Route 65 Across Europe
Jan Zdiarský
The first operations of the US bomber forces in Europe in 1942 revealed the overlooked weakness of the strategic four-engine bombers when faced with the German Luftwaffe. Contrary to the assumptions of the leaders of the so-called "bombing mafia" in the US Army Air Force command, the reality showed the great vulnerability of the bombers, which, with the increasing deployment of aircraft and frequency of missions, soon manifested itself in the form of enormous losses.
Josef “Pips” Priller and his Focke-Wulf WNr. 310
Josef “Pips” Priller ranks among the best-known airmen of the Second World War. He gained public awareness thanks to Cornelius Ryan’s book The Longest Day and the portrayal of his character in the film of the same name. Priller even served as an adviser during its production. Among other things, he assisted in reconstructing the scene in which, together with his wingman, he attacked the Allied landing area in Normandy on 6 June 1944. Priller spent most of his wartime career in the ranks of JG 26 “Schlageter,” and through outstanding leadership of this Geschwader, both in combat and on the ground, he helped keep his men at the forefront of German fighter units. After the war, he wrote the history of this unit under the title J.G. 26 Geschichte eines Jagdgeschwaders.
Air War in Ukraine - What happened over the past year?
continuation of the series therefore does not deal only with the recent period from February 1, 2026 to February 28, 2026, but also recaps events from the past year.
Over the Jungles of New Guinea
One of the most distinguished fighter units, which saw combat over Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines, was the 49th Fighter Group. It comprised the 7th, 8th, and 9th Fighter Squadrons. Its pilots were credited with a total of 664 confirmed victories, and among their ranks stood the most successful American fighter ace, Richard Bong, who achieved forty aerial kills.
Phoenixes Rising from the Ashes
Warbirds — or historic aircraft maintained in airworthy condition — are the highlight of many air shows and have allowed many of us to experience the atmosphere of a time when their engines roared in the sky by the dozens.