In addition to the Classic World War II fighter aircraft on display at the upcoming 2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow attendees will be able to take in the sights and sounds of some of the finest post World War II aircraft. From those that sounded the last hurrah for the radial piston engine, to the aircraft that heralded the beginning of the jet age, several of the standout aircraft of this era will be performing during the Airshow.
Included will be the famous Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, which was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters and one that achieved fame in the skies over Korea. The Mig-15 took designers and pilots from allied counties by complete surprise, as at the time the Soviet Union was believed to be 5 to 10 years behind in aircraft design. The MiG-15 is believed to be one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made, with over 18,000 built in the former soviet republics. The MiG-15 is often named along with other such great aircraft as the P51 Mustang as one of the best fighter aircraft of all time from all era’s.
The Hawker Hunter was one of the second generation of British jet fighter aircraft and saw service from the 1950s until the 1990’s. The Hunter served for many years with the Royal Air Force and was widely exported, serving with 19 air forces around the world. The most famous or infamous high point for the Hawker Hunter occurred on 5 April 1968 when a lone hunter pilot decided on his own initiative to mark the occasion of the RAF anniversary with an unauthorized display. He flew a Hawker Hunter single-seat jet fighter over London at low level, past the Houses of Parliament and finally under the top span of London’s Tower Bridge. Knowing that he was likely to be stripped of his flying status as a result of this display, he proceeded to "Barnstorm" several airfields in inverted flight at an altitude of about 200 feet on his way back to his base at RAF West Raynham.
The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan was one of the very last of the radial pistonengined military aircraft used by the United States Air Force and United States Navy beginning in the 1950’s. The T-28 was successfully employed as a Counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft, primarily during the Vietnam War and were also used by the CIA in the former Belgian Congo during the 1960‘s. The French Airforce also used locally remanufactured Trojans for close support missions in Algeria. The T28 has served with no less than 28 counties around the world and is well known for the distinctive deep rumble of it’s powerful Wright Cyclone R-1820 radial engine which produces around 1,500 hp which is equivalent to about three V8 supercars. Visitors to the Airshow should prepare to feel the noise!!!
‘We are continuing to provide new acts and introducing aircraft that will create an exciting atmosphere. These aircraft are popular for young and old and are a great addition to our air/program” said Daryl Corpe, Chairperson of the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow.
The 2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow rediscovers the performance of days gone by. Come and be entertained – 19th – 21st August 2011. You won’t be disappointed!
Early bird tickets are currently available. To keep up to date with the latest Wide Bay Australia International Airshow 2011 news and ticketing options please visit us at www.widebayairshow.com
Friday, April 15, 2011
Post World War II Aircraft to Take Wide Bay Australia International Airshow Attendees Back in Time
Monday, March 14, 2011
6th annual Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival showcases modern and vintage airplanes and vehicles
Calling all aviation and automotive enthusiasts! The Canadian Air & Space Museum will host its 6th annual Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival at Downsview Park, Toronto on May 28-29, 2011.
Come and see a fantastic display of past and present, highlighted by a rich collection of vintage, classic and modern aircraft and vehicles. All this in addition to exhibits, vendors, seminars, family-friendly activities, models, simulators, airplane rides and more.
This is Toronto’s largest gathering of aviation and automotive excellence, where the whole family can get up close and personal with airplanes and their pilots, classic cars and their drivers, and military vehicles and Canadian Forces personnel. What better backdrop than the original historic de Havilland aircraft factory, and Bombardier Aerospace's Downsview Airport, all coupled with large indoor and outdoor exhibits.
An added bonus to the Festival will be a rare opportunity for guests to go flying in a vintage Tiger Moth, a helicopter, or one of the Brampton Flying Club's aircraft that will circle downtown Toronto! (additional fees apply)
The Wings:
Military aircraft, jets, helicopters and historic aircraft -- it will all be there! The Festival appeals to aviation fans of all ages, offering rare opportunities to explore these aircraft up close, speak to the pilots and take photos. Some aircraft will include a C-130J Super Hercules (one day only), a RCAF Sabre fighter jet, a WWII Tiger Moth, a Russian MiG-15, a Czechoslovakian Delfin L29, a Snowbirds Tutor jet and complimentary access to the Canadian Air & Space Museum's collection, including their full-scale replica of the Avro Arrow.
The Wheels:
The “Show & Shine” event is back -- the only event of its kind in Toronto! Automotive enthusiasts will relish the wide selection of vintage, custom and working "wheels" – civilian and military - from cars, trucks and motorcycles to army vehicles. Join us and be part of the judging! Awards in a number of categories will be presented based on public voting.
Don't leave the kids at home! A Kids Zone will offer lots of fun and entertainment for the younger ones.
Food, fun, sights and sounds await you at the Wings & Wheels Heritage Festival at Downsview Park.
Rain or shine. Parking is free.
Dates/Times: Saturday, May 28 10am - 6pm | Sunday, May 29 10am - 5pm
Where: Downsview Park & Airport, Toronto (Keele & Sheppard)
Tickets: Can be purchased online at http://www.wingsandwheelsfestival.com/ or at the gate.
Costs online: Adult: $12 (age 16 to 65)
Youth/Senior/Military: $8
Children: Free (5 and under)
Family: $25 (2 adults, 2 children up to age 16)
Weekend passes: Adult: $18; Youth/Senior/Military: $12
(prices include 13% HST)
Costs at the Gate: Adult: $17 (age 16 to 65)
Youth/Senior/Military: $11 (with ID)
Military in uniform & veterans with I.D.: Free
Children: Free (5 and under)
Family: $34 (2 adults, 2 youth)
Weekend passes: Adult: $20; Youth/Senior/Military: $13
(prices include 13% HST)
All prices include admission to the Canadian Air & Space Museum.
Free parking.
For more information: Web: http://www.wingsandwheelsfestival.com/
Tel: 416-49-WINGS (416-499-4647)
E-mail: info@wingsandwheelsfestival.com
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
POF AIRSHOW ACTS ANNOUNCED!
ROB HARRISON THE TUMBLING BEAR - Performs thrilling high-energy aerobatics in his Zlin 50 while talking to the crowd! www.harrisonairshows.com
AIR RACING’S UNLIMITED START DEMONSTRATION WITH THE T-33 PACE PLANE AND 2009 UNLIMITED GOLD CHAMPION, STREGA –You’ll think you’re at the Reno Air Races! www.strega.com
WWII PACIFIC AIR BATTLE REENACTED – When we fly the world’s only original flying Zero with the P-38, Hellcats, and P-40s! www.planesoffame.org Our NEW website!
AVIATION LEGEND CLAY LACY – Who would miss an opportunity to witness aviation legend Clay Lacy perform at our Airshow IN HIS LEARJET—not me! www.claylacy.com
THE HORSEMEN – Are there two? No! There are three Mustangs presented by AirShowBuzz doing aerobatics in tight formation! www.asb.tv
THE KOREAN AIR WAR REENACTED – T-33 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre, and MiG 15 in action! www.planesoffame.org Our NEW website!
MILITARY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE F-16 AND C-17 COURTESY OF THE USAF –The F-16 Viper East Team demonstrates the capabilities of this modern-day, high performance weapons system. www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f16east
USAF HERITAGE FLIGHT FOUR-SHIP TEAM - Remembering the Greatest Generation! www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/heritageflights
Please view our website www.planesoffame.org for the most current Airshow information!
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Magazine, by AirShowsReview.com
The Magazine, by AirShowsReview.com, is now available for downloading. The Magazine features articles and photos about air shows, pilots, military veterans and more. Your free downloadable copy is waiting for you in a .pdf format. Please use Acrobat 7 or later, which is required.
The Premier December issue features: The Best Air Show in 2009 award, from our staff of professionals who attended North American Air Shows in 2009, The Blue Angels, Viper North's Mig-17 UTI and lots of photos from air shows. Enjoy our first of many issues.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Indy Transponder 14-OCT-09 1030z
Czech jets offered to Canada's Snowbirds - Times of the Internet
The Canadian government says it hasn't made a decision yet on a proposed purchase of jets from the Czech Republic to equip the famed Snowbirds aerobatic ...
Plenty of star and firepower headed to Edwards for Flight Test Nation - Tehachapi News
... anniversary of the X-15 aircraft, and also include demonstrations from US Army parachute team the Golden Knights, the F-22 Raptor aircraft and Tora! ...
Coming Attractions – Edwards Air Force Base Open House - Los Angeles Times
A Doolittle Raid demonstration will be staged with a B-25, B-17, P-51 and a P-38 (Steve Hinton's Joltin' Josie, one of about two dozen airworthy P-38s in ...
World War II veterans get visit to DC - Memphis Commercial Appeal
"I've never known anything to be so perfect," said Boyd Maize, 85, a Germantown Army Air Corps veteran who claims he is the only person who both flew B-25 ...
Biggest Air Race - East Coast Radio
Come October, Mango launches South Africa's Biggest Air Race.Grand prize: A trip for you and 10 mates to all four Mango destinations (Johannesburg, ...
Story About Two P-51 Pilots, a part of history that will be lost soon .. from Aviation Professionals dot Org by Mark
This is a great story and a part of history that will be lost soon so I thought I would share it ..
Mike's World: A Pilot's Story by Mike
A Pilot's Story. The new (3rd) trailer is online for "The Pilot's Story" which will be a film everyone should see. Do your self a favor and check it out. http://apilotsstory.com/. Pilot or not I promise you will not be disappointed ...
The only advice you'll ever need.: A re-cap of the Redding Airshow ... by ChasenSFO
Anyway, as my girlfriend and I walk over to the airshow from the terminal it becomes obvious that me brining an Asian chick to Redding has obviously violated some law of god and Baby Jesus is crying in the skies above. ...
Hawaiian Welcomes Home First Airplane - 1929 Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker - e-Travel Blackboard
... company founder Stanley C. Kennedy, Sr. and sponsors and volunteers involved with bringing this rare artifact of Hawaii aviation history back to life. ...
Aviation archeologist discusses key accidents - Prescott Daily Courier
Aviation archeologist David Trojan will present "Every Wreck Tells a Story" at 7 pm tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Embry-Riddle Davis Learning Center ...
Author says Modern day Women pilots get Inspiration from the Ameila Movie - PR Web
It was a new dawn of aviation for women during the 1920's and Amelia Earhart's own words set the course for women in aviation, "Women must try to do things ...
Home is where the film set is - News Sentinel
She is the author of the book “Maggie Ray, World War II Air Force Pilot,” a biography of her mother, famed local World War II aviatrix Margaret Ringenberg ...
Hilary Swank to Receive the 'Hollywood Actress Award' - PR Web
... starring in the title role of Mira Nair's biopic "Amelia," from Fox Searchlight, which is the story of the life of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart. ...
William Strohmeier, 93, pilot, PR executive - Boston Globe
There, he taught US Army and French cadets to fly in combat. “We couldn't believe the letters we've received from all the cadets he taught,'' said Reece. ...
Oludeniz Air Games Promises Thrills and Spills - Fethiye Times
The Turkish Stars are an elite supersonic jet air display team who are a division of the Turkish Air-force. They are the only aerobatic team to perform with ..
Surya Kiran disbandment discussion - (aerobaticteams.net)
Surya Kiran display team maybe going to disbandment after the reorganization in Indian Air Force. The IAF grounded entire fleet of its basic trainer HPT-32, during a lot of crashes and engine failures. So the basic training goes to HJT-16 Kiran, which is used by the IAF's aerobatic team.
Suryakiran to stay, sarang to - Express Buzz
The other famed aerobatic display team of the IAF -Sarang - will move from its present base at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka to Air Force Station, ...
L-159 offered to Snowbirds - (aerobaticteams.net)
Early this week the Czech authorities offered Canada's Government to buy nine Aero L-159's, to replace the present Snowbirds Tutors, which be retired soon. L-159 is Advanced Light Combat Aircraft built by Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody, and inheritor of famous L-39 Albatross.
How To Disguise An Aeroplane Factory As A Subdivision - Gizmodo Australia
During World War II, the Army Corps of Engineers wanted to hide the Lockheed Burbank Aircraft Plant in case ...
Bombardier returns to Yuma home base - Yuma Sun
Orendorff, a 1939 graduate, returned to Yuma after serving as a B-17 bombardier in the 100th Bomb Group, 349th squadron, who flew 29 missions over Germany ...
Europe Trip #23: IWM Duxford - 4 - American Hanger A from Rodney's Aviation Ramblings by Rodney
The American Hanger at the Imperial War Museum was pretty darn flash! At the entry is an McDonnell Douglas F15A Eagle. What is more impressive though is the sight of the absolutely massive Boeing B52D Stratofortress that dominates the skyline as you entry the hanger. WOW! I wasn't able to get even one photo that included the entire aircraft... much as I tried! :-)
Europe Trip #24: IWM Duxford - 5 - American Hanger B from Rodney's Aviation Ramblings by Rodney
The American Hanger at Duxford must be incredible strong. When you look around, you see a large number of aircraft suspended from the ceiling, and not only small aircraft. In this second post, we go from World War One through to a current day combat aircraft [Hello Australia]. Top to bottom are...
Europe Trip #25: IWM Duxford - 6 - American Hanger C from Rodney's Aviation Ramblings by Rodney
OK, here's the final group from the American Hanger at the IWM Duxford. Obviously, photos don't do justice to this impressive display [you'll just have to go and visit for yourself :-)]. Awesome! This set includes one of my favourite aircraft, the mighty A10 Thunderbolt! It's an awesome looking aircraft, and that's one big gun up the front!
Suggestions & Announcements : MiG 15 Flight from The Biplane Forum
I got to fly a really cool really rare Jet today as a part of my USN Test Pilot School syllabus. I thought it was really neat and I just had share it with the group. Anyway its been a wild month for me I have gotten to fly some neat aircraft starting with HU-16A Albatross off Lake Mead (Las Vegas),…
lots to give free flights to kids at Young Eagles Day - Record-Searchlight
Each child will receive a Young Eagles certificate of flight and a photo taken with the airplane and pilot after each flight. ...
On This day in Aviation History: October 14th by Phil Derner Jr.
Francisco - 10/08/09 from FenceCheck Forums
NAS Oceana from FenceCheck Forums
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Planes of Fame: Russina Fighters
| Yak Fighters · July 11, 2009 - Chino, California · CHINO, CA - LIVING HISTORY FLYING DAY AT THE PLANES OF FAME AIR MUSEUM FEATURING YAK FIGHTERS AND FLYING OUR MiG-15 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Indy Transponder 20-MAY-09 0315z
Red Arrows officially start 2009 display season The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, officially begins its 2009 display season today as the team successfully gains its Public Display Authority at the end of a gruelling eight-month training schedule. The Public Display Authority was granted by Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Moran, Commander in Chief [...]
Southend Airshow/Festival of the Air 2009 preview - www.longpier.com
The annual airshow in Southend takes place this Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday - 24th and 25th May.
Although the event name has changed (Southend Festival of the Air or SFOTA) and flying times have been reduced, there's still a decent programme of events that'll ensure thousands of people descend on the borough to "oooh and ahhh" at the activity in and on the ground. ...
Southern Wisconsin Air Fest releases full slate of entertainment - WKOW-TV.com, WI
Expert pilots Greg Poe, Patty Wagstaff, Susan Dacy and Mike Wiskus will all perform their routines. Other main acts include the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the Navy Leap Frog Parachute Team, P-51D Mustang Demo, C-47D Skytrain Flybys, ...
Dakota Thunder open house scheduled - Black Hills Pioneer, SD
ELLSWORTH AFB -- The public is invited to view the Air Force's newest and most flexible cargo aircraft during the Dakota Thunder Open House and Airshow, May 30 and 31. The C-17 Globemaster III, along with other static aircraft, is scheduled to be on ...
SFC Greg Windmiller from www.army.mil
Sergeant First Class Greg Windmiller maneuvers across the swoop course in one of several event disciplines of the 2008 Swoop Week Championships. Windmiller is a member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team; he took first place in the Canopy Piloting Circuit event and placed seventh in U.S. Nationals. His placement qualifies him to participate with team USA for the World Games held in South Africa this November.
Air Tattoo's best kept secret - Swindon Business News, UK
The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford is bucking the trend in today's gloomy economic climate with ticket sales for corporate hospitality remaining high. This year's event, from July 17 to 19, is expected to draw thousands of visitors from ...

PC-7-Team and Patrouille Suisse are prepared - NZZ Online (via Google Translator)
Less gigs in Switzerland in 2009| The two aerobatic teams of the Swiss Air Force joined in the summer depending on four occasions at home on. That's half as often as last year. Scheduled Flight in Thun, Bern and Geneva, the organizers have canceled, not least because of the increasing flood of conditions by the regulator. On two occasions - on 4 July for 45-year anniversary of the Patrouille Suisse in Mollis, as well as at the "Foire du Valais» of 3 to 6 October in Martigny - both teams are to be seen. ...
Andrews Air Force Base 2009 from Technorati
Air Force One taking off with President Obama 5/17/09 I felt like a little boy at a monster truck rally today, only I don't care about monster trucks; I went to the 2009 Joint Service Open House/Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC, and anyone who knows my love for aviation will understand how exciting it must have been. The last big air show I remember going to that featured very cool military aircraft was in Chicago. I don't remember all the planes we saw then, ...
Pilot unhurt when biplane crashes in Joshua Tree - San Jose Mercury News
A biplane has crashed and burned while landing at a San Bernardino County airport.
San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief Mike Snow says the pilot of the rebuilt 1942 Stearman was not hurt in the crash Monday.
Snow says Hartley Follstadt had taken off from Chino Airport and was coming in for a landing at Roy Williams Airport in Joshua Tree when he noticed an engine had caught fire. Snow says the plane came down nose-first, caught fire, bounced across the runway and came to rest about 50 yards away.
Airshow book needs stories - Rutland and Stamford Mercury, UK
I AM currently researching the history of British airshows in order to produce a book marking the 100th anniversary of the first British event in 1909. I was wondering if any of your readers had recollections they may wish to share and photographs ...
Red Bull Air Race moves to Windsor Ontario - Aviation.ca (press release)
Ivanoff narrows Arch's lead with stirring San Diego win Nicolas Ivanoff jumped ahead of Paul Bonhomme into second place in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship with his stirring victory over the British ace in San Diego on May 9/10 and the red-hot ...
Riedel Communications Shares Win Of Emmy With Red Bull Air Race from Smoke-On by Tom
Riedel Communications, a leading manufacturer and provider of intercom, fiber and radio solutions for the Red Bull Air Race, shares the honor of the first Emmy awarded to the Red Bull Air Race World Championship…Read More---
Will 'F1 of the skies' be held here at all? - AsiaOne, Singapore
By Dawn Tay CONFUSION is rife over whether the much-anticipated Red Bull Air Race will be held here next year. Touted as the "Formula One of the skies", the race features some of the world's top pilots flying through a series of pylons. ...
Huge crowd turns out for Night at the Air Force Museum from Air Force Link Top Stories
More than 10,000 visitors came face-to-face with aviation history May 15 during a Night at the Air Force Museum at the National Museum of the United States Air Force here.
The sizeable crowd had the opportunity to look into the cockpits of aircraft such as the B-24D Liberator and SR-71A Blackbird and enjoyed free IMAX films and other aviation exhibits.
The museum came to life as more than 40 actors told the stories of men and women who impacted the history of flight and the United States Air Force, from a World War I flyboy to an Apollo astronaut. Visitors from as far away as Texas, Alabama and even South Africa learned that even farther-flung travelers from "outer space" were behind all the action.
more...
WWII lecture Wednesday will feature rare recording - Blue Springs Examiner, USA
Lt. Cmdr. Orvis Fitts, World War II Naval aviator and historian, will present "Major Air and Sea Battles of the Pacific." Attendees will hear the only American plane in battle flight deck recording in existence today. This free program is open to the ...
Gathering WWII 'family' for a photo - The Ann Arbor News - MLive.com
Veterans who come to the Willow Run event will get a copy of the group photo, which will be taken in front of the Yankee Air Museum's restored and operational B-17 bomber. Famie believes at least 500 - maybe 1000 or more - veterans could show up.
Helena Mansilla, air pioneer and founder of the Flying San Rafael - Los Andes (via Google Translator)
The members of the Aero Club San Rafael, flagship institution of the private aviation west Argentina today to recall a relevant figure of Aeronautics argentina, Helena Mansilla, woman who in her short life (32 years) led to the airline and contributed to the birth of Southern entity.
A day like today, but in 1939, Helen started from this world, and Los Andes realized that premature death, entitled Saturday May 20: "It has ceased to exist, the first aviator who flew on Mendoza argentina. And it is the assertion of the right morning, because the first lady in the skies of our province was the French Adrienne Bolland, after crossing the Andes from Chile in 1920, explained the expert in aviation, Gustavo Brown. ...
Sweepstakes SR22 flies into Andrews Air Force Base - AOPA Pilot
And many AOPA members who attend the event to watch the US Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor, and civilian aerobatic performers including Sean D. Tucker and Greg Poe, said they were pleased to see GA playing a visible role. US Air Force Maj. ...
WhiteKnightTwo Flight Test Update from Airpigz Blog
Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo, built by Scaled Composites, is well into the flight test phase now and is looking pretty sweet in the air. This video really helps to get a feel for how graceful the airplane is in flight.
Given the very unique nature of both the design of the airplane, and the intended task of being an airborne launch vehicle for a manned spacecraft, the testing at this point is going extremely well. ...
Japanese "Origami Airplane" Enthusiast Breaks World Record for Longest Paper Plane Flight [Aviation]
from Gizmodo by Dan Nosowitz
Takuo Toda, head of the Japan Origami Airplane Association (classy!) set a new world record with his 27.9 second flight. His greatest ambition, however, is to launch a paper plane...from space ...
The story of one airplane (14 pics) from izismile.com
There was a Soviet fighter aircraft flying, fighting with Nazis enemies, but once he was shot and fell into a lake.
After more than 60 years, historians found this place and lifted the aircraft from the lake (surprisingly enough, but the aircraft was well preserved). They buried the pilot and even found canned pork.
Note: this is a U.S. fighter aircraft P-39 Airacobra. It was used during the Second World War with mediocre performance by the Americans in the Pacific, then with a great effectiveness by the French in North Africa and Italy and especially by the Soviets (who received the majority of the production).
Close Mig Encounter - Aviation Airshow Air Race Photography DiscussionMIG Drag
Best I can remember, this was 1990 at an air show in Harrison , Arkansas . Kelly, who was a technician for the FAA and somewhat of a camera buff, was there and following this guy flying the MiG-15 with his camera. The pilot had just completed a loop and misjudged his altitude. Everyone thought he was plowing into the ground and began running, but Kelly didn't have the perspective of the proximity to the ground, so just as the MiG scraped the ground, Kelly snapped the shot. A clear, once in a lifetime ...
Topsy Turvy from http://outontheporch.org/
Andrews Air Force Base Air Show from twitpic.com - Pic 1, Pic 2
Planes of Fame Airshow 2009 - Chino - 05/16/09 from FenceCheck Forums
Send Notices > Releases > Updates > Be a Contributor > Contact: IndyTransponder@gmail.com
Friday, June 13, 2008
Prepare to Engage
Your Indy Transponder crew participated in a bloggers roundtable last night to discuss Showdown: Air Combat. The new program will air June 15 and is hosted by none other than Major Moga. I'm looking forward to the episode about the June 1917 dogfight. Here's what the Episode Guide shares:CHIVALRY IN THE AIR: SPAD vs. ALBATROSS
Major Moga shared last night that this was probably his favorite episode because of how much he learned and the insight provided into why the Fokker was built the way it was.
At the onset of World War I, the airplane was barely a decade old and therefore military aircraft were being developed and built on the fly. Battle tactics were worked out by trial and error and often at the cost of a pilot’s life. However, encounters in the skies over Europe created a new breed of hero – the air ace. This episode features one of the earliest air battles from June 1917, where Frenchman Georges Guynemer flying a SPAD squared off against German Ernst Udet in an Albatross.
Below, we've shared Scott Palmer's write-up on the program. Scott was on the call last night, too.
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Showdown: Air Combat via Dictatorship of the Air by Scott Palmer on 6/11/08
This coming Sunday, 15 June at 9 pm (CST) the Discovery network’s Military Channel debuts a new program aimed at aviation history buffs. Showdown: Air Combat uses restored aircraft and interviews with veteran pilots to recreate aerial combat encounters from the First World to the (almost) present.
Showdown is hosted by Major Paul “Max” Moga (an F-22 Raptor pilot with the Air Combat Command’s 1st Fighter Wing) and Dr. Jim Mowbray (Professor of Strategy, Doctrine, and Airpower at the Air War College). Among the individual encounters slated to appear are match-ups between an F-86 Saber and MiG-15, a P-51 vs. an Me-109, and a P-38 vs. a Zero. The Great War will be featured in an episode devoted to the famous June 1917 dogfight between France’s “ace of aces” Georges Guynemer and Ernst Udet (Germany’s #2 ace after you-know-who).
As a run-up to the program’s debut, the Military Channel invited a small group of air-minded bloggers to contribute comments and questions to Showdown’s hosts via a telephone roundtable. The half-hour conversation covered a wide range of issues including: WWII pilot training, ground-support operations in Afghanistan, and the rapidly escalating costs of developing 21st-century fighter aircraft. Once the recording of the roundtable has been made available by the folks at the Military Channel, I’ll post a link to it here.
In the meantime, you can look forward to Showdown’s debut this weekend.
ScP













