Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle

The 335th Fighter Squadron (FS), "Chiefs" fly the McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle. The squadron provides worldwide deployable aircraft and personnel capable of executing combat missions in support of worldwide Aerospace Expeditionary Force deployments to combat areas as part of the Global War on Terrorism. The 335th was the second fighter squadron in the Air Force to receive the Strike Eagle. On 27 December 1990, the 335th deployed twenty-four F-15Es to Al Kharj Air Base in central Saudi Arabia. On the night of 16 January 1991, the 335th participated in the initial assault on Iraq during the Gulf War, hitting communications, power networks, and airfields around Baghdad. The 335th has returned to Southwest Asia several times; three times to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and twice to Doha, Qatar, as an Air Expeditionary Force. In February 2003 the 335th again deployed to Southwest Asia for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During Iraqi Freedom and Operation Southern Watch the squadron deployed 24 F-15Es, and flew 1,500 sorties, totaling 7,000 flying hours. They dropped over 1 million pounds of precision and non-precision munitions on numerous targets such as key Iraqi leadership, command and control bunkers, artillery Republican Guard units and many others. The 335th FS is known as the "World's Leading MiG Killers" for destroying 218.5 MiGs in aerial combat. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered prints are available directly from the Artist. See More.

Lockheed WV-2 Super Constellation

The U.S. Navy versions when initially procured were designated WV-1 (PO-1W), WV-2, and WV-3. Naval aircrews used the term "Willie Victor" based on a slang version of the phonetic alphabet and the naval version of the aircraft's pre-1962 designation of WV-1, WV-2 or WV-3. WV-2s served from 1956 to 1965 in two "barrier" forces, one off each coast of the North American continent. These barrier forces consisted of five surface picket stations each manned by radar destroyer escorts and an air wing of WV-2s that patrolled the picket lines at 1,000-4,000 m (3,000-12,000 ft) altitude in six- to 20-hour missions. Their objective was to extend early warning coverage against surprise Soviet bomber and missile attack as an extension of the DEW Line. The Atlantic Barrier (BarLant) consisted of two rotating squadron detachments, VW-13 and VW-15 home based at NAS Patuxent River, MD. and one squadron, VW-11, permanently based at Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland. BarLant began operations on 1 July 1956, and flew continuous coverage until early 1965. See More.

Raytheon Beechcraft T-6B Texan II

Training Squadron TWO (VT-2), the Navy's oldest primary training squadron, was born from Basic Training Group TWO and commissioned on May 1, 1960, at NAS Whiting Field. VT-2's mission is to provide primary and intermediate stage flight training to selected student aviators of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and several allied nations. Training Squadron TWO graduates approximately 210 students each year. Logging nearly 2,000 flight hours each month VT-2 has flown in excess of 1,800,000 flight hours and trained more than 19,000 students since its commissioning. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More.

Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor

The current Red Knights of Training Squadron THREE (VT-3) picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960 and continued the legacy of "Training the Best for America's Defense". By the end of 1968, VT-3 had flown almost 110,000 instructional hours and trained 902 students in the basic prop-training course for that calendar year. VT-3 remained at South Whiting Field for thirteen years until 1973, when the squadron joined VT-2 at North Whiting Field to make room for newly formed helicopter training squadrons at South Field. In April of 1977, VT-3 began the official transition from the T-28 Trojan to the T-34C Turbo Mentor. In addition, the squadron began to utilize extensive simulated flight instruction and introduced the Cockpit Procedure Trainer into the training syllabus. The first student completed the new T-34C syllabus in Aug 1978. The Red Knights continue to provide the highest quality training to student aviators from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and several allied nations. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More.

Lockheed C-103H Hercules

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft built by Lockheed. Capable of takeoffs and landings from unprepared runways, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship, for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol and aerial firefighting. It is the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 50 nations. The 40th Airlift Squadron is a United States Air Force unit based at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas. The unit flies the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Nicknamed the Screaming Eagles, it is one of the most decorated airlift unit in the U.S. Air Force. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More.

Bell Helicopter AH-1F Cobra

The AH-1S series was a three-step program to upgrade all existing AH-1G/AH-1Q/AH-1R Cobras to an advanced Modernized version. All AH-1S Cobras were eventually redesignated by the US Army as AH-1P, AH-1E, or AH-1F Modernized Cobras. All Modernized Cobras, including the AH-1S, AH-1P, and AH-1E used the M73 reflex sight for optical sighting and fire control and the Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). The designation Modified AH-1S (also sometimes written as "AH-1S Mod") referred to all existing AH-1G/AH-1Q/AH-1R Cobras modified to Production AH-1S standard beginning in 1976. The Production AH-1S (also sometimes written "AH-1S Prod"), Step 1 of the program, which totaled 100 aircraft, were completed between March 1977 and September 1978. The Upgunned AH-1S, Step 2 of the program, totaled 98 new production aircraft, and were completed between September 1978 and October 1979. The AH-1S Modernized Cobra, Step 3 of the program, totaled 530 aircraft, and were completed between November 1979 and June 1981. Of 530 Modernized Cobras, 387 were converted for old AH-1G Cobras and 143 were new Production aircraft. Limited Edition, Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More.

Sopwith Aviation Kingston On Thames

The Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter introduced on the Western Front in 1917. It had a combination of a short-coupled fuselage, heavy, powerful rotary engine and concentrated fire from twin synchronized machine guns. The Camel was credited with shooting down 1,294 enemy aircraft, more than any other Allied fighter in the First World War. The Camel proved to be a superlative fighter, and offered heavier armament and better performance than the Pup and Triplane. In the hands of an experienced pilot, its maneuverability was unmatched by any contemporary type. Its controls were light and sensitive. The Camel turned rather slowly to the left, which resulted in a nose up attitude due to the torque of the rotary engine. But the engine torque also resulted in the ability to turn to the right in half the time of other fighters, although that resulted in more of a tendency towards a nose down attitude from the turn. Agility in combat made the Camel one of the best-remembered Allied aircraft of the First World War. It was said to offer a choice between a "wooden cross, red cross and Victoria Cross." Together with the S.E.5a, the Camel helped to wrest aerial superiority away from the German Albatros fighters. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More.

McDonnell Douglas Boeing Northrop F/A-18 Hornet

Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125), also known as the "Rough Raiders", was a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The "Rough Raiders" were a Fleet Replacement Squadron. The VFA-125 "Rough Raiders" were established on 13 November 1980 at NAS Lemoore, California, becoming the Navy's first F/A-18 squadron. VFA-125 received its first aircraft in April 1981, and by March 1985, had amassed over 30,000 mishap-free flight hours in the Hornet. The "Rough Raiders" trained pilots to fill F/A-18 billets throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. On 1 October 2010, VFA-125 was disestablished as an F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron, and its aircraft and personnel were incorporated into VFA-122. It is planned that VFA-125 will be reestablish as an F-35 Lightning II training squadron in the future. See More...

North American B-25J Mitchell Yellow Rose

The Commemorative Air Force B-25 Yellow Rose was built in 1943 as B-25J-5-NC, serial number 43-27868. The aircraft was assigned to the 334th Bombardment (Medium) Group (Third Air Force) and later, to the 331st AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Replacement Training), 3rd AF, Greenville Army Air Field (AAF), South Carolina. There were deployments to Myrtle Beach AAF, SC and Columbia AAF, SC during this period. In February 1945 The Rose was assigned to the 128th AAF Base Unit (Continental Air Force), Greenville AAF, SC. In December 1945 The Rose was assigned to the 112th AAF Base Unit (ConAF), Hartford AAF, CT. In January 1946 the aircraft was assigned to the 112th AAF Base Unit (ConAF), Westover AFB, Massachusetts and in February 1946 was placed in storage at the 4168th AAF Base Unit (Air Technical Service Command) at South Plains AAF, Texas. In July 1947 she was transferred to another storage location at the 4141st AAF Base Unit (Air Material Command) at Pyote AAF, Texas. The bomber was removed from storage in July 1949 and assigned to the 3750th Technical Training Wing (Air Training Command) as a ground instructional airframe at Shepard AFB, Texas. It remained there for almost seven years without flying. The aircraft was flown to the Birmingham Modification Center in April 1956 where Hayes Aircraft Company converted it to a TB-25N and returned it to flying status. She was assigned to the 3640th Pilot Training Wing (ATC) at Laredo AFB, Texas in June 1956 and that assignment included a deployment to Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In September 1958 the aircraft was put back into storage at the Arizona Aircraft Storage Branch (Air Material Command) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The Rose was sold to Fogle Aircraft Co., Tucson, AZ for $1395. Later, in February 1960, Dothan Aviation Corp bought the aircraft for for $2,500. The bomber was sold to John Stokes of San Marcos, TX in October 1975. In September 1977 John Stokes was approached by future CAF partners and he sold to Charles Skipper of Boerne, TX, Charles Becker, of San Antonio, TX and Jack Jones, of San Antonio, TX. The aircraft was sold to the Confederate AF in Harlingen, TX in 1979, The registration was changed to N25YR in 1991 and the title transferred to the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, Midland. TX. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. Licensed by the CAF. See More...

Northrop T-38C Talon

The 14th Flying Training Wing (14 FTW) is based at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The 14 FTW, under the Air Education Training Command (AETC), is responsible for an intensive 52-week Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program. The mission of the 14 FTW is to provide instructor pilot training in the Northrop T-38 Talon jet trainer. The 49th Fighter Training Squadron conducts Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals flying training for over 75 U.S. Air Force and international pilots and Weapon System Officers annually. The Northrop T-38 Talon is a two-seat, twin-engine supersonic jet trainer. It was the world's first supersonic trainer and is also the most produced. The T-38 remains in service as of 2012 in air forces throughout the world. The T-38 has been in service for over 50 years with the USAF. The T-38C is used to prepare pilots for aircraft such as the F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle, as well as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, A-10 Thunderbolt, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The AETC received T-38Cs in 2001 as part of the Avionics Upgrade Program. The T-38Cs owned by the AETC have undergone propulsion modernization which replaces major engine components to enhance reliability and maintainability, and an engine inlet/injector modification to increase available takeoff thrust. The upgrades and modifications, with the Pacer Classic program, should extend the service life of T-38s past 2020. See More...

Rockwell B-1B Lancer

The host unit at Dyess is the 7th Bomb Wing (7 BW) assigned to the Air Combat Command Twelfth Air Force. The 7 BW is one of only two B-1B Lancer strategic bomber wings in the United States Air Force. The initial B-1A version was developed in the early 1970s, but its production was canceled, and only four prototypes were built. The need for a new platform once again surfaced in the early 1980s, and the aircraft resurfaced as the B-1B version with the focus on low-level penetration bombing. In the 1990s, the B-1B was converted to conventional bombing use. It first served in combat during Operation Desert Fox in 1998 and again during the NATO action in Kosovo the following year. The B-1B has supported U.S. and NATO military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. The B-1 received the official name "Lancer" on 15 March 1990. However, the bomber has been commonly called the "Bone". Of the 100 B-1Bs built, 93 remained in 2000. The USAF had 65 B-1Bs in service in September 2010, split between four squadrons organized into two Bomb Wings: the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, and the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. With upgrades to keep the B-1 viable, the Air Force may keep the bomber in service until approximately 2038. Signed and Numbered print can be ordered directly from the artist. See More...

Lockheed Martin Boeing F-22 Raptor

In 1981 the United States Air Force (USAF) developed a requirement for a new air superiority fighter, the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF), to replace the capability of the F-15 Eagle, primarily the F-15A, B, C and D variants. ATF was a demonstration and validation program undertaken by the USAF to develop a next-generation air superiority fighter to counter emerging worldwide threats, including development and proliferation of Soviet-era Su-27 "Flanker"-class fighter aircraft. It was envisioned that the ATF would incorporate emerging technologies including advanced alloys and composite materials, advanced fly-by-wire flight control systems, higher power propulsion systems, and low-observable/stealth technology. See More.

Bell Helicopter UH-1Y Venom Super Huey

The UH-1 family of helicopters are the most successful military helicopters ever produced. The UH-1 set the standard by which all other utility helicopters are measured. Many early UH-1s are still flying today, some airframes having logged over 30,000 hours. The first UH-1Y was delivered to the United States Marine Corp on 4 June 2008 and sent to HMLAT-303, Camp Pendleton, California. The UH-1Y is fully marinized and capable of shipboard operations anywhere in the world. The all new UH-1Y utility helicopter incorporates the latest advances in military avionics and rotary wing technology. New four-bladed all composite, ballistically tolerant main and tail rotor systems are the most noticeable external changes from previous versions. The UH-1Y is a twin engine, medium class, utility helicopter designed to meet the military specifications of the USMC for helicopter operations worldwide. The USMC certified the UH-1Y as operationally capable and was deployed for the first time in January 2009 as part of the aviation combat element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The rocket system employed on the UH-1Y uses 2.75 inch (70mm) rockets. Either LAU-68 (7 tube) or LAU-61 (19 tube) launchers can be loaded onto the BRUs. The -240D, GAU-16, and GAU-17A machine guns can be fired by the crew chiefs. See More.

Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Viper Super Cobra

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract with Bell Helicopter for upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs. The AH-1Z first flew on 8 December 2000. Three prototype aircraft were delivered to NAVAIR's Naval Air Station Patuxent River in July 2002 for the flight test phase of the program. Low-rate initial production followed beginning in October 2003, with deliveries to run through 2018. The AH-1Z completed sea-trial flight testing in May 2005. On 15 October 2005, the USMC, through the Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery of the first AH-1Z production helicopter to enter the fleet. The AH-1Z was declared combat-ready in September 2010. The AH-1Z incorporates new rotor technology with upgraded military avionics, weapons systems, and electro-optical sensors in an integrated weapons platform. It has improved survivability and can find targets at longer ranges and attack them with precision weapons. See More.

Raytheon Hawker Beechcraft T-6A Texan II

The 455th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing (FTW) based at NAS Pensacola, Florida. The mission of the 12 FTW is to provide instructor pilot training in the Raytheon-Beech T-6A Texan II. The T-6A Texan II is a single-engined turboprop aircraft built by the Raytheon Aircraft Company (now Hawker Beechcraft). The T-6 is a development of the Pilatus PC-9, modified significantly by Beechcraft in order to enter the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) competition in the 1990s. Based on the Pilatus PC-9, the T-6A is used by the United States Air Force for basic pilot training and by the United States Navy for Primary and Intermediate Joint Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and Air Force Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training. See More.

General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

The United States Air Force's 138th Fighter Wing (138 FW) is a fighter unit located at Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An Air National Guard (ANG) unit operationally-gained by the Air Combat Command (ACC), the wing flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter. In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure committee brought an expansion to the 138th Fighter Wing's mission. The wing acquired three F-16 Block 42 aircraft from the 57th Wing located at Nellis Air Force Base as well as six F-16 Block 42 aircraft from 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard. After conversion to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the 138 th Fighter Wing has participated in Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Northern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit's deployment to Iraq in 2008 marked their 10th deployment to the Middle East. Additionally, the laser targeting pod system for precision guided munitions employment has been incorporated into the unit mission. See More.

Bell Boeing CV-22B Osprey 20SOS

The 20th Special Operations Squadron (20th SOS) is part of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. The 20th trained for aerial reconnaissance from, March 1942-December 1943, then went on to fly combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater from, 31 January 1944-5 May 1945. The squadron was reactivated as the 20th Helicopter Squadron (HS) in 1956 to perform traditional helicopter missions with H-21s for the Tactical Air Command. In 1967, when joined by the UH-1F/P helicopters formerly assigned to Project Lucky Tiger, they became the "Green Hornets." The Green Hornets continued to perform unconventional warfare missions for seven years, until inactivation in 1972. Upon reactivation in 1976 at Hurlburt Field, the unit mission remained unconventional warfare and special operations using UH-1N gunships and CH-3Es. The 20th was among the first units to deploy to Operation Desert Shield in August 1990, squadron crew members and aircraft led U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches in the air strike, opening the air war in Operation Desert Storm. the 20th rapidly deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, engaging in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan with continuing endeavors into Iraq as the Global War on Terror continues. Limited Edition, Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More.

Ling Temco Vought A-7D Corsair II

The 353rd and 355th Tactical Fighter Squadrons (TFS) deployed 72 A-7D's to Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, while the 356th TFS remained at Myrtle Beach. This was the first combat deployment of the A-7D into Southeast Asia. This operation was known as Constant Guard VI. The last shot fired in anger by United States military forces in Southeast Asia was fired by an A-7D of the deployed 353rd TFS assigned to Korat RTAFB on August 15, 1973. In October the wing rotated personnel at Korat once again, but with the establishment of the 3rd TFS in Thailand and the end of American combat in Southeast Asia, the mission of the 354th was ended. Some additional aircraft and equipment were transferred to the 388th TFW, and on May 23, 1974 the wing returned from Thailand and was recombined at Myrtle Beach AFB. See More...

North American Aviation F-100D "Super Sabre"

The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of Air Force jet fighters, it was the first Air Force fighter capable of supersonic speed in level flight. The F-100 was originally designed by North American Aviation as a higher performance follow-on to the F-86 Sabre air superiority fighter. The F-100 flew extensively over South Vietnam as the Air Force's primary close air support jet. In its later life, it was often referred to as "the Hun," a shortened version of "one hundred." The first F-100D (54-2121) flew on 24 January 1956 and entered service on 29 September 1956. On 16 April 1961 six Super Sabres were deployed from Clark Air Base in the Philippines to Don Muang Airfield in Thailand for air defense purposes; the first F-100s to enter combat in Southeast Asia. From that date until their redeployment in 1971, the F-100s would be the longest serving U.S. jet fighter-bomber to fight in the Vietnam War. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See More...

Lockheed Martin F-35A "Lightning II"

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters developed to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability. The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take-off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant. The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. JSF development is being principally funded by the United States. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. The F-35 carried out its first flight on 15 December 2006. The F-35A is expected to match the F-16 in maneuverability and instantaneous and sustained high-g performance, and outperform it in stealth, payload, range on internal fuel, avionics, operational effectiveness, supportability, and survivability. The A variant is primarily intended to replace the USAF's F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aircraft will be assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) and will be used for development test support, force development evaluation, and supporting operational test aircraft at Edwards AFB, CA. The 422nd TES conducts operational tests for the Air Combat Command (ACC) on new hardware and upgrades in a simulated combat environment. The 422nd TES also develops and publishes aircraft tactics. The first F-35A aircraft arrived at Nellis AFB, NV and 422nd TES in March 2013 for operational test and evaluation. By 2019, a total of 12 F-35As will be assigned to the base for testing and evaluation. See more...

Col James W. O'Neil, F-105G Wild Weasel

Col. James William O'Neil, U.S. Air Force (ret.) passed away June 7, 2013, in Las Vegas. He served during the Vietnam War and was a POW at Hoa Loa prison. Col O'Neil was born Oct. 20, 1930, in Canada and served over 28 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a highly decorated F-84F, F-100, and F-105F/G Wild Weasel fighter pilot. Col O'Neil  served as Operations Officer for the 66th Fighter Weapons Squadron at Nellis from December 1970 to January 1972, when he deployed to Southeast Asia. He served as an F-105G pilot and Operations Officer for the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB from January 1972 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on September 29, 1972. After spending 182 days in captivity, Col O'Neil was released during Operation Homecoming on March 29, 1973. Col O'Neil's final assignment was as Assistant Deputy Commander for Maintenance of the 23rd TFW at England AFB, Louisiana, from August 1976 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1980. See More.

Mojave Maude

Nose art painted on the starboard side of CV-22, BuNo 165839, Serial Number 90025, “Mojave Maude”, originally delivered to the United States Marine Corps as an MV-22B.

Major Michael Joseph Bosiljevac, F-105G, Wild Weasel

Then Captain Michael J. Bosiljevac, F-105G, EWO, Wild Weasel. The F-105G was the designation given to F-105Fs which were fitted with greatly improved avionics, and carried Radar Homing and Warning Systems and defensive electronic countermeasure jamming equipment. The aircraft’s job was to escort other Air Force planes and suppress enemy air defenses, primarily surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA). Mike’s job as Electronic Warfare Officer included monitoring the F-105G’s sophisticated, technologically advanced avionics equipment and the aircraft’s external environment. He would inform the pilot of changes in the threats posed by enemy aircraft and/or ground-based defenses, in order to adjust the F-105G’s tactical posture. It was September 29, 1972, approximately 10,000 feet over North Vietnam west of Hanoi. An Air Force F-105G, one of a flight of four, was streaking through the sky on a SAM missile suppression mission. Mike Bosiljevac was the Electronic Warfare Officer. Lt. Colonel Jim O’Neil was the pilot. Closing on the target, O’Neil fired a Shrike AGM-45—an American anti-radiation missile designed to home-in on hostile anti-aircraft radar. Moments later a North Vietnamese SAM missile exploded 50 to 100 feet under the aircraft. Shrapnel raked the F-150Gs underside. There was an explosion. Warning lights flashed. Two parachutes opened. Col. O’Neil saw Captain Bosiljevac descending below him. He saw that some of Mike’s parachute lines had been cut to allow him to better manage his descent. Sometime around November 1972, less than two months after Mike had been shot down, his wife received a letter from Randolph Air Force base. It was startling in several respects. Essentially, the letter advised Kay Bosiljevac to send a “Care” package to Mike. It directed her to Ehrling Berquist Hospital, at Offut Air Force Base, where she was to pick up two pre-prepared sacks of medicine which were waiting for her, to be included in the package. The United States Air Force—which until then had denied knowledge of where Captain Bosiljevac was being held—also gave Kay very clear instructions about how to address the package: Camp of detention for U.S. pilots in Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Read more...

Northrop P-61 Black Widow

The P-61 was the first U.S. aircraft designed from the beginning as a night fighter, the Black Widow was a result of the experience of the RAF with radar equipped fighters. The first P-61's entered service with the 18th Fighter Group in the South Pacific and sooned gained successes there as well as in Europe. The P-61 was the first US aircraft specifically designed as a night fighter. As large as a medium bomber, it was actually very maneuverable. The key to the P-61's success was the Western Electric SCR-720 airborne intercept radar. In 1946, 36 aircraft of a slightly modified design were built as the F-15 Reporter photoreconnaissance aircraft. P-61s were also used for ejection-seat tests and for a research program that studied the effects of thunderstorms on aircraft structures after the war. In 1946, a dozen P-61Cs were transferred to the Marines as trainers and were designated F2Ts. This P-61B-15 was one of the few attrition replacements that actually made it to the 422nd NFS following the unit's movement closer to the frontline in France. "Little Audrey" was also unusual in that she had additional nose art-most P-61s within the squadron boasted names only.The P-61 was phased out of USAF service in 1952, and the last F-15 was retired in 1955. A C-model that never saw combat, is on display at the US Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson, in Dayton, Ohio. Another is on display at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington DC. Limited Edition Color Print, Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See more...

Embroidered CV-22B Osprey

I've dabbled in designing embroidered aircraft artwork. I created this embroidery using the 4D Software that I purchased along with my wife's Viking Husqvarna Designer SE sewing machine. I used the line art I initially designed for the CV-22 Osprey aircraft artwork. I've only produced the Osprey so far... one of these days I'll do another aircraft profile!

Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Viper SuperCobra

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract with Bell Helicopter for upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs. The AH-1Z first flew on 8 December 2000. Three prototype aircraft were delivered to NAVAIR's Naval Air Station Patuxent River in July 2002 for the flight test phase of the program. Low-rate initial production followed beginning in October 2003, with deliveries to run through 2018. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See more...

McDonnell-Douglas F-4C Phantom II

Between 1952 and 2006, Air Forces Iceland provided air defense for Iceland, operated Keflavik Airport, and furnished base support for all U.S. military forces in Iceland participating in its defense under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Also Air Force component of NATO Iceland Defense Force. Air Defense Command (ADC), later renamed Aerospace Defense Command used the facility for air surveillance of Iceland and the North Atlantic, employing F-102 Delta Dagger and then F-4C Phantom II fighters as interceptors. On 12 November 1954, the 57th FIS was moved to Keflavik Airport, Iceland, replacing the 82nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. The mission of the 57th FIS was an interceptor squadron charged with the monitoring of the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK gap) in the North Atlantic that formed a naval warfare choke point during the Cold War. Over 1,000 intercepts of Soviet aircraft took place inside Iceland's Military Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The first F-4C Phantom II aircraft was assigned to the squadron on 16 April 1973, as TAC was replacing the C's with F-4E models at the end of the Vietnam War. By 30 June, the squadron had six F-4Cs and additional F-4s were received in the third quarter of 1974. The last of the F-102s were replaced in early 1975 when additional F-4Cs were received from TAC squadrons at Luke AFB and George AFB; the last F-4C arriving in March 1976. On 1 October 1979 Tactical Air Command (TAC) absorbed ADC's assets, and the F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (57 FIS). In early 1978 preparations for the exchange of the F-4C for F-4Es were underway with the first two aircraft landing on 21 March. These aircraft were better equipped than the C models, with solid state radios and tactical navigation equipment, lead computing optical gunsight and ILS. Twelve aircraft arrived between April and July, and the last F-4Cs left on 14 June. Signed and Numbered prints are available directly from the Artist. See more...

Boeing B-29 Superfortress "FIFI"

The Commemorative Air Force B-29 is one of the largest airplanes to see service during World War II. A very advanced bomber for this time period, it included features such as a pressurized cabin, an electronic fire control system, and remote controlled machine-gun turrets. Though it was designed as a high-altitude daytime bomber, in practice it actually flew more low-altitude nighttime incendiary bombing missions. By 1946, more than 3,900 B-29s had been built and delivered into service. When the Confederate Air Force (now the Commemorative Air Force) began searching for a B-29 for the collection of WWII aircraft, the war had been over for 21 years. The Superforts that helped end it had long since yielded to new generations of jet-powered strategic bombers, and vanished. According to the Air Force, no B-29s remained in inventory ~ even at storage or disposal depots. In 1971, a pilot reported sighting a number of what might be B-29s on the California desert near China Lake. The CAF learned the aircraft were indeed Superforts that had been parked at a Navy weapons center for 17 years. After much negotiation (the Air Force still owned the planes; the Navy had to agree to release one), much paperwork and a painstaking process of elimination to find the best survivor, the CAF became the owner of B-29 SN44-62070. That was just the beginning of the task. A CAF maintenance team arrived at China Lake on March 31, 1971. In only nine weeks, with the help of CAF volunteers, they restored all systems and replaced fuel, oil and hydraulic hoses. They restored the controls and installed instruments. They ran the engines, tested propellers and landing gear, and had new window bubbles made. By August 3, 1971, SN44-62070 was ready to fly again. The complete restoration to CAF standards of airworthiness was a long and expensive project involving more than three years of fund-raising and hard work. Late in 1974, the CAF's B-29 was christened "FIFI" and joined the other WWII fighters and bombers to preserve the memories and teach of lessons of mankind's greatest war.Limited Edition, Signed and Numbered Prints, Boeing B-29 Superfortress "FIFI", Licensed by CAF. See more...

CV-22B Osprey "Mojave Maude"

The 412th Test Wing plans, conducts, analyzes, and reports on all flight and ground testing of aircraft, weapons systems, software and components as well as modeling and simulation for the USAF. There are three core components for this mission: flying operations, maintenance, and engineering. CV-22, BuNo 165839, Serial Number 90025, "Mojave Maude" was originally delivered to the United States Marine Corps as an MV-22B. The CV-22B is powered by a pair of 6,200-horsepower Rolls Royce-Allison AE1107C turboshaft engines. It was converted to a CV-22B test article. The aircraft was assigned to the 18th Flight Test Squadron, Detachment1. The conclusion of the CV-22 flight test program occurred in September, 2007. Limited Edition, Signed and Numbered prints are available directly from the Artist. See more...

AH-6J Little Bird

The MH-6 Little Bird, and its attack variant, the AH-6, are single-engine light helicopters used for special operations aviation in the United States Army. Originally based on a modified OH-6A, it was later based on the MD 500E, with a single five-bladed main rotor. This agile, unarmed helicopter is outfitted with outboard "benches" designed to ferry up to three commandos on each side. There is also an attack variant, the AH-6. Painted black for nighttime operations, this small aircraft can conduct rapid insertions and extractions of special operations forces into areas its larger brother, the MH-60 Black Hawk, cannot. The AH/MH-6J is an improved Special Forces transport and attack versions. Updated light attack helicopter based on the MD 530MG and equipped with an improved engine, FLIR, and a GPS/inertial navigation system. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is a special operations unit of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for general purpose forces and Special Operations Forces. Its missions have included attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice. The 160th SOAR is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 160th SOAR (A) is also known as the Night Stalkers and their motto is Night Stalkers Don't Quit.The unit was officially established on 16 October 1981, when it was designated as the 160th Aviation Battalion. In 1986, it was re-designated as the 160th Aviation Group (Airborne); in May 1990, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). The 160th SOAR(A) consist of a Headquarters located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Ft. Campbell as well. The 3rd Battalion is located at Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia and the 4th Battalion is located at Fort Lewis, Washington.The 160th first saw combat during 1983's Operation Urgent Fury, the U.S. invasion of Grenada. In 1987 and 1988, its pilots took part in Operation Earnest Will, the protection of re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers in the Persian Gulf during the Iran/Iraq War. In June 1988, the unit executed Operation Mount Hope III. The Night Stalkers spearheaded Operation Just Cause, the 1989 invasion of Panama, and they were also used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In October 1993 in Somalia, Night Stalkers became involved in the Battle of Mogadishu, which later became the subject of the book Black Hawk Down. The Night Stalkers have been called upon for numerous missions throughout the first decade of the 21st Century. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See more...

Lockheed EC-121H "Super Constellation"

At 1:25AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 11, 1966, EC-121H Serial Number 55-5262, Homey 64, crashed and was destroyed 125 miles east of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. All 19 crew members aboard the aircraft perished. The aircraft and its crew were assigned to the 961st Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Squadron, 551st AEW&C Wing and were participating in an active air defense mission over the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft commander for the flight (Major Robert A. Baird/961st AEW&C Squadron) briefed the crew and completed a normal pre-flight clearance form for the mission. At 1:25AM EST, the 35th Air Division Radar Input Counter Measure Officer lost all contact with Homey 64. The New Bedford fishing boat "Stephen R." reported seeing the aircraft flying low in fog and rain squalls. The aircraft banked steeply to the right, and plunged into the water, nose up, with a fiery explosion. They reported the engines backfiring and emitting smoke. None of the crew members were ever recovered. The deceased crew members include: Major Robert A. Baird/Aircraft Commander, 1Lt Larry D. Rucker/Pilot, 1Lt Richard K. Hoppe/Navigator, 1Lt Edward W. Taylor/Navigator, MSgt Armand H. DiBonavnetura/Flight Engineer, MSgt John J. Nerolich/Flight Engineer, MSgt Clarence D. Hendrickson/Radar Operator, MSgt Robert A. Thibodeau/Radar Operator, TSgt Arthur J. Lambert/Radar Supervisor, SSgt Lawrence E. McNeill/Radar Operator, SSgt James R. Pater/Radar Operator, SSgt Robert J. Simmons/Radar Operator, SSgt Robert Sparks/Radar Technician, A1C Joseph F. Adamick, Jr/Automatic Data Processor Technician, A1C James D. Rogers/Radar Technician, A2C David N. Bailey/Navigation Maintenance Technician, A2C Roger P. Kay/Radar Operator, A2C Larry L. Stoner/Radar Operator, and A2C James D. Wilbur/Automatic Data Processor Technician. Limited Edition. Signed and Numbered by the Artist. See more...

Lockheed C-130A Hercules 60528

On the September 2, 1958, Soviet MiG-17 pilots shot down a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance-configured C-130 aircraft over Soviet Armenia; 17 crewmen were aboard. The MiGs attacked the unarmed aircraft after it inadvertently penetrated denied airspace. It crashed near the villageof Sasnashen, 34 miles northwest of Yerevan, the Armenian capital. The C-130 reconnaissance aircraft was readily recognizable as non-lethal. One MiG pilot identified it as a "four-engined transport." The C-130 (Tail #60528) crew members were based at Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany, but were on temporary duty at Incirlik AB, Adana, Turkey. The aircraft carried six flight crew members from the 7406th Support Squadron and two USAF "back-enders" from Det 1 of the 6911th Radio Group Mobile. On this day, the C-130 departed Incirlik on a reconnaissance mission along the Turkish-Armenian border. It was to fly from Adana to Trabzon, Turkey on the Mediterranean coast, turn right and fly to Van, Turkey. From Van, the pilot was to reverse course and "orbit" (fly a race-track pattern) between Van and Trabzon. This course would parallel the Soviet frontier, but the aircraft was not to approach the border closer than 100 miles. The aircraft's crew reported passing over Trabzon at an altitude of 25,500 feet. The crew acknowledged a weather report from Trabzon -- the last word heard from the flight. What happened next is unclear. The C-130 crew may have become disoriented by Soviet navigational beacons in Armenia and Soviet Georgia, which were on frequencies similar to those at Trabzon and Van--one signal in Soviet Georgia was stronger than that in Trabzon. At that time, the Soviets denied downing the aircraft, claiming that the C-130 "fell" on their territory. On September 24, 1958, the Soviets returned six sets of remains, but, when queried, stated they had no information regarding the eleven missing crewmen. On February 6, 1959, seeking to get the Soviets to reveal more details, the United States, in a session at the United Nations, made public a tape recording of the Russian fighter pilots' conversations as they attacked the C-130. The Soviets continued to deny responsibility for the shoot down, and the fate of the remaining crew members remained unknown during the Cold War. A C-130 is now on display in the National Vigilance Park and Aerial Reconnaissance Memorial dedicated to the airman and their families. The ceremony took place on September 2, 1997. See more...

Republic F-105G "Thunderchief" Wild Weasel

On 29 September 1972, F-105G tail number 63-8302 was operating as a SAM suppressor for a strike near Hanoi. The aircraft was locked up by an SA-2 missile radar at Phuc Yen and shortly afterwards was struck by an SA-2. The aircraft caught fire and within minutes the crew was forced to eject about 23 miles west of Hanoi. Both crewmen had good chutes..., but SAR efforts were turned back due to weather and MiG fighters in the area. The two crewmen were Lt Col James W. O'Neil (Pilot) of Los Angeles, California, and Captain Michael J. Bosiljevac (EWO) of Omaha, Nebraska. Radio Hanoi announced that both crewmen were captured alive, but only Lt Col O'Neil returned with the other POWs; Hanoi denied knowledge of Captain Bosiljevac and he was continued as Missing in Action. Lt Col O’Neil was released during Operation Homecoming, but Captain Bosiljevac remained captive. He died in captivity. On September 24, 1987 Major Bosiljevac’s remains were returned to the U.S. Government by Hanoi, with positive identification announced on 3 February 1988. See more...

Northrop T-38C Talon "White Rocket"

The 12th Flying Training Wing (12 FTW) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), and formerly of the now inactivated Nineteenth Air Force. It is stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The 12 FTW is the only unit in the Air Force conducting both pilot instructor training and combat systems officer training. The mission of the 12 FTW is to provide instructor pilot training in the Raytheon-Beech T-6A Texan II, the Northrop T-38 Talon and the Beech T-1A Jayhawk jet trainers. The Northrop T-38 Talon is a two-seat, twin-engine supersonic jet trainer. It was the world's first supersonic trainer and is also the most produced. The T-38 remains in service as of 2012 in air forces throughout the world. The T-38 has been in service for over 50 years with the USAF. The T-38C is used to prepare pilots for aircraft such as the F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle, as well as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, A-10 Thunderbolt, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The AETC received T-38Cs in 2001 as part of the Avionics Upgrade Program. The T-38Cs owned by the AETC have undergone propulsion modernization which replaces major engine components to enhance reliability and maintainability, and an engine inlet/injector modification to increase available takeoff thrust. The upgrades and modifications, with the Pacer Classic program, should extend the service life of T-38s past 2020. See more...

Lockheed C-141B Startlifter "Golden Bear"

The Golden Bear, C-141A Starlifter, 63-8088 was the first delivery to an operational unit, made on 23 April 1965 to the 44th Air Transport Squadron, 1501st Air Transport Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California. Since the late 1960s the "Golden Bear" flew in almost every major military contingency and humanitarian operation in which Travis AFB participated. The operations included military flights to Southwest Asia, Panama, Honduras, and Grenada and the airlift of relief victims of natural disasters in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Mexico City. In 1973 it brought home 566 military and 25 civilian prisoners of war from North Vietnam. The GOLDEN BEAR was the first C-141A from Travis AFB to fly into Saigon, initiating a mammoth shuttle service between Travis and Vietnam that lasted several years. When the original Starlifter model, designated C-141A, entered service in 1965, it could carry 154 passengers, 123 paratroopers or 80 litters for wounded with seating for 16. It was soon discovered that the aircraft's volume capacity was relatively low in comparison to its lifting capacity; it generally ran out of physical space before it hit its weight limit. To correct the perceived deficiencies of the original model and utilize the C-141 to the fullest of its capabilities, the entire fleet of 270 in-service C-141As were stretched, adding needed payload volume. These modified aircraft were designated C-141B. Golden Bear returned to Marietta, Georgia in 1980 to be modified. It was estimated that this stretching program was equivalent to buying 90 new aircraft, in terms of increased capacity. The aircraft remained in service for over 40 years until the USAF withdrew the last C-141s from service in 2006. The Travis Air Museum and Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum Education Foundation, with support from the 60th Air Mobility Wing Civil Engineers, restored this historic aircraft in 2005. The aircraft, now the best preserved C-141 in the Air Force as well as the most historic, rests next to the Oath of Enlistment wall at the intersection of Burgan Boulevard and Travis Avenue below the old hospital. Signed and Numbered prints are available directly from the Artist. See more...