Grumman J2F Duck
The Grumman J2F had its origins in the earlier Grumman JF, which had been put forward as one of the first aircraft in the new “utility” type designation. Based on a design by the engineer […]
Year: 2016
The Fall of Rabaul
As the invasions of the Philippines and Malaya were proceeding according to schedule, the Japanese began the second phase of their offensive – this time, taking Allied positions to the east. Amongst the most important […]
The Fall of Singapore: The Net Closes
As British and Commonwealth troops headed for Singapore, the Japanese air forces moved to complete the besiegement of the city. Several convoys of transports were engaged in either bringing fresh troops and supplies to the […]
Hawker Hurricane
The Hawker Hurricane attained legendary status thanks to its exploits during the Battle of Britain, during which it actually shot down more German aircraft than the vaunted Spitfire. However, by the time the Pacific War […]
Malaya, Singapore, and the Battle of Endau
Whilst the battle for Muar raged, the Japanese continued to pound Singapore into submission and make preparations for further advancing south through Malaya. Large air raids were an almost daily occurrence, with the British and […]
In Defence of Singapore
As the British consolidated their air forces on the airfields of Singapore, they took stock of their remaining planes. The fighters of 243 Squadron and 488 (RNZAF) Squadron were in reasonable shape, having been spared […]
Watanabe E9W Type 96 “Slim”
Japan had followed several other navies in attempting to develop small seaplanes to be carried on and launched by submarines. It was hoped that aircraft of this type could extend the scouting range of submarines, […]
Yokosuka E6Y Type 91
The Japanese had observed with interest attempts in the west to create submarine-launched aircraft. The Japanese Navy had a particular interest in developing this capability in order to extend the reconnaissance capability of their submarines […]
Japanese Shisaku Seizo Designations
From 1931, new experimental aircraft under consideration to fulfil the needs of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service were given a shisaku seizo (trial manufacture) designation. This was combined with the current era year (i.e. […]
CAC Wirraway
The CAC Wirraway was a license-built version of the North America NA-16/AT-6 Texan advanced training aircraft. A commission had been sent from Australia to the United States in order to select an aircraft that could […]