P-38 Lightnings on Carrier Deck
Lockheed P-38 Lightnings and North American P-51 Mustangs are transported aboard a US Navy escort carrier enroute to Europe during WWII. While neither of these types were capable of operating from a carrier, they were commonly disassembled and loaded onto lighter escort carriers for long-distance transport. Wings, propellers, and control surfaces were removed and engines and canopies were covered for protection from the elements during the transport.

Topics Related To: AVIATION HISTORY
Piper Cub Catapult Takeoff
An industrious aircraft salesman develops a system of elastic bands to launch his Piper Cub from small clearings, enabling operation from his backyard.
Pan Am Helicopter Transfer
A ramp view of passengers transferring between an airliner and a helicopter for quick and easy access to Manhattan.
Airport Design: The Tangential Runway Concept
A novel airport design concept emerged in the 1940s, promising speed and efficiency, but ultimately failed to overcome regulatory and operational realities.





