Flight Journal Magazine - May - June 2023

In this issue

Rise of the Phantom, Dams Raid, Mustangs over Normandy, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Editorial, Classics: “America” Flies Again - Restoring the Curtiss Seaplane, Gallery: Howard DGA GH-2 - The “Big Blue Freeloader” earns its keep, America’s Last Ace

RISE OF THE PHANTOM - Evolution of the Legendary F-4

IT WAS MAY 10, 1972, when four Air Force F-4D Phantoms, using their AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, initiated a head-on engagement with a four-ship formation of MiG-21s. The MiGs had no weapons capable of engaging from a fontal aspect. Oyster Flight was part of a 28-ship F-4D prestrike MiGCAP configured to intercept any Vietnamese People’s Air Force (VPAF) MiGs that might attack the 92-plane strike force that followed. The target was the Paul Doumer Bridge, part of the highway network from China into Hanoi.

10+ mins

"DAMS RAID" - John "Hoppy" Hopgood, heroic "Dambuster"

Eighty years ago this May, Operation Chastise, more commonly known as the \"Dams Raid,\" took its place in military history. Flying at ultra-low-level, at night, a few RAF Lancaster crews successfully breached two major dams, the Möhne and the Eder, in the heart of Germany. The incredible story of the raid, executed by a newly formed RAF squadron flying specially modified Avro Lancaster bombers, is well-known to those with an interest in military aviation, and the extraordinary feat of arms carried out by the \"Dambusters\" has become legendary. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the raid, this is the story of just one of those who did not return, with the details related in the words of one of his crew members who miraculously survived.

10+ mins

"America" Flies Again

Restoring the Curtiss Seaplane

4 mins

MUSTANGS over Normandy

P-51s search and destroy targets of opportunity

10+ mins

AWOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

Major Charles \"Bazooka Charlie\" Carpenter and his gun-toting L-4 Cub

10+ mins

Howard DGA GH-2

The \"Big Blue Freeloader\" earns its keep

10 mins

Read all stories from Flight Journal

Flight Journal Magazine Description:

Flight Journal is like no other aviation magazine in the world, covering the world of flight from its simple beginnings to its high-tech, no-holds- barred future. We put readers in the cockpit and let them live the thrill and adventure of the aviation experience, narrated by those who know the technology and made the history. The spectacular photography – from air-to-air shots to rarely seen archival photos–enhances each and every story. Each issue brings the stories of flight–past, present and future – to life.