Fri, Apr 9, 2021
Despite it's ability to sustain heavy damage, in the bombing raids of World War Two Europe the average B-17 Flying Fortress survived just 13 of the crew's 25 mission tour of duty. So it was a cause for celebration when the Memphis Belle became one of the first bombers to complete 25 missions. It was sent home along with the crew for a publicity tour. Here is the story of this legendary airplane.
Thu, Apr 15, 2021
In a test flight in 1956 Thomas Attridge experienced an apparent bird strike in his Grumman F-11 Tiger, one of the first supersonic fighter jets. But he also experienced engine trouble followed by a complete engine failure and crash on approach to the landing strip. The cause was a gun test followed by a dive that cause the airplane to fly into the path of the ammunition he fired.
Wed, Jun 2, 2021
The Soviet Union's Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder is a supersonic bomber that is extremely dangerous and difficult to fly resulting many accidental crashes. But it was popular for its potable 40% alcohol refrigerant that was routinely recovered after each flight by the flight and maintenance crews.