Cessna 140 Cockpit

XP-82 North American Twin Mustang

1 of only 4 prototype aircraft built. The X stood for experimental and the P for pursuit. Initially it was believed the pursuit aircraft would only be needed to counter enemy bombers. Immediately following World War II the P was changed to F for fighter.

The twin Mustang was developed for extreme long range missions during world War II. Adding a second pilot was intended to help with fatigue.

XP-82

The production Twin Mustang (F-82) entered service too late for World War II but was very successful in Korea as a night fighter. A radar equipped F-82 scored the first aerial victory of that conflict.

Gunports on XP-82

Six .50 caliber machine guns were housed in the center wing section. In addition a gun pack could be fitted underneath containing up to eight more guns.

XP-82

In 1947 a F-82 flew nonstop from Hawaii to New York to demonstrate the aircraft's endurance.

XP-82

A total of 275 F-82s were produced. Advancements made in jet technology from the closing years of World War II into the Korean War spelled the end for piston powered combat planes.

XP-82

Fairey Firefly AS. MK 6

This particular aircraft first appeared at Oshkosh in 2002 after a lengthy restoration.. Following a crash in 2012 it was again restored and returned to Oshkosh in 2019

Firefly

Developed for the Royal Navy the Firefly served various roles: fighter, trainer, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine. This is the anti-submarine version.

Firefly

The rear cockpit was initially used for a navigator-observer. Piloting and navigating could be overwhelming for one person, particularly over the open sea. Adding a second dedicated crew member helped tremendously.

Firefly

The radar scope can be seen here in the rear cockpit.

Firefly

Wing mounted 20mm cannon.

Firefly

Wings in the folded position. All carrier borne aircraft have some provision for retracting the wings in order to maximize space and the number of aircraft that can be carried.

Firefly

The engine was a Rolls Royce Griffon producing 2,100 hp. Despite the powerful engine the aircraft remained large and heavy, thereby hindering performance.

Firefly

Firefly

Supermarine Spitfire

Spitfire cockpit

Spitfire

Spitfire

Hawker Sea Fury

Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk