Papua New Guinea has seen its share of plane crashes, as well as its share of war buffs hunting for “warbird” wrecks. But of all the downed planes scattered throughout the mountainous rainforests and jungle terrain, the fabled “Swamp Ghost” remains the most legendary. For 64 years, this downed B-17 Flying Fortress rested intact among [...]
While the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar’s lifetime was incredibly short, it was not without fanfare. This medium-to-long-range, wide-body trijet airliner was the most technologically advanced commercial jet when it was finally delivered in April 1972. Six years of design work and unforeseen setbacks made sure of it. This aircraft’s development was meant to rival the Boeing [...]
After touching down on the runway from a flight, you may have experienced a rather bumpy landing--and it may have seemed scary, but it's not as bad as you think. When planes meet crosswinds, it usually results in the end aircraft cabin (where you sit) swinging from side to side. Given how heavy the plane [...]
This is one burning question, people. What events led to witches riding around on brooms? Why didn’t they switch to airplanes and use their magic to make them fly faster and last longer? I mean, if I were a witch—and I’m not, despite what my other half says—I would probably want to keep the wind [...]
Designed by Burt Rutan, the Rutan Model 202 Boomerang’s appearance is downright unforgettable. But why the unique design? There’s a reason behind every rhyme. Design and Development The Boomerang was modeled after one of the most well-known twin-engine civilian aircrafts: the Beechcraft Baron 58. The plane made its debut at the 1996 Oshkosh, Wisconsin AirVenture. [...]
Between 1942 and 1945, the U.S. Navy received more than 150 airships for the war effort. The military used these blimps, produced by the Goodyear Corporation, as convoy escort vessels. The Navy used them to spot enemy submarines and drop depth charges on those they encountered. But of all the airships utilized during World War [...]
The importance of military helicopters is monumental. They perform rescue missions, partake in special operations, and transport crucial equipment. Helicopter design and its unique ability to fly vertically traces back to patterns seen in nature long before the technology existed. Military helicopters must be able to do this as quickly and safely as possible. In some [...]
In 1967, the Boeing-737 took its first flight. The narrow-bodied business jet was one of the most popular commercial airliners. The 737 series is the best-selling commercial plane in history. Lufthansa acted as the first company to use the plane commercially and over time other airlines ordered it. The most use came from airliners such as [...]
Louis Blériot is famous for being the first to fly between continental Europe and Great Britain. We recently featured his Blériot XI in our Plane of the Week series! But this man’s life started out as an inventor. Blériot’s Early Years Born in France on July 1, 1872, his career in aviation was funded by [...]
The Douglas DC-3 is one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. Since its introduction in the 1930s, the DC-3 completely revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 40s and had a lasting effect on both the airline industry and World War II. So why would such a significant aircraft—a symbol of the golden [...]
