D-Day 70th Anniversary Special: Warbird Trainers and artillery spotters

[r32]

I had the unique opportunity to attend the World War II Weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (based in Reading, Pennsylvania). Being close to the 70th anniversary of D-Day, it was a significant weekend of remembrance. These shots were made with a Canon 5D, and a Canon 6D. Lenses used were 17-40mm, 24-105mm, 70-200mm, and 100-400mm. Due to my obsession with ensuring propeller blur, I shot mostly in Tv mode with a shutter speed ranging from 1/200th to 1/125th second. In some of the flying shots, it is quite difficult to get a sharp shot with that low shutter speed at longer telephoto ranges. Nevertheless, here are some pictures. Look out for my other pictures of fighter planes and bombers as well:

Lineup of Aeronca Super Champs

In colours of the North Africa Campaign

This is not a sight that Axis troops wanted to see - for artillery bombardment would soon follow

The T-6/SNJ-4 Texan was an ubiquitous advanced trainer for pilots going to war

It could, and was armed, and provided gunnery and bombing training

 

[r32]

Relatively easy handling characteristics and cheaper operating costs made it popular and ensured that a good number survived the post-war scrapping drive

Highly modified examples are also used for the Reno Air Races, but the ones on this weekend are all beautifully restored

The weekend pilots show they have the skills to stack it in close

Four of the five T-6 made repeated passes down the showline, changing their formation each time.

The fifth plane executed a solo aerobatic display that belied the age of the airframe (it has long reached its CPF withdrawal age!)

 

[r32]

For a few hundred dollars, you can buy yourself a backseat ride in one of these planes for a once in a lifetime experience

 

[CCx9]

Fantastic shots!!!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[coolhand57]

Very nice.

 

[mageditor]

Great shots. But I prefer the fighters and bombers better. BTW where did this took place? France or USA?