the sound barrier or not? #OTD #OTDIH

This week on Warbird Tube, take a closer look at the T-34 Mentor, the rugged and reliable trainer that helped shape generations of pilots. In this episode, we’ll explore the history and unique features of this iconic aircraft, which is proudly operated by the Commemorative Air Force Wisconsin Wing. Discover how the T-34 Mentor evolved from its early post-World War II design to become a cornerstone in military aviation training and hear first-hand from CAF members about the aircraft’s restoration, care, and role in airshows and educational outreach. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a history buff, this episode will offer fascinating insights into the legacy and ongoing mission of the T-34 Mentor. To watch LIVE on November 13 at 7pm CST, register at: https://lnkd.in/e2HXFsie

If we asked you to guess what year the G-suit was invented, what would you say? 1960? 1970? Would you believe 1942?! On November 8, 1942, pilots of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm wore the world’s first anti-G suits in combat. Pilots of 807 Squadron wore the Canadian-designed Franks Flying Suit in their Supermarine Seafires over Oran, Algeria as part of Operation Torch. The Canadian innovation by Dr. Wilbur Franks used water pressure to counteract G-forces that could cause pilots to black out during intense maneuvers. This breakthrough allowed pilots to maintain control in high-stress flight conditions, changing the future of aviation. Even though modern G-suits use air instead of water, they still can trace their roots back to this game-changing Canadian invention!

#OTD in 1935, the iconic Hawker Hurricane took its first flight. Designed by Sydney Camm and powered by the legendary Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the Hurricane became one of World War II’s most effective fighter aircraft, with an outstanding service record. During the Battle of Britain, Hurricanes accounted for around 55% of enemy aircraft downed, proving crucial to the RAF’s defense efforts. Do you know why the front half and the back half of the aircraft have a different finish to them?

In this week's episode of Warbird Tube, we take you on an exciting journey through the history and restoration of one of the rarest World War II fighters still flying—the CAF’s P-39 Airacobra. Known for its unconventional design with a mid-engine layout and nose-mounted cannon, the Airacobra played a significant but often overlooked role in the war. Join us as we explore the story of this unique fighter, its combat history, and the challenges of preserving such a rare aircraft. To watch LIVE on Wednesday, November 6, at 7pm Central, pre-register at: https://lnkd.in/e8NwwM_U

Do you recognize this man? Maybe you should. Lieutenant Paul-René Fonck, Escadrille 103, Aéronautique Militaire, shot down a Luftstreitkr?fte Halberstadt C, east of Vouziers, France #OTD in 1918 for his 75th confirmed aerial victory. That makes him the highest-scoring Allied ace in either World War! Incredibly, as many as 52 *additional* victories claimed by Fonck were unconfirmed! Have you ever heard of him before?

Every day is #WarbirdWednesday around here, which makes this the place to be for warbird lovers! Who recognizes this beauty here? ?? Dylan Phelps - Centerline Images