After the commercial success of the L-049 Constellation, Lockheed produced a slightly improved version designated L-749. This aircraft attracted the attention of the U.S. Air Force, which bought ten of them for long-range VIP transports and designated them VC-121A. The new transports proved to be very popular and regularly carried high-ranking Generals and Presidents.
The U.S. Army Air Forces issued its first requirement for a jet bomber in 1943. However, it was not until after the war, when German research on high-speed aircraft became available that the design of the B-47 was finalized. The B-47 became the first all jet bomber produced anywhere in the world. Over two thousand Stratojets were built between 1947 and 1957.
Gaillard Aviation Corp. Kevin Kegin From St. Louis, Missouri. Kevin is a Pilot and Mechanic - Commercial (single / multi engine airplane, instrument airplane) and Certified Flight Instructor (single engine airplane). Kevin is also an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization. He has barnstormed biplanes, towed banners and built F-18's for McDonnell Douglas. Kevin has over 10,000 hours, 7000 or so in the AT-6.
This particular T-33 was produced in 1958, and served in the USAF until 1976 when it was sold to Yugoslavia. It was active in the Yugoslav Air Force until 1986 when it was sold into private hands in the US. Fowler's late partner, Randall Hames, purchased the T-33 in 1990 while it was still disassembled and began an extensive 2 1/2 year restoration. The airframe and engine were totally overhauled, and the distinctive USAF Thunderbird paint scheme added.
Warbird Associates Inc. The Douglas A-1 (formerly AD) Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the 1950s and early 1970s. It was a propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a World War I fighter. However, the Skyraider had a remarkably long and successful career and inspired a straight-winged, slow-flying, jet-powered successor, the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog).
