Air Power The Cold War Aircraft

Ac notesPowered by 6 28-cyl radials (and later 4 turbojets as well), the B-36 flew high and slow. It was not uncommon to stay aloft for 2 days without refuelling.

Ac notesThe virtual cockpit is good and combined with the pop-up Altimeter - Airspeed and Rate of Climb panel makes it a good choice for visual flights.

Ac notesStarting this beast up and watching the Engine indicators - count them! - come to life is fun. Landing it is even more fun!

Ac notesThe successor to the F-86 Sabre, the F-100 was the first combat aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight.

Ac notesThe '102 had a dual-stick control system where the pilot controled the radar with one hand and flew with the other. The Dagger was also unique for a fighter in that it carried missiles internally.

Ac notesS models feature upgraded engines and avionics making them truly all weather fighters and the last production models. The leading edges of the F-104 wings were so sharp the ground crew had to exercise special care not to be cut when working near them!

Ac notesTotal production of the F-86 exceeded that of any fixed-wing fighter at a staggering 9,502.

Ac notes"... all the various marques of Hunter were a delight to fly and much admired by their pilots. Many still fly today in the hands of private owners. Total production was 1,985, 79 types flew with 17 air forces."

Ac notes"The Il-28 was the mainstay of the medium bomber fleets of the Soviet bloc countries for most of the '50s."

Ac notesAs the RAF's first purpose-built night and all-weather interceptor, the Javelin was a large aircraft who's thick delta wing prohibited supersonic flight. First flown in 1951, many variants were produced, the latter ones with afterburning engines.

Ac notesAs the Allies' first operational jet fighter, the Meteor underwent rapid development, especially of its engines. The underpowered 1943 prototype was transformed by a sequence of more powerful engines into an outstanding multi-role aircraft.

Ac notesThe MiG-15 out-turned, out-climbed and had a higher service ceiling than the North American F-86K Sabre. Also - the original NATO reporting name was "Falcon" - it would be interesting to get the story behind changing the name from that of a 'Bird of Prey' to a 'block of wood'!

Ac notesAs Russia's first supersonic fighter, the twin-engined MiG-19 was a truly formidable aircraft for its day.

Ac notes"Its extreme range and ability to carry offensive weapons on up to 8 hard points make it a potent anti-submarine platform."

Ac notesA development of the Lincoln, the more powerful Shackleton served well beyond its intended lifespan in both the maritime recon and AEW roles.

Ac notes"The Su-11 first went into service in 1968 as a replacement for the ageing Su-7 and Su-9 and benefited from its predecessors' extensive combat history in other Warsaw Pact countries. It was designed as an all-weather interceptor and had a phenomenal climb rate, with a service ceiling of 55,000 ft."

Ac notesBeing the fastest prop aircraft in the world and having an extraordinarily long range makes the Tu-142 the ideal choice for a weekend away!

Ac notes"In 1952 the first Tu-16 ( NATO Reporting name 'Badger' ) flew and represented the new generation of Soviet bombers to be produced during the 1950s. Built in large numbers, some 2000 were made before production ended in 1960."

Ac notesThe Valiant dropped the atomic bomb over Maralinga, South Australia in 1956.

Ac notesI spoke to an Australian former Vampire pilot some years back. He told me that the Vampire had several throttle settings which were not used because of vibration. Naturally enough, in accordance with 'Murphy's Law', when flying the circuit the throttle settings you wanted to use corresponded exactly with those vibration zones!

Ac notesDesigned in 1949 as the successor to the Vampire, the Venom's more powerful Ghost engine and its stronger airframe made for a much more effective aircraft.

Ac notesFirst flown in 1952, the 'crescent' wing was a tremendous technical achievement. However, Soviet missile advances soon rendered the Victor's mission obsolete and despite being upgraded to B2 standard in 1959 with its much more powerful engines, the Victor had to be consigned to the low-level role.

Ac notesTo see the mighty Vulcan in action check out the James Bond movie Thunderball. What an utterly fantastic looking aircraft - a flying sculpture!

Ac notesQuite a handful around the circuit this one but heaps of power. The low- slung design reminds me of 1950's American autos.