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| Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo |
The Aero Experience returns to our year-round coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, sponsored by Air Associates, with a look at more radial powered warbirds. We have a sample of several disparate designs that equipped the Allied Forces before and during World War II: Grumman Duck, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Douglas A-26 Invader.Grumman J2F-4 Duck:
The J2F-4 Duck is a short-production sub-type produced by Grumman from 1939-1941, and included minor improvements in cockpit instrumentation and engine controls. This rugged amphibian excelled in patrol and utility missions that carried this early 1930s design through 1947.
The EAA's Boeing B-17G, Aluminum Overcast, was delivered in 1945 following the cessation of European hostilities. It was sold as surplus in 1946 and served in various roles until it was donated to the EAA in 1983, It was on static display until returned to airworthiness in 1994, and has been touring the country providing flight experiences to commemorate the nation's warbird history.
The Douglas A-26 Invader, Silver Dragon, represents the A-26 type "attack bomber" that replaced the company's A-20 Havoc series in 1944. This fast medium bomber carried a variety of internal and external guns, rockets and bombs in the final years of World War II operations. It was recalled to service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as the B-26, and proved to be an effective attack and counter-insurgency weapon. Post-war civilian conversions to VIP transport, aerial survey and firefighting roles also proved successful.
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