by Richard Dunn | Jul 3, 2025 | Japanese
This article focuses on one pilot’s story—Lt. Noriyuki Saito, a Japanese fighter pilot who flew missions over Burma during WWII. Through his experience, we gain rare perspective and insight into the other side of the Burma air war. His story sheds light on the...
by Richard Dunn | May 5, 2025 | Allied Forces
Few figures loom as large in the transformation of American military technology as Bernard (Bennie) Schriever. More engineer than warrior, Schriever nonetheless helped reshape the U.S. Air Force’s strategic posture during the Cold War—not through bombers or...
by Richard Dunn | Apr 23, 2025 | Allied Forces
With January 1944’s campaign in full swing, P‑38J and H Lightnings—freed from their early teething troubles—joined Corsairs, Hellcats, and Kittyhawks in high‑altitude escorts and fighter sweeps from Bougainville to Rabaul’s Gazelle Peninsula. Yet raw speed and...
by Richard Dunn | Mar 27, 2025 | Japanese
On February 5, 1942, a routine Japanese administrative order was issued: “13 Experimental large model Flying Boat is adopted and designated Type 2 large Flying Boat, model 11.” Administrative Ordnance Order (Naireihei) No. 8-42. The Shi 13 experimental aircraft was...
by Richard Dunn | Mar 12, 2025 | Allied Forces
The XB-17 holds a significant place in aviation history, representing a turning point in military procurement and the evolution of strategic bombing. Its development was shaped by a complex web of government contracts, Army Air Corps policies, and the challenges of...