Hanger Tails(Tales) ~ Flying/Aviation

[Stryder50]

Northrop's B-2 Stealth~flying wing bomber* has been in the news recently, with a recent combat mission under it's belt. About 30+ years before the B-2 came along, it had an earlier relative, also produced by Northrop, the B-35/B-49 Flying Wing Bomber.

Here's an 11 minute clip on that aircraft which was a bit ahead of it's time. And considering the concept needs computer assist for the pilot, this was a design too soon/too early.

MSN

www.msn.com

Northrop YB-35 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Northrop YB-49 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

* - Northrop B-2 Spirit - Wikipedia

Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Stryder50]

Vintage Aviation News is a handy site to be on the mailing list of ....

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum’s Combat Veteran P-38 Lightning Takes to the Skies​

After decades lost in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the combat-proven P-38 Lightning Jandina III—once flown by WWII ace Capt. Jay T. Robbins—has returned to the skies. Painstakingly restored by Ezell Aviation for the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, the aircraft completed its first post-restoration flight on June 25, 2025.​

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum’s Combat Veteran P-38 Lightning Takes to the Skies - Vintage Aviation News

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum Announces New Hours of Operation - Vintage Aviation News

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum Launches Free General Admission for All Visitors in 2025. The Museum introduces new hours and expanded access to the historic artifacts

vintageaviationnews.com

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum | Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

Experience a one-of-a-kind collection of military aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts used in various wars of the 20th century. The collection has been restored with unparalleled authenticity to share with the public. Many of the aircraft and vehicles are maintained in such good condition they’re...

flyingheritage.org

 

[Stryder50]

This is something I need to mark in my calendar. Will be significant.

Sentimental Journey Returns to Boeing Field for 90th Anniversary of Historic First Flight​

Seattle, WA – July 3, 2025 – One of World War II’s most iconic aircraft is coming home. As part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Arizona’s "Flying Legends of Victory Tour", the beloved B-17 Sentimental Journey will land at Boeing Field on July 28, 2025—exactly 90 years after the prototype of the “Flying Fortress” first took to the skies from the same airfield.

This commemorative landing marks a powerful tribute to aviation history and a full-circle moment nearly nine decades in the making. On July 28, 1935, Boeing’s experimental Model 299 bomber made its maiden flight from Boeing Field, showcasing innovative features like multiple machine gun mounts and earning the nickname “Flying Fortress.” Although that prototype tragically crashed a few months later, its impact was lasting—the U.S. Army Air Corps ordered 13 improved YB-17s, and the legend of the B-17 was born.
....

Sentimental Journey Returns to Boeing Field for 90th Anniversary of Historic First Flight

commemorativeairforce.org

B-17 Sentimental Journey

Sentimental Journey was originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces for war service in 1944 where she flew missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war she flew for training, testing and at-sea rescue missions and was eventually sold for surplus and used as a fire bomber...

www.commemorativeairforce.org

CAF Aircraft Collection index page;

B-17 Sentimental Journey

Sentimental Journey was originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces for war service in 1944 where she flew missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war she flew for training, testing and at-sea rescue missions and was eventually sold for surplus and used as a fire bomber...

www.commemorativeairforce.org

Boeing Model 299 (XB-17)

Boeing XB-17 | This Day in Aviation

www.thisdayinaviation.com

Boeing Model 299 | This Day in Aviation

www.thisdayinaviation.com

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[westwall]

This is something I need to mark in my calendar. Will be significant.

Sentimental Journey Returns to Boeing Field for 90th Anniversary of Historic First Flight​

Seattle, WA – July 3, 2025 – One of World War II’s most iconic aircraft is coming home. As part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Arizona’s "Flying Legends of Victory Tour", the beloved B-17 Sentimental Journey will land at Boeing Field on July 28, 2025—exactly 90 years after the prototype of the “Flying Fortress” first took to the skies from the same airfield.

This commemorative landing marks a powerful tribute to aviation history and a full-circle moment nearly nine decades in the making. On July 28, 1935, Boeing’s experimental Model 299 bomber made its maiden flight from Boeing Field, showcasing innovative features like multiple machine gun mounts and earning the nickname “Flying Fortress.” Although that prototype tragically crashed a few months later, its impact was lasting—the U.S. Army Air Corps ordered 13 improved YB-17s, and the legend of the B-17 was born.
....

Sentimental Journey Returns to Boeing Field for 90th Anniversary of Historic First Flight

commemorativeairforce.org

View attachment 1132290

B-17 Sentimental Journey

Sentimental Journey was originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces for war service in 1944 where she flew missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war she flew for training, testing and at-sea rescue missions and was eventually sold for surplus and used as a fire bomber...

www.commemorativeairforce.org

CAF Aircraft Collection index page;

B-17 Sentimental Journey

Sentimental Journey was originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces for war service in 1944 where she flew missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war she flew for training, testing and at-sea rescue missions and was eventually sold for surplus and used as a fire bomber...

www.commemorativeairforce.org

Boeing Model 299 (XB-17)
View attachment 1132293

Boeing XB-17 | This Day in Aviation

www.thisdayinaviation.com

Boeing Model 299 | This Day in Aviation

www.thisdayinaviation.com

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I got to fly copilot on her for half an hour about 30 years ago.

What a beautiful aircraft!

 

[Stryder50]

I got to fly copilot on her for half an hour about 30 years ago.

What a beautiful aircraft!

OMG!
I envy you.
That would be such a kick!

I assume this was after take-off and once clear of the field.

 

[westwall]

OMG!
I envy you.
That would be such a kick!

I assume this was after take-off and once clear of the field.

Of course. Though after they saw me fly her for a bit, they let me land her.

 

[Stryder50]

Of course. Though after they saw me fly her for a bit, they let me land her.

I take it you've flown and landed multi-engine prior to this.

 

[Stryder50]

This is an interesting and informative video on the P-38 and the leading edge technology of the time that went into it. Some of the text and spelling is a bit crude, phonetic AI ~ ?, but there are some interesting animations and especially the interior "x-ray" graphics. About 23:30 of the 26:40 is on topic, those last few minutes off on another sideline.

Why the P-38 Lightning Was America’s Most Unusual WWII Fighter​

From its twin booms to its turbochargers, every part of the P-38 Lightning was ahead of its time. This story dives into the engineering breakthroughs that made it one of the most versatile and feared aircraft of WWII—and why pilots either loved it or learned to fear its quirks in the heat of battle.

MSN

 

[westwall]

I take it you've flown and landed multi-engine prior to this.

Yes, I have had my multi engine rating since 1969.

 

[Stryder50]

One man, Juan Trippe, and his airline; Pan American World Airways ~ Pan Am; laid most of the foundation for international commercial air travel, starting nearly a century ago. Pan Am set a template for much of the world to follow. Much of that story can be found in the numerous articles linked here;

PAN AM HISTORICAL FOUNDATION ​

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - PanAm.org Welcome

Pan Am Historical Foundation: Experience the pioneering history of Pan American World Airways & its exciting contributions to 20th-century aviation.

www.panam.org

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - How PAA Went To War

How America's Airline Went To War, by Steve Weintz, an article about Pan Am during World War Two with an original clip from "Clippers At War."

www.panam.org

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - PAA Air Ferry Service

Pan Am's Air Ferry Service to Africa in World War 2: August 18 [1941] Pres. Roosevelt announced plans for the world’s most ambitious airways project.

www.panam.org

Not only did Pan Am play a key role in the transition into the Jet Age of Commercial Aviation (Boeing 707), but also lead in the Jumbo Jet Age;

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - 747 - 1st Delivery

December 12, 1969: The first to be received in an illustrious line of Pan Am 747s that would change travel forever! Boeing wide-body jet Young America (N733PA)

www.panam.org

Just a sampling of how Pan Am was referred to as the "Chosen Instrument" for a New American Era of international relations, commerce, and travel.

 

[Stryder50]

One man, Juan Trippe, and his airline; Pan American World Airways ~ Pan Am; laid most of the foundation for international commercial air travel, starting nearly a century ago. Pan Am set a template for much of the world to follow. Much of that story can be found in the numerous articles linked here;

PAN AM HISTORICAL FOUNDATION ​

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - PanAm.org Welcome

Pan Am Historical Foundation: Experience the pioneering history of Pan American World Airways & its exciting contributions to 20th-century aviation.

www.panam.org

View attachment 1134093

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - How PAA Went To War

How America's Airline Went To War, by Steve Weintz, an article about Pan Am during World War Two with an original clip from "Clippers At War."

www.panam.org

View attachment 1134094

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - PAA Air Ferry Service

Pan Am's Air Ferry Service to Africa in World War 2: August 18 [1941] Pres. Roosevelt announced plans for the world’s most ambitious airways project.

www.panam.org

Not only did Pan Am play a key role in the transition into the Jet Age of Commercial Aviation (Boeing 707), but also lead in the Jumbo Jet Age;
View attachment 1134095

The Pan Am Historical Foundation - 747 - 1st Delivery

December 12, 1969: The first to be received in an illustrious line of Pan Am 747s that would change travel forever! Boeing wide-body jet Young America (N733PA)

www.panam.org

Just a sampling of how Pan Am was referred to as the "Chosen Instrument" for a New American Era of international relations, commerce, and travel.

A late 1930's~early 1940's era style advertisement. The Clipper is shown at about twice actual size, as if it wasn't big enough for it's time. NTL, a little embellishment doesn't hurt when pitching a dream .....

The Clipper Hula

HONOLULU - 1937. Hawaiian ships are shaking and shoulders quivering to a brand new island dance — the “Clipper Hula” — dedicated to Pan American Airways.

www.panam.org

'

 

[Stryder50]

CAF's latest edition of their digital magazine. This one focuses on the B-29, and especially the one flying version they own and operate.

Digital Dispatch, 2025, Issue 3

Digital Dispatch, 2025, Issue 3

viewer.zmags.com

BTW, My family name is Bock and I had an uncle that served with the USAAF in World War Two; Fred Bock. However he wasn't the Fred Bock for whom "Bockscar" was named. My uncle was in CBI with the 14th Air Force.

 

[Stryder50]

Excellent slide show (15) of my favorite aircraft, the P-38. Mostly photos of currently restored and flying aircraft.

MSN

www.msn.com

 

[Stryder50]

Abbotsford Air Show is winding up, and just had a fantastic rush.
A B-25 Mitchell (USAAF, twin engine, WWII bomber) just flew over our house at about 300 feet above us.

Abbotsford International Airshow | August 7, 8 & 9, 2026

Experience aviation excellence at the Abbotsford International Airshow, the premier Canadian airshow showcasing thrilling aerial acrobatics and cutting-edge aircraft. Join us for an unforgettable display of flight!

abbotsfordairshow.com

Static Display Archives - Abbotsford International Airshow

abbotsfordairshow.com

A very enjoyable bit of noisy interruption !

 

[Stryder50]

I should have paid more attention to this calendar of Events for the Erickson Collection, could have plugged into other one.
But will be in Madras this weekend for the Airshow of the Cascades;

Events | Erickson Aircraft Collection

www.ericksoncollection.com

Erickson Aircraft Collection | Erickson Madras | Oregon Aviation Museum

The Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon displays a vintage WWII aircraft collection started by Jack Erickson in 1983. The collection features over twenty warbirds, most of which are still in flying condition.

www.ericksoncollection.com

 

[Stryder50]

I should have paid more attention to this calendar of Events for the Erickson Collection, could have plugged into other one.
But will be in Madras this weekend for the Airshow of the Cascades;

Events | Erickson Aircraft Collection

www.ericksoncollection.com

Erickson Aircraft Collection | Erickson Madras | Oregon Aviation Museum

The Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon displays a vintage WWII aircraft collection started by Jack Erickson in 1983. The collection features over twenty warbirds, most of which are still in flying condition.

www.ericksoncollection.com

Got home late last night and in 'recovery' mode for a bit, so more details later.
However ...
This group was at ther show and performed; as good as the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds;

Patriots Jet Team

Aerobatic Jet Demonstration Team

patriotsjetteam.com

 

[Stryder50]

Excellent slide show (15) of my favorite aircraft, the P-38. Mostly photos of currently restored and flying aircraft.

MSN

www.msn.com

Seems that above linked article is no more.
Here's two others on same topic, for now;

MSN

MSN

Some shared photos, but many different.

 

[Stryder50]

I should have paid more attention to this calendar of Events for the Erickson Collection, could have plugged into other one.
But will be in Madras this weekend for the Airshow of the Cascades;

Events | Erickson Aircraft Collection

www.ericksoncollection.com

Erickson Aircraft Collection | Erickson Madras | Oregon Aviation Museum

The Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon displays a vintage WWII aircraft collection started by Jack Erickson in 1983. The collection features over twenty warbirds, most of which are still in flying condition.

www.ericksoncollection.com

While at the above airshow, there was a B-25 that flew and buzzed the runway, etc.
Also there were two of them, "in the shop" being worked on.
Slide show of this iconic aircraft;

MSN

 

[Stryder50]

Interesting item from about four years ago, which many may not have heard of.
A B-2 Stealth Bomber crash upon landing, repairable ...

The Stealth Bomber Crash Caught on Google Maps​

MSN

www.msn.com

 

[Stryder50]

This article is from 2016 so leads off with a comment about '40 years ago', yet here we are about 50 years ago now.
September 1976

POOR LITTLE LAMBS – The Corsairs of Baa Baa Blacksheep​

Forty years ago to the day, on September 21st, 1976, the famed TV-series Baa Baa Black Sheep first aired on television in the United States. But FLYING MISFITS, which was the two-hour pilot episode (actually known as Episode 0) premiered on Tuesday, September 21, 1976. The series’ first one-hour episode (Episode 1), BEST THREE OUT OF FIVE, appeared three days later on Thursday, September 23, 1976. It was a seminal moment for many of us who follow vintage military aviation today, especially if we were kids at the time. Here to tell a little of the story about the making of that show, and the aircraft involved is Stephen Chapis, revisiting an article “Poor Little Lambs” that he originally wrote some years ago (Warbird Digest #49 – July/August 2013 – Click HERE to buy that issue) We at Vintage Aviation News thank him, and all of the other contributors who made this piece possible! 2025 UPDATE Key Publishing has just activated the pre-order link on their website. Click HERE or below to place your order. Your wait is almost over.


POOR LITTLE LAMBS


by Stephen Chapis


photos (all via Stephen Chapis)


The short-lived TV-series Baa Baa Black Sheep turned many young American boys into life-long fans of the famed Corsair, including the author who was just five years old when the show debuted in September 1976. What follows is not a biography of Pappy Boyington, a history of VMF-214, or a debate about the historical accuracy of the series. It is simply a history of the Corsairs used on the show and a collection of memories from the four surviving Baa Baa Black Sheep pilots: Thomas Friedkin, Steve Hinton, Steve Rosenberg, and the late-Bill Yoak.
...

POOR LITTLE LAMBS - The Corsairs of Baa Baa Blacksheep

Forty years ago to the day, on September 23rd, 1976, the famed TV-series Baa Baa Black Sheep first aired on television in the United States

vintageaviationnews.com

Lots of 'vintage' photos of Corsairs here, added links;

Issue Forty Nine

Dynasty and Legacy – Tillamook Air Museum Aggressively Airworthy Avro Anson AirPower Squadron Poor Little Lambs

warbirddigest.com

Digital Magazine

January-February 2017

warbirddigest.com