Walt’s Aircraft Picks

Northrop Grumman B-2 bomber, dropping conventional weapons.

The B-2A Spirit is now routinely armed with 16 precision guided bombs that use a combination of inertial navigation and GPS inputs to insure accuracy. In one stealthy pass, the B-2A can take out 16 different targets.

Emsco B-2 Clasina Madge

Here is another B-2-in this case the Emsco B-2 Clasina Madge. If fate had been a little kinder, the depression a little less severe, and E. M. Smith better with his tax payments, Emsco might have been a big builder during World War II.

McDonnell XP-67 "Moonbat"

This is McDonnell’s first attempt at a fighter, the wicked looking blended wing and body XP-67 “Moonbat.” The engines proved to be difficult, and the aircraft did not receive a production contract, but it positioned McDonnell as a serious manufacturer worthy of a production contract for the Navy’s first jet fighter, the McDonnell Phantom.

Boeing P-12

Here is a work-a-day Boeing P-12, being refueled by a Richland fuel truck. No gaudy paint job, just honest old olive drab, and it looks great. This great vintage photo was made at Muroc on 13 March 1939 while Muroc was a gunnery range.