Category Archives: Warbirds

Warbirds

Today in 1939 the XP-38 Lightning prototype flew for the first time

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

It all started for the twin boom aircraft called “der Gabelschwanz-Teufel” (“fork-tailed devil”) by the Luftwaffe and known by American pilots as the “Lightning” on June 23, 1937 when Lockheed won a design competition with their Model 22.  They were received a USAAC government contract for $163,000 to build a prototype XP-38 – an airplane that ended up costing Lockheed an additional $761,000 to complete.

The prototype XP-38 was designed and built by Clarence Kelly Johnson and a team of designers in Lockheed’s Burbank, California facility under tight security.

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Warbirds

Air to Air Photo Shoot of the CAF Dixie Wing Douglas SBD Dauntless

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Moose Peterson shooting the Commemorative Air Force ( CAF) Dixie Wing Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless at the 2013 Air venture in Oshkosh. The CAF Dixie Wing SBD Dauntless is one of the only two airworthy left in the world.

Tip of the wing to warbirdsnews.com for adding the update!

Warbirds

Disney “Planes” lands at Planes of Fame Air Museum

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Short Notice!

During the The Planes of Fame Air Museum’s August living history event featuring the Vought F4U Corsair Disney will be in attendance and will hold drawings hourly for VIP family tickets to see the Disney movie “Planes” movie at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood from 9 am to 1 pm.

You’ll also be able to purchase your movie tickets during the event!

Bring the family and check out the airplane that inspired “Skipper” from Planes, and make sure to see Planes when it flies into theaters August 9th!

You can read more about the upcoming event HERE.

You can find out more about this event at the Planes of Fame website HERE.

You can visit Disney’s Planes movie website HERE.

 

Warbirds

7th Annual Taste of Flight Gala – A Salute to the Mighty 8th!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Taste of Flight Saturday, October 26! The event will center on the stories of veterans of the Mighty Eighth, the greatest aerial force ever assembled. Check back often for updates on the program participants. The 7th Annual Taste of Flight will feature wine and beer tastings and a delicious selection of food stations hosted by local restaurateurs. Bid on wine and aviation-related items in the Silent Auction. And of course, the Museum’s rare aircraft will be on display front and center.

Sponsors will mingle with the speakers at the VIP reception before the event and receive reserved seating for the program. To become an event sponsor, contact Karen Hinton at 909.597.4754 or by email at Karen Hinton. We expect over 350 guests to attend. This event will sell out! Sponsorships are available now. Check back often for updates on the participating wineries and brewers and a list of auction items. Visit the Planes of Fame Air Museum and Taste of Flight Facebook page for all the latest event news.  Join us Where Warbirds Fly and Aviation History Lives!

Find out more about this event HERE.

For more information on the Planes of Fame Museum, you can visit their website HERE.

Warbirds

Yanks Air Museum Open Cockpit Day: P-40 Warhawk July 20th

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yanks Air Museum at the Chino Airport is hosting an open cockpit day on July 20th, 2013.

From the Yanks website:

See the world differently gazing out of a fighter aircraft. Join us for the 1st ever OPEN COCKPIT DAY featuring the P-40 Warhawk. Step back into the 1940’s, Yanks’ authentic fighter cockpits are complete and original.

Tour the Super Constellation, this aircraft flew classified, secret missions to detect invasion from USSR bombers during the 1950’s. She is complete, airworthy and original as any “Connie” we have ever seen. Visit with Connie specialist Gary Harrington to learn more about AEW, Radiomen and their missions.

Train with the 82nd Airborne Living History Re-enactors and jump from the C-47 Skytrain.

Support our cause with Pilot extraordinaire Bob Hayden, he won’t keep his feet on the ground for long. Take to the skies in this PT-17 open-cockpit bi-plane or go aerobatic with pilot Daniel Wotring in the T-6 Texan of WWII fame. AIRCRAFT RIDES start at $50pp.

Packages available include admission, cockpit access, posters, food and fun

You can find out more about Yanks Air Museum and this event at the Yanks website HERE.