Limited Edition Aviation Gallery

The North American PBJ-1 is the naval variant of the B-25 Mitchell medium bomber. The PBJs arrived in the Pacific theater in February 1943 and operated with the United States Marine Corps. PBJ Squadrons operated from bases in the Philippines, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa in the pacific theater during the last few months of World War II. On these remote Pacific islands, the U.S. Marine aircrews were innovative and had to be resourceful in combat conditions, so they modified their planes themselves! The glass nose originally found on a PBJ was removed for more armament and fitted a new noose con with eight .50 caliber machine guns. As a result, the PBJs could pack a powerful punch.

This PBJ-1J "Devil Dog" wears the proud markings of the Marine Corps VMB-612 squadron from World War II. VMB-612 ship number three completed 22 missions before being lost in combat.

In this image, "Devil Dogs" bomb bay doors are open. She passed in front of a cloud of black smoke from pyrotechnics at Wings over Houston 2018. The dramatic backdrop of "Devil Dog" gives the appearance of operating in wartime conditions. Additionally, this image showcases this aircraft's beautiful paint scheme and markings.

This image was captured at the Wings Over Houston airshow on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

Available only as a Limited Edition. There will be 50 of these images made public for purchase.

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The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is a long-range, supersonic, swept-wing, Heavy Bomber of the United States Air Force. The B-1B is commonly referred to as the "B-one." The first B-1Bs began service in 1986, with almost 100 airframes delivered by 1988. Since then, the B-1B has served in Desert Fox, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The B-1 has been continuously deployed in combat operations over Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001.

On Wednesday, February 10, 2020, a flight of two B-1 B's returned to Nellis Air Force Base after a training sortie over the Nevada test range. Seeing not ONE but TWO B-1s in formation was a fantastic sight as they entered the landing pattern. This was an excellent opportunity to catch this incredible and unique bomber under the Nevada evening light.

One of the challenging elements of photography is to capture one image that tells the story of that unique moment. As a photographer, you must visualize the shot before it happens. Then, as you hatch your plan and work out the various details with a bit of luck and a lot of preparation, sometimes your plan works to perfection. I challenged myself to capture the B-one in flight on final approach with the mountains as the backdrop. I positioned myself at what I believed would be the correct angle and distance. The B-1B had to pass between myself and the Nevada Mountains. I had one chance, One moment, to capture this image.

Capturing a B-1B was one of my primary objectives and highlights of this trip to Red Flag. This B-1B Lancer is from the 37th Bomber Squadron, the "Tigers" based in Ellsworth, South Dakota. The rumors of the B-ones' possible retirement made the capture of this bomber all the more special.

This image was taken during Red Flag 20-1 Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on February 10, 2020.

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A bright blue, clear sky set the US Air Force Thunderbirds scene as they performed the Delta Formation Loop at Wings over Houston in 2019. The Thunderbirds executed this challenging maneuver with military precision, a testament to each pilot's skill and training.

The countless hours and hours of practice and repetition to perform this loop takes months to master. The polished presentation achieved by sheer determination was displayed above Ellington Joint Reserve Base to the delight of this photographer and spectators.

This complicated maneuver takes the total concentration of all six team members working in unison to stay in formation. The placement of each F-16 within Delta is absolutely perfect!

Capturing this image of The Thunderbird Delta Formation loop was a thrill for me. The team's iconic paint scheme against the blue Texas sky was all a photographer could hope for. Watching this maneuver gives a strong feeling that humanity can fulfill any goal or any dream if you work hard and dedicate yourself to it.

This image was taken during Friday’s practice for the Wings Over Houston Airshow on October 18, 2019.

Available only as a Limited Edition. There will be 50 of these images made available.

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The Commemorative Air Force's Douglas C-47 Skytrain" That's All Brother" role in history is legendary. In Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, this C-47 led 800 aircraft and dropped over 13,000 American paratroopers to begin the D-day invasion. On this date, "That's All Brother" was flown by the 438th Troop Carrier Group commander, Lt. Col. John Donalson, and Lieutenant Colonel David Daniel.

Lt. Col. Donalson named this C-47 as a statement that the German occupation of Europe would soon end. "That's All Brother" is a veteran of many vital operations such as "Market Garden," "Repulse," and "Varsity."

Following the war, she returned to the United States and was withdrawn from military service and sold as surplus. After languishing in a boneyard in Wisconsin, She was saved and restored to flying conditions. "That's All Brother" once again made history by crossing the Atlantic Ocean to participate in the 2019 D-Day 75th-anniversary ceremonies.

In 2018" That's All Brother" participated in the Wings Over Houston airshow. The Airshow crowd experienced a reenactment with the sights and sounds from the war-torn skies over Europe from the 1940s.

I'm honored to present a visual representation of "That's All Brother" from her service days to this nation. The pyrotechnics sent thick black smoke into the sky. I captured this historic C-47 as she rumbled past the dramatic dark backdrop.

This image was taken during the Wings Over Houston Airshow on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

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The United States Air Force E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707 commercial jet airliner from the 1970s. Boeing built only 68 E-3 Sentry from 1977-1992, with only 10 'C' models. Since the USAF's E-3 program began in 1977, the radio callsign "Disco Ball" is appropriate to its period.

This revolving "eye in the sky" provides an accurate, real-time Airspace picture. Its mission is to see beyond the horizon in all conditions and into the battlespace and relay real-time information to friendly forces.

Delivered to the USAF on July 23, 1982, this highly specialized aircraft returns to Nellis AFB after a training exercise Red Flag 20-1. Capturing this rare aircraft under the desert's setting sun was a challenge in and of itself. Time was fleeting; the day was nearly done the light was fading. This would be my final opportunity to capture this elusive aircraft. As she approached under the last bit of the evening light, all I could think was, this is it. I waited all afternoon for her return. This bucket list classic did not disappoint.

This image was taken during Red Flag 20-1 Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on February 14, 2020.

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The F-4 Phantom II was built in the 1960s by the McDonnell Douglas aerospace manufacturing corporation. The Phantom is a two-seat, twin-engine, muti-role fighter developed for the United States Navy. Proving to be a versatile design, the F-4 was also ordered by the Air force and Marine Corps respectfully. F-4s operated with 11 other nations as well as the United States. The F-4 developed a reputation as a rugged, technologically advanced, remarkably stable multi-role fighter/bomber. The Phantom would establish itself as the pre-eminent fighter of its time and forge an equally successful combat career.

The Collings Foundation's F-4D Phantom II is the only flightworthy example in North America. Listed on the US civil registry as N749CF, the 1965-built F-4D Phantom II previously flew with the USAF 65-0749. Her paint scheme represents a Phantom II flown by Col. Robin Olds during Operation Bolo in the Vietnam War.

As dawn broke Sunday morning, the weather cleared from Saturday's heavy rain and overcast skies. I began packing equipment and headed towards the Wings Over Houston airshow gates. I noticed a young man standing in the bed of a pickup truck, looking toward the airfield. I asked him, "What's going on"? His face lit up with joy as he pointed toward Ellington Field. He said with a huge smile, "The Collings Foundation is gonna Fly the Phantom!" It is this kind of excitement this aircraft generates with aviation enthusiasts today.

The F-4 taxis onto Ellington Field, ready to take to the skies again. Her massive shape moving straight toward me, was a scene from a 1960s movie. The heat and jet exhaust produced by this beast was tremendous. With both Canopies open, the Mighty Phantom taxis by on her way to runway 35 Left. Capturing this aviation icon was a memorable moment I will not soon forget.

This image was taken before the Wings Over Houston Airshow started on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

Available only as a Limited Edition. There will be 75 of these images made available.

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The Blue Angels Double Farvel, meaning double farewell in French, is a thrilling maneuver to observe. Blue Angel #1, "Boss," and Blue Angel #4, "the slot" position roll inverted simultaneously approximately one nautical mile before entering the airshow box. Blue Angel #2, Left Wing, and Blue Angel #3, Right Wing, remain upright.

No, later than one nautical mile past center point, Blue Angel #1 and Blue Angel #4 simultaneously roll upright into a climb for the break. The break out of the Diamond is as dynamic as the maneuver itself. The coordination and timing to properly execute this maneuver are very complex and layered with details. Nevertheless, this formation provides a clear view of the jet's topside and bottom side with remarkable fluidity.

The Double Farvel is incredible to watch and, according to some pilots, is one of the more difficult maneuvers for the Diamond pilots to perfect. It is a fan favorite and a staple of the squadron's demonstration. True to the Blue Angel mantra to pursue perfection and continually make the presentation its best, The Blue Angel Double Farvel lends an opportunity to witness the pilots' remarkable talents.

The demonstration was no small task on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Blue Angels beach week airshow. With Hurricane Barry's waves and wind building just off Pensacola Beach's shore, the perfect execution of this maneuver was even more of a challenge.

The Blue Angels Diamond formation approached from the west along the shores of Pensacola Beach. Through the camera's viewfinder, I could see the formation closing on my position just east of the Pensacola Pier. You could see the pilots battle the crosswinds coming onshore from The Gulf. I admired the skill of holding a formation like the Double Farvel in the incoming storm's building winds. Boss Doyle and the Diamond did not disappoint.

This image was taken during Blue Angel Pensacola Beach week on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

Available only as a Limited Edition. There will be 75 of these images made available.

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The F-22 Raptor is an all-weather, single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter developed for the United States Air Force. In 1981, the USAF identified a need to replace the F-15C by the mid-1990s. Lockheed Martin designed this 5th generation fighter to be that replacement. The original USAF order was for 750 F-22; however, the program was cut short at just 187 operational airframes.

The Air Force had found a fighter in this "Bird of Prey" that would become a critical figure in the nation's air defense. The aircraft's capabilities were tested and proven during an exercise in Alaska in June 2006. The F-22 achieved a kill ratio of 221-0 in simulated combat from June 2006 through December 2007. Twelve F-22s downed 108 adversaries with zero losses.

In February 2020, I had the opportunity to visit Nellis Air Force Base for Exercise Red Flag 20-1. As the morning of the 10th began, I was eager to start photographing military aviation units as they practiced their skills over the Nevada desert. However, it was not long before the unmistakable sounds of the jet engines filled the air. Nellis was ready to launch; my camera and I were eagerly waiting.

At 9:30 am, a layer of broken cloud cover filtered the natural desert light. I wanted to use the unique qualities of this light in a particular area of the sky. I readied my camera, hoping to capture the Raptor as it transitioned into this area. I attempted a low shutter speed shot to capture the Raptor after take-off. I wanted to give the aircraft motion within the frame as it rocketed past my position. I was most pleased with the result after completing this image's post-processing edits.

This photo of the Weapon School's Raptor departing Nellis for the training range is one of my favorites from the Red Flag trip. I hope you enjoy this image.

This image was taken during Red Flag 20-1 Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on February 10, 2020.

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The United States Air Force demo team, the Thunderbirds, aircraft of choice is the F-16 Fighting Falcon. A compact, multi-role, single-seat fighter developed in the 1970s. It is a powerful yet agile platform that has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack.

For the Low Bomb Burst, The Thunderbirds will approach head-on in front of the crowd. In this maneuver, the five jets used create a dynamic burst effect. The Fighting Falcons enter the airspace in a tight formation. As close as 18" apart, with an approximate airspeed of 500 mph to execute this visually stunning maneuver.

As the aircraft approach center point, anticipation builds as they prepare for the break. Then, finally, the Boss will call, "Smoke on. Ready, Now." This remarkable maneuver resembles a firecracker exploding with the burst of color from The Thunderbirds' red, white, and blue paint scheme.

The opportunity to photograph one of the elite demo teams of the United States never fails to cause excitement. This image was a unique perspective of this maneuver due to my position off the field's centerline. The lighting, combined with the heavy cloud cover, made this an even more significant challenge to show the details of the aircraft and its paint scheme. This image never fails to take me back to this moment. I can hear Boss on my radio calling, "Ready Now."

This image was taken during the 2018 Wings Over Houston on Sunday, October 20, 2019.

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The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, an iconic American aircraft celebrated for its long-range capabilities and versatile role as a fighter and fighter-bomber, has left an enduring legacy in aviation history. Conceived in April 1940, the design of the Mustang was led by James Kindelberger and his team at North American Aviation in response to a request from the British Purchasing Commission. Initially tasked with manufacturing Curtiss P-40 fighters for the Royal Air Force, North American Aviation proposed a groundbreaking shift by advocating the creation of a new, modern, and advanced fighter instead of replicating an existing model. This innovative approach resulted in the birth of the P-51 Mustang, a symbol of excellence and accomplishment in aviation.

The specific P-51 Mustang known as "Gunfighter" was constructed in March 1945 at North American Aviation's California plant and promptly shipped to England. Adorning the colors and markings of the 343 fighter squadron, part of the renowned "Mighty Eighth" Air Force, this aircraft played a crucial role in the European theater. After the cessation of hostilities in Europe, "Gunfighter" returned to the United States. 1947, she served with Air National Guard units in Wyoming, New Mexico, Illinois, and Kentucky before being declared surplus. By 1956, "Gunfighter" found a new home in the civilian market.

P-51 Mustangs hold a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, and "Gunfighter" is no exception. The photograph captures the distinctive features of this sky warrior, showcasing the aircraft's unique characteristics and unmistakable identity as a Mustang. The powerful four-bladed propeller, slicing through the air over New Orleans, adds to the visual spectacle, emphasizing this iconic warbird's enduring beauty and historical significance.

This image of “Gunfighter” was taken during the New Orleans Lakefront Air Expo on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

“American Gunfighter”will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 50 copies made available.

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The F-35A, a variant of the renowned F-35 Lightning II family, is a versatile and cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter jet in the United States Air Force's arsenal. Designed to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the F-35A combines advanced stealth technology, superior sensor capabilities, and a state-of-the-art avionic system. This single-seat, single-engine aircraft boasts remarkable agility and a high situational awareness, providing pilots with a comprehensive view of the battlespace. With its integrated systems and interoperability, the F-35A represents a pinnacle of modern military aviation, ensuring air dominance and mission success in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

In 2019, the United States Air Force announced that the F-35 Demonstration team would perform at air shows. It would be the first time aviation enthusiasts would experience this fifth-generation stealth jet’s capabilities firsthand.

In his tour as a demo pilot, the F-35 Demo Team and Captain Andrew “Dojo” Olson made a practice of leaving crowds stunned with their display of raw power. This Friday in Houston was no different when “Dojo” presented Lightning II for the photo pass and made his own cloud. This time, it was complete with wingtip vortices and a double cone draping his F-35 over Ellington Field.

This image was taken during Friday’s practice for the Wings Over Houston, October 18, 2019.

“Lightin up the Sky” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 25 copies made available.

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In 2018, Wings Over Houston, one of the US premier air shows, was headlined by the world-famous US Navy Blue Angels. This season's Blue Angel's Boss and Number One was Commander Eric Doyle, a native of League City, Texas. He was undoubtedly eager to return to his hometown and state with the team for this weekend's performance.

The six FA-18C Hornets would join up behind the crowd to come into the formation known as “The Delta.” The Blue Angels approached Ellington Field in this formation as they prepared to execute one of their signature maneuvers, the "Delta Roll." The Delta Roll is a graceful synchronized maneuver that perfectly demonstrates the level of skill of the Blue Angel aviators as a whole. The precision flying required to maintain 18" of separation as they roll in perfect harmony is quite something to see. This maneuver displays the Agility of the Legacy Hornets, as each jet maintains perfect placement as they soar above the airfield.

To capture this precise moment as these very talented aviators execute this maneuver was pure magic. The Delta Roll is stunning to observe and difficult to photograph and capture all six jets. It's a joy to share this particular image. It represents your US Navy and Marine Corps at their best.

This image was taken during the Wings Over Houston airshow on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

“Delta Rising” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 50 copies available.

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Charlotte's Chariot II is a North American P-51D Mustang owned by the Southern Heritage Air Foundation. Lt. Col. Cary Salter named his P-51 Mustang "Charlotte's Chariot II" after Charlotte's beloved wife.

This P-51D's current paint scheme is a tribute to Lt. Col. Cary Salter. Cary's aviation career started when he enlisted in Aviation Cadet Training in June 1942. Upon completing his training in October 1944, he received orders to ship to Europe. As a member of the 354th fighter group, He flew over 50 combat missions and is credited with 2.5 aerial victories. Lt. Col. Cary Salter was awarded the Silver Star and the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters for his service to this country.

After photographing Charlotte's Chariot II at the New Orleans World War II Air, Sea & Land Festival in 2018, I was drawn in and wanted to find out as much as possible about this particular P-51D. Some images have a lasting effect. After completing all the post-processing, Charlotte's Chariot II did precisely that. This image is a glimpse into yesteryear.

This image was taken during the New Orleans Lakefront Air Expo on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

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The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a US Navy airborne electronic attack platform. The primary mission of the Growler is to suppress enemy air defense and communications systems. This Aircraft can achieve its mission through both destructive or disruptive means. By neutralizing the enemy’s ability to detect friendly forces, the Growler’s role is integral to a military operation. The Growlers are smart and deadly with their combined electronic attack and strike capability.

Boeing delivered the first production airframe to the US Navy in 2007. The Growler replaced the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The Growler is a variant of the combat-proven F/A-18E/F platform. The Growler operates from either the Navy's carriers or land bases worldwide.

In October 2019, I was thrilled that a Growler would participate in the Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Field. This Growler is assigned to the Fleet Replacement Squadron VAQ-129, known as the “Vikings,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Whidbey Island is the proud home of the Electronic Attack Program for the US Navy.

As the Growler took to the skies over Ellington Field, I eagerly anticipated its performance. This would be my first experience with a Growler’s demonstration at an airshow. As the E/A-18G rounded the spectator area, the aircraft whipped into a 70-degree banked turn around the crowd. With the Growler’s first pass of its demonstration, the Viking flight crew made clear this is an impressive aircraft. The Growler demonstrates this banking high-speed pass in this image, blanketing the wings with a vapor shroud.

This image was taken during Wings Over Houston on Sunday, October 19, 2019.

“Viking Invasion” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition with only 25 copies made available.

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The Lone Star Flight Museum’s Chance Vought F4U-5N Corsair “Annie-Mo” is a night fighter version of this timeless warbird. The Chance Vought Aircraft Corporation contracted with the US Navy to design a single prototype fighter aircraft in June 1938. Vought engineers selected the new 2,000-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R2800 engine for the project that would become the Corsair. When designing the airframe around this powerful radial engine with a 14-foot diameter propeller, careful considerations were made to ensure safe ground clearance met for carrier landing requirements. The final design gave the Corsair its distinctive inverted gull-wing shape. The landing gear was positioned at the lowest point on the wing to make it more compact and robust. The Corsair would become the first American fighter to exceed 400 mph and served extensively with the US Navy and Marines during WWII and the Korean War. The Corsair became known as “Whistling Death” and was the first piston engine aircraft to down a MiG-15 in air-to-air combat. The reliability of this aircraft was legendary and beloved by such pilots who flew her. The Corsair made its maiden flight on 29 May 1940 and was in production until December 1952. It is arguably among the US Navy's and Marine Corps’ finest fighters.

The Lone Star Museum in Houston, Texas, provides a perfect backdrop for this star of aviation history. Photographing this particular Corsair was challenging due to its lighting and surroundings. This image of “Annie-Mo” presents everything you expect a strong and gritty Corsair to be. The shadowing and reflections add to the mystic of this beautifully kept warbird. I am very pleased to share this star of the museum with you. It was a joy to capture this absolute legend in aviation history that is still airworthy. If you have the chance to see her fly, you should not miss it.

“The Night Fighters Lair” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 25 copies made available.

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Home for the Blue Angels is Forrest Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, Florida. In July 2019, the Pensacola Beach Week Airshow provided the Team a chance to perform for their hometown. For the Blue Angel faithful, this annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast to view their favorite team is a must. Inside the squadron ranks, Beach Week is highly anticipated within their season. For this event, thousands pack the beaches and the waterways around Pensacola. Hurricane Barry had other plans!

On this day, as practice time neared, Barry's outer bands threatened Pensacola Beach. It was questionable if the Blues would be able to proceed with the practice due to the 17-plus knot winds. As the practice began, a brief rain shower soaked the crowd, but it did not drive the die-hard fans away. As the Team battled through inclement weather, the skies began to clear. With the Blues driving away Barry, clearer skies and high humidity were left behind. The yield was some spectacular jet vapor.

The team started the Barrel Roll break over the Gulf of Mexico’s churning waters. After the diamond completed a flawless loop, Boss Doyle led the team down the shoreline to the Airshow center. I steadied myself, took a deep breath, and got ready for the big moment: The break. I chose one target as all four jets departed the diamond in multiple directions. In this image, Blue Angel #3, LT James Cox, Left-Wing, executes a hard break as he departs the diamond formation.

This image was taken during Blue Angel Pensacola Beach week on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

“Vapor Break out” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition. , with only 60 copies made available.

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The Supermarine Spitfire is a legend in the aviation community. This iconic fighter has a firm grip on its place in history as it fought in every theater from Europe to the Pacific. The Spitfire was the only British fighter manufactured before 1939 and was still in production after 1945.

The Texas Flying Legends Museum in Houston, Texas, owns this particular Spitfire, an LF Mk.IXc with the serial number MK959. This combat veteran originally served with the Royal Air Force’s 302 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. The aircraft continued its service with the 302 Squadron until May 1944, then was transferred to the 329 Squadron. This squadron was piloted by French personnel from a former French Air Force until this unit was absorbed into the RAF.

The LF Mk.IXc, MK959, made its first sortie with the new unit over the Normandy beachheads on June 17, 1944. On August 30, 1944, MK959 left 329 Squadron for 165 Squadron and continued to fly missions over Europe until the end of World War II. Today, she wears the same codes (5A-K) and invasion stripes she flew with during her time with the 329 Squadron.

In the 2016 Wings over Houston Airshow, I had the chance to capture a Spitfire in flight, and it did not disappoint. MK959 started the airshow in a formation of classic warbirds, in a spectator sight. Her pilot banked out of formation and pointed the nose toward Ellington field. Her Rolls-Royce Merlin engine hurled MK959 down to mere feet above the runway as she continued down the entire runway. This pass was a testament to both the Spitfire and the pilot. The Spitfire was only a few feet above the runway, “Hauling the mail, “ as they say. The Spitfire is an aviation legend, and this photograph captures that well.

This image was taken during the Wings Over Houston airshow on Sunday, October 22, 2016.

“Merlin Magic” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 75 copies made available.

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This Boeing B-17G wears the colors and markings of the U.S. Army Air Corps 8th Air Force, 1st Air Division, 533rd Bombardment Squadron, and The 381st Bombardment Group. “Texas Raiders” is one of today's most historically accurate airworthy Flying Fortresses. “Texas Raiders” is one of only eight B-17s flying today. She pays tribute to all who served in this graceful yet powerful warbird.

The story of the B-17 development is much like that of America itself. Throughout its service life, it constantly adapted and evolved into the true legend it is. It is one of the most potent symbols of American airpower in military history.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined heavy bomber developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps in the 1930s. A Seattle Times reporter in July 1935, Richard Williams, described the B-17 as a "15 Ton Flying Fortress." Boeing recognized the genius of the name “Flying Fortress,” from then on, the name stuck and would become the aircraft's identity.

The B-17 served extensively in both the Pacific and European theaters. However, in Europe, the B-17 would take its place in history and become a legend in aviation. The Fortress was one of the mainstays of a combined Allied bomber offensive in Europe. The B-17 could carry an impressive bomb load of up to 8,000 lb with a range of 2,800 miles. The range of the B-17s would allow bombing missions deep into the enemy's heartland. With its substantial defensive armament, large numbers of B-17s would fly V-shape formations, and this would provide some protection from attacking German Fighters.

Heavy losses experienced by the U.S. Bomber crews made their mission one of the most dangerous of the war. The Fortress developed a reputation for toughness and reliability. Many flight crews successfully returned to base with battered B-17s. The Fortress dropped ⅓ of the total amount of bombs in Europe. Of the approximately 1.5 million tons of bombs dropped in Europe, the B-17 dropped 640,000 tons.

On Oct 10, 2018, ”Texas Raiders” visited the New Orleans lakefront airport as part of the Air, Land, and Sea Expo. This Fortress took to the skies over the Lakefront, giving the crowd a good look at a flying legend, the B-17. In this Image, “Texas Raiders” makes a thunderous pass with bomb bay doors open for the crowd.

This image was taken during the New Orleans Lakefront Air Expo on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

“Don't Mess with Texas Raiders” will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 50 copies available.

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Air travel in the 1930s was both costly and hazardous for the average person. In 1935, the Douglas Aircraft Company's DC-3 set out to design and develop perhaps the most innovative commercial airliner design in aviation history. The goal was to create an aircraft that would allow for safer, more comfortable, and efficient air travel for a growing consumer. Douglas DC-3's design would change passengers' expectations and set a new industry standard for cost, convenience, and destination availability. It pioneered many air travel routes across the US, offering transcontinental service in 18 hours for an average ticket price of $300. The DC-3's aerodynamic design allowed for better fuel efficiency and longer-range flights for up to 21 to 32 passengers. It was one of the first airliners that could profitably carry passengers, which ushered in a new travel era.

This Douglas design included pioneering features such as retractable flaps that allowed for slower landing speeds and shorter take-offs, allowing the aircraft to use shorter airstrips. This aircraft's groundbreaking innovations are still around today's aircraft designs.

The Lone Star Flight Museum's DC-3 rolled off the Douglas assembly line in 1940. This DC-3 served with American Airlines and Trans-Texas Airways. Trans-Texas Airways would later acquire Continental Airlines. When Gordon Bethune, CEO of Continental Airlines, was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004, Continental Airlines donated this aircraft to the Lone Star Flight Museum.

Lone Star Flight Museum's hanger sets the stage for this image with just the right amount of light and contrasting shadows coupled with aviation-themed backdrops. The DC-3's bare aluminum skin and classic paint scheme transport visitors back to the 1930s. The hangar lights glisten off this aircraft's classic lines. The Lone Star Museum provides a beautiful home for this icon. This DC-3 beckons you to visit.

Continental First DC-3 Mark lI will be available exclusively as a Limited Edition, with only 50 copies made available.

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