Boneyard Files: C-47 Skytrain – The Hero of D-Day in Silence
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a military version of the DC-3 airliner, became one of the most widely used transport aircraft in history. Introduced in 1941, it carried troops, cargo and wounded personnel, and played a key role in major World War II operations, including D-Day and airborne assaults across Europe. The aircraft continued serving in missions such as the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War before its retirement in 1975, with many later stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
This Douglas C-47J Skytrain was part of the fleet operated by the United States Naval Attaché based in Canberra, Australia. The photo was captured on September 10, 1968 at U.S. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, commonly known as "The Boneyard."
Today In Aviation History: Last Operational Flight by an RAF Supermarine Spitfire
On April 1, 1954, the RAF’s legendary Supermarine Spitfire flew its last operational mission during the Malayan Emergency. From the Battle of Britain to postwar service, the Spitfire’s remarkable career helped define an entire era of aviation history.
This Griffon engined Spitfire XIX of the RAF BBMF is taxiing in having completed her solo display at the '100th Anniversary of Dutch Military Aviation' airshow. She has just flown in directly from the UK. Although retaining her genuine serial, she is otherwise painted to represent 'PS888' which carried out the very last RAF Spitfire sortie. c/n 6S/585121. Volkel Airbase, Netherlands. 14-6-2013. Photo by Alan Wilson - VS Spitfire PR.XIX 'PS915 / The Last'/Wikimedia Commons
Grounded Dreams: Yakovlev Yak-36 – The Soviet Jump Jet That Defied Gravity
The Yakovlev Yak-36 was the Soviet Union’s first jet to demonstrate vertical takeoff and landing. While it proved key VTOL concepts, limited payload led to its cancellation, though it paved the way for the later Yakovlev Yak-38.