This month, we take a look at some classic American military aircraft

Air Classics, Oct 2001 by O'Leary, Michael

Douglas VC-47B-10-DK USAAF sin 43-49210 assigned to MAAG Norway/Headquarters 3rd Air Force. The attractively finished Gooney Bird was photographed at RAF Northolt, England, during August 1964. Delivered to the USAAF in October 1944, the plane later went to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force and carried the tail code EC. By 1988, the aircraft was operating with the Royal Thai Air Force's 603rd Squadron.

North American F-86L-45-NA Sabre USAF sln 53-0575 assigned to the 196th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, California Air National Guard, at Ontario Airport. Photographed on 25 August 1962, and attractively finished with DaGlo trim, the Sabres were replaced with Convair F- 102As.

With R-2800 radials turning over, a flight of Delaware Air National Guard Thunderbolts prepares for a mass takeoff. Subject aircraft is P-47N-25-RE USAAF s/n 44-89430 and it is equipped with underwing pylons and rocket racks. As can be seen, USAAF markings were rather crudely removed and basic ANG markings applied.

Grumman HU-16D Albatross operated by the US Navy and based at NAS Kodiak, Alaska. Photographed at Shemya Air Force Station on 2 December 1966, the search and rescue capabilities of Albatross were much appreciated by the airmen operating in this harsh environment. North American 0-47A assigned to the I I Oth Observation Squadron, Missouri National Guard. The observation craft appears to have been finished in some form of washable camouflage, much of which had worn off.

Attractively finished Curtiss C-46D-15-CU

Commando USAAF sln 44-78055 assigned to the 140th Air Transport Squadron of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard during September 1957.

Republic P-47D-40-RE Thunderbolt USAAF s/n 45-49283 of the New Jersey Air National Guard. Thunderbolts formed an important backbone of many ANG units following the end of World War Two. AC