Aviation History

The Curious Case of the Royal Aircraft Factory H.R.E.2

KC Fairlight
The Royal Aircraft Factory H.R.E.2 was an ambitious yet ultimately unsuccessful World War I seaplane project that highlights the challenges of early aviation innovation.

The Tragic Tale of the 1950 Australian National Airways DC-4 Crash

KC Fairlight
Learn about the 1950 Australian National Airways DC-4 crash, its impact on aviation safety regulations, and the advancements in weather forecasting and pilot training that followed.

The 1950 Australian National Airways Douglas DC-4 Crash: A Tragic Tale of Aviation History

Martin Sparks
The 1950 Australian National Airways Douglas DC-4 crash highlights the challenges of early aviation and its impact on modern safety standards.

The Argus As 17: A Blast from the Past

KC Fairlight
The Argus As 17 engine, a 1930s German innovation, played a pivotal role in advancing aviation technology with its compact, air-cooled design amidst the era's political and economic challenges.

The Sky's the Limit: New Zealand's Territorial Air Force

Martin Sparks
The Territorial Air Force of New Zealand, established in 1930, played a pivotal role in bolstering the nation's aerial defense during a transformative era in aviation history.

The Bristol Type 118: A Forgotten Gem of Aviation History

KC Fairlight
The Bristol Type 118, a prototype fighter aircraft from the 1930s, exemplifies the challenges of rapid technological advancement and competition in aviation history.

The Enigma of Romano R.90: A Dive into the Unknown

KC Fairlight
Uncover the intriguing history of the Romano R.90, a prototype French fighter seaplane that faced technological and wartime challenges in the late 1930s.

The Romano R.90: Italy's Ambitious Seaplane of the 1930s

Martin Sparks
The Romano R.90 was a pioneering Italian seaplane of the 1930s, designed for reconnaissance and bombing missions, showcasing Italy's innovative aviation efforts during a period of military expansion.

The Romano R.90: A Forgotten Marvel of Aviation

Vince Vanguard

The Fairchild 45: A Blast from the Past

KC Fairlight
The Fairchild 45, a 1930s single-engine monoplane, exemplifies the innovative spirit and design of aviation's golden age despite economic challenges.
The SIAI S.22: A Marvel of Early 20th Century Aviation

Martin Sparks
The SIAI S.22 was a groundbreaking Italian flying boat from the 1920s, designed for the Schneider Trophy races, showcasing early aviation innovation and engineering excellence.

The Unlikely Journey of Frederick Humphreys: From Athlete to Aviation Pioneer

KC Fairlight
Frederick Humphreys' remarkable transition from a promising athlete to a pioneering aviator highlights the transformative power of curiosity and innovation in early 20th-century aviation history.

The Messerschmitt Me 263: The Rocket-Powered Marvel That Never Took Off

Vince Vanguard
The Messerschmitt Me 263 was a groundbreaking German rocket-powered interceptor designed during World War II, known for its incredible speed and advanced design, but it never saw combat due to the war's end and technical challenges.

The Shvetsov M-25: A Soviet Powerhouse in the Sky

KC Fairlight
The Shvetsov M-25 engine exemplifies Soviet innovation and international cooperation in aviation technology during the 1930s and World War II.

The Curtiss XP-71: The Fighter That Never Took Flight

Vince Vanguard
The Curtiss XP-71 was an ambitious World War II-era fighter plane design that never advanced beyond the blueprint stage due to rapid technological advancements and changing military needs.

The Yokosuka MXY5: Japan's Experimental Glider of World War II

Martin Sparks
The Yokosuka MXY5 was an innovative World War II Japanese glider designed for stealthy troop and equipment transport, showcasing Japan's strategic aviation advancements.

Émile Dewoitine: The Visionary Behind France's Aviation Prowess

Martin Sparks
Émile Dewoitine revolutionized French aviation with his innovative aircraft designs, significantly impacting the industry during the early to mid-20th century.

The Remarkable Journey of Mary Hall: A Pioneer in Aviation

Martin Sparks
Mary Hall's pioneering contributions to early 20th-century aviation broke gender barriers and advanced aviation technology and safety standards.

The Bréguet 470 Fulgur: A Forgotten Marvel of Aviation

KC Fairlight
The Bréguet 470 Fulgur was a 1930s French aircraft that exemplified innovation but was hindered by economic and geopolitical challenges, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

The Curious Case of Andrew Blain Baird

KC Fairlight
Learn about Andrew Blain Baird, a pioneering Scottish-American aviator whose self-built monoplane flight in 1912 marked a significant milestone in aviation history.

Sorabji Colah: A Forgotten Pioneer in Indian Aviation

KC Fairlight
Sorabji Colah, an early 20th-century Indian aviator, broke barriers in aviation during British colonial rule, inspiring future generations with his pioneering achievements and contributions to India's aviation history.

Avro Avis: The Pioneering Aircraft of the 1920s

Martin Sparks
The Avro Avis, a 1920s British biplane, revolutionized personal aviation with its innovative design and accessibility, marking a significant milestone in the history of flight.

The Lioré et Olivier 300: A Marvel of Aviation History

Martin Sparks
The Lioré et Olivier 300 was a pioneering French flying boat from the 1930s, designed for long-range reconnaissance and naval operations, showcasing early advancements in aviation technology.

The Lavochkin La-9: A Soviet Marvel of the Skies

KC Fairlight
The Lavochkin La-9 was a pivotal Soviet fighter aircraft that showcased engineering prowess during the transition from propeller-driven to jet-powered flight in the post-World War II era.