OH-1 Ninja – Warbird Wednesday Episode #216
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the Kawasaki OH-1 (nickname: “Ninja”). This is a military scout/observation helicopter developed and manufactured by the Kawasaki Aerospace Company. The primary operator is the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), who originally procured the OH-1 as a domestically produced successor to their existing OH-6D […]
Eurocopter Tiger – Warbird Wednesday Episode #215
The Eurocopter Tiger is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It is manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter), which arose from the merger of Aérospatiale’s and DASA’s respective helicopter divisions. Airbus Helicopters designates it as the EC665. In France and Spain, the Tiger is known as the Tigre (which is […]
Changhe Z-10 – Warbird Wednesday Episode #214
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the Changhe Z-10 (Chinese:”helicopter-10″) a Chinese medium attack helicopter developed for the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force. It is designed primarily for anti-tank warfare missions but has secondary air-to-air combat capability as well. Initiated by chief designer Wu Ximing, the project had early […]
Mil Mi-28 – Warbird Wednesday Episode #212
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the Mi 28. This helicopter evolved from the Mi 24, straddling both transport and combat roles, but later became a dedicated attack helicopter. Development of the Mi 28 faced challenges, including competition from the Ka 50, resulting in a slow build rate and […]
Bu 181 Panzerjäger – Warbird Wednesday Episode #211
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the Bu 181 Panzerjäger. Also known as the Bestmann, it was primarily used as a liaison aircraft but later repurposed for combat as a “Panzer Jäger” or tank hunter. With a top speed of 134 MPH, it was an aircraft that could fly […]
Ah-56 Cheyenne – Warbird Wednesday Episode #209
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the AH-56 Cheyenne attack helicopter and its advanced engineering, highlighting its innovative propulsion system and rigid rotor design. This aircraft was developed in response to the Army’s need for a dedicated attack helicopter during the Vietnam War era. Despite its advanced features, the […]
Mil Mi-24 – Warbird Wednesday Episode #208
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are following up last weeks episode looking at the Mil Mi-24, also known as the “Hind,” a renowned gunship helicopter, with a significant role in international military operations. Originating from the Soviet Union, the Mi-24 has continued production since its introduction in 1972 and boasts an […]
Mil Mi-4 – Warbird Wednesday Episode #207
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today we are diving into our attack helicopters segment starting with the Mil Mi-4, known as the “Hound” by NATO, a Soviet-designed attack helicopter first flown in 1952 and introduced in 1953. The Mi-4 was a significant production model, built from 1951 to 1979, with around 4,000 units […]
P6M Seamaster – Warbird Wednesday Episode #206
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Before we move onto our attack helicopter section, we wanted to visit the Martin P6M Seamaster, an amphibious bomber. This aircraft was designed as a sea-launched bomber in response to the need for atomic weapon delivery systems post-World War II. Initial prototypes faced technical challenges, including engine issues […]
DARPA Liberty Lifter – Warbird Wednesday Episode #205
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re discussing the DARPA project “Liberty Lifter,” focusing on its groundbreaking aspects. The DARPA Liberty Lifter surprisingly aims to fly 100 ft off the ground, carry 90 tons of cargo, and travel 6500 nautical miles. The design of the Liberty Lifter bears resemblance to that of an […]
HU-16 Albatross – Warbird Wednesday Episode #204
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re discussing the HU-16 Albatross in our flying boat series. Introduced in 1949, it served primarily in search and rescue missions and was retired from military service in 1995. Originally designed to land in the open ocean, it had a deep v-hole design and could land in […]
Martin JRM Mars – Warbird Wednesday Episode #203
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re discussing the Martin JRM Mars flying boat. It had its first flight in 1942 and was introduced in 1943. It was not retired from military service until 1956, making it one of the super heavy aircraft with the longest career. The philosophy at the time for […]
H-4 Hercules – Warbird Wednesday Episode #202
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re discussing the H4 Hercules, also known as the Spruce Goose, the largest flying boat ever built with the largest wingspan at the time. The H4 was made using the duramold process, a technique involving compressing wood pulp slurry, primarily Birch, with other elements to create a […]
2024 Gala Honoree – Ralph W. ‘Getch’ Getchell
Ralph W. ‘Getch’ Getchell Colonel Ralph W. ‘Getch’ Getchell is a retired U.S. Air Force officer with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He received his commission and Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Management from the United States Air Force Academy in 1971. Throughout his career, he held various roles, including rescue aircraft commander, […]
2024 Gala Honoree – Douglas M. Rosenstock
Douglas M. Rosenstock Lieutenant Colonel Douglas M. Rosenstock is the Director of the F-35 Academic Training Center at Eglin AFB, Florida, overseeing pilot and maintainer ground training for the F-35 Lightning II. With a state-of-the-art facility, he manages training for over 2,100 U.S. and international students annually. Commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in […]
2024 Gala Honoree – David W. Francis
David W. Francis Lieutenant Colonel David W. Francis, USAF (Ret.), dedicated 42 years to military and government service. A distinguished graduate of the US Air Force Academy, he served as a fighter pilot with over 3,600 hours in the A-10, F-4D/E, F-117A, and T-33 aircraft. Lt Col Francis played a pivotal role in the F-117A […]
2024 Gala Honoree – Joseph A. Salata
Joseph A. Salata Joseph A. Salata is the Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at Flexjet LLC, overseeing 250+ aircraft and 1,200+ personnel. Starting his aviation career with Flight Options in 2000, he later became Vice President of Flight Operations, managing 210 aircraft. After a brief stint at Corporate Wings, Joe returned to Flight Options […]
2024 Gala Honoree – Lee D. Gustin
Lee D. Gustin Lee D. Gustin is a seasoned aviator with over 50 years of flying experience. Currently serving as a Challenger 350 Pilot for Flexjet LLC since May 2021, he embarked on his aviation journey after being commissioned with the Class of 1977 from the United States Air Force Academy. During his military career, […]
2024 Gala Honoree – Alton C. ‘AL’ Whitley
Alton C. ‘AL’ Whitley 2024 Gala honoree Col. Alton C. ‘AL’ Whitley Jr., a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina. He was part of the initial cadre of the F-117 program from 1981 to 1985. In August 1990, he took command of the 37th Fighter Wing and deployed for […]
2024 Gala Honoree – W. Blake Bourland
W. Blake Bourland W. Blake Bourland, a Fort Worth, Texas native, began his military journey at the United States Air Force Academy. Graduating in 1978, he entered the United States Air Force, initially focusing on Aircraft Maintenance Officer training at Chanute AFB, IL. Following a medical grounding, he transitioned to Nellis AFB, Nevada, overseeing Aircraft […]
2024 Gala Honoree – S. Clintone “Q” Hinote
S. Clinton “Q” Hinote Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, USAF (RET), a Three Star General, is an esteemed honoree at the PSAM Gala 2024. Throughout his military career, he piloted various aircraft, including F-16, F-117, A/T-38, and T-37. As the Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, Integration, and Requirements at the Headquarters, United States Air Force, […]
2024 Gala Honoree – Steve Hinton
Steve Hinton Steve Hinton is an accomplished American aviator with a remarkable career in air racing and aviation. From 1979 to 1989, he held the world speed record and secured victory in six Unlimited-class air races, including two national championships. Hinton’s achievements include winning four consecutive Unlimited races in a single year, a feat unmatched […]
Martin PBM Mariner – Warbird Wednesday Episode #201
Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re delving into the history of the Martin PBM Mariner, an amphibious flying boat designed in 1939 and officially introduced in 1940. Throughout World War II, the Mariner served essential roles in anti-submarine search, patrol, and search & rescue missions, equipped with advanced radar and magnetometers. Its […]
Savoia-Marchetti S.55 – Warbird Wednesday Episode #200
Welcome to our 200th episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Savoia-Marchetti S.55. This Italian-designed aircraft had two passenger sections and featured Contra rotating propellers. Introduced in 1926, the S. 55 set 14 world records for speed, altitude, and distance with payload in 1954. Italian air marshal Italo Balbo used 24 S.55s […]
Beriev Be-12 – Warbird Wednesday Episode #199
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are continuing down the river looking at the Beriev Be-12. This Soviet bloc turboprop flying boat (NATO call sign “Mail”) was originally designed for maritime interdiction and anti-submarine roles but later adapted for search and rescue. Introduced in 1960, the Be-12 had a top speed of 330 mph, a […]
Short Sunderland – Warbird Wednesday Episode #198
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Short Sunderland flying boat. The Short Sunderland was a prominent flying boat during World War II, known for its versatility and effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare. The aircraft was first flown in 1937, introduced in 1938, and retired in 1959, with a total of 749 units […]
Kawanishi H8K – Warbird Wednesday Episode #197
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Kawanishi H8K, also known as the Allied code name “Emily.” The Kawanishi H8K, or Emily, was a Japanese flying boat introduced in 1942, retired in 1945, and widely regarded as the best flying boat of World War II. The Emily was known for its versatility, […]
Dornier DO X – Warbird Wednesday Episode #196
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Dornier DO X, an interwar flying boat with (According to Fred) a gorgeous Art Deco design, first flown in 1929 and retired in 1937. With only three units built, this extremely rare aircraft was financed by the German Transport Ministry to circumvent the Treaty of […]
PB2Y Coronado – Warbird Wednesday Episode #195
Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today, we are looking at the Consolidated PB2Y Coronado. The PB2Y Coronado was a flying boat used for transport, patrol, and light attack during World War II. It cost $300,000 in early 1940, three times the cost of the PBY Catalina, limiting production to 217 units. The aircraft had a range […]