Commemorative Air Force

Join us as we check in with the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing to get an inside look at their ongoing efforts to keep the legendary B-25 Miss Mitchell flying high. In this episode, we explore the dedication and expertise required to maintain this iconic World War II bomber in airworthy condition. From engine overhauls to airframe inspections, hear firsthand from the crew members and volunteers who ensure Miss Mitchell continues to honor the brave aircrews who flew the B-25 in combat. To watch the episode LIVE on Wednesday, October 30 at 7pm CDT, pre-register here: https://lnkd.in/epRv63em

Donald Pleasence, who portrayed Flight Lieutenant Colin Blythe (The Forger) in The Great Escape (1963), once offered some advice to director John Sturges during filming. Sturges politely brushed him off, unaware that Pleasence had real-life experience as a former RAF officer and POW. When another actor informed Sturges of Pleasence’s background, the director apologized and sought Pleasence’s input for the rest of the film. Initially a conscientious objector in 1939, Pleasence changed his stance after the Luftwaffe’s bombings of London in 1940. He joined the RAF as a wireless operator in Bomber Command’s No. 166 Squadron and flew nearly 60 raids over Axis-occupied Europe. In 1944, his Lancaster was shot down, and he spent the remainder of the war as a POW at Stalag Luft I, where he organized plays for his fellow prisoners. He was freed in 1945 and discharged in 1946. How’s that for a #FridayFact???

On October 23, 1952, the Hughes XH-17, a behemoth helicopter its crew had nicknamed “The Monster,” took its official first flight. This massive helo, with a rotor diameter of 130 feet and a length of over 53 feet, was designed to be a heavy-lift aircraft. Powered by two jet engines, it achieved a maximum speed of 90 mph and could lift record-breaking loads. However, despite its innovative design, the XH-17 never went into production due to its limited range of only 30 miles and high operational costs. After just 10 hours of flight, the helicopter was grounded and eventually scrapped in 1955. Have you ever heard of it before? #OTD #OTDIH

In this week's episode of Warbird Tube, we check in with the dedicated team at CAF Airbase Georgia as they work on two exciting restoration projects: the formidable Republic P-47 Thunderbolt and the iconic Fairchild PT-19 trainer. Join us as we dive into the intricate process of bringing these historic aircraft back to life. From the powerful engineering of the P-47, one of WWII’s most rugged fighters, to the PT-19’s role in training the Tuskeegee Airmen, we explore the unique challenges and milestones of both projects. To watch LIVE on Wednesday, October 23, at 7pm CDT, pre-register at https://lnkd.in/emfScSuE

We have some wonderful artifacts on display at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center in Dallas, but we have more than we can put on display. Our curated storage is a bit of everything! What is your favorite aviation museum?

Archie McKellar, a Scottish pilot, shot down the first German aircraft on British soil during WWII #OTD in 1939. A member of the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, McKellar downed a Heinkel HE-111 bomber near Edinburgh. His story is honored in an exhibition at Kelvingrove Museum, which includes part of the aircraft. McKellar later became one of “The Few” during the Battle of Britain, earning multiple awards before being killed in action in 1940. Have you ever heard of McKellar?

Dive into the remarkable history of the Grumman TBM Avenger, one of the most iconic torpedo bombers of World War II. Built for power and endurance, the Avenger played a critical role in naval battles. In this episode, we explore the legendary aircraft's design, development, and combat legacy, now proudly preserved and operated by the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing in St. Charles, Missouri. Learn about the Avenger's crucial missions and famous pilots—including former President George H.W. Bush. To watch CAF Warbird Tube – TBM-3E Avenger LIVE on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 7 p.m. Central, register at: https://lnkd.in/e3xTwxJ4

Here's a #FlashbackFriday to last weekend at the Aviation Discovery Fest courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force B29 B24 Squadron. When was the last time you saw either FIFI or Diamond Lil?

On October 9–10, 1900, the Aéro-Club de France held a long-distance balloon race during the Paris World’s Fair. Six teams competed, with Henri de la Vaulx and Joseph de Castillon de Saint-Victor’s balloon Centaur covering 1,153 miles in 35 hours, 45 minutes for an average speed of just over 32mph. They ascended as high as 22,000 feet and landed near Korostyshiv, Ukraine. After crossing the Russian frontier without passports, the pilots were detained for four days. This flight set a long-distance record at the time. Had you any idea that people had flown over 1000 miles before the Wright Brothers? #OTD #OTDIH

This week on Warbird Tube, join us for an in-depth look at one of the most devastating periods of World War II—Black Week. Our special guest, Nathan Huegen, Vice President of Education for the Commemorative Air Force, will guide us through the harrowing events of this pivotal week in October 1943. The 100th Bomb Group flew several critical missions over Germany, targeting heavily defended industrial cities and key aircraft production facilities, including Bremen, Münster, and Schweinfurt. These sites were essential to the German war effort. Learn how the Luftwaffe's fierce attacks on Allied bombers led to catastrophic losses, forcing a major rethink in Allied air strategy. To watch LIVE on October 9 at 7pm CDT, pre-register here: https://lnkd.in/eb5m7ssj