Okay, you asked for it!
As WWII progressed and new variants of combat airplanes made it into service, a few of the older fighter variants were sometimes kept around for use as proficiency trainers, hacks for running errands, and some were converted into two-seaters for giving morale-boosting rides to ground crew and visiting dignitaries. This is a North American P-51B/C Mustang with the early high-backed fuselage, kept on-hand at its base in England when the new D-models with the 'bubble' canopies arrived, one of which can be seen at right. The mechanics have spruced it up in their spare time and proudly pose for the cameraman. The WW on the tail stands for "War Weary." Not necessarily worn-out in this specific case but none the less replaced by the new D-models. It also has the upgraded British "Malcom hood" blown plexiglass canopy for improved visibility. 1944.
Beautiful photo of two 29th Bomb Group Boeing B-29 Superfortresses either headed to, or returning from, a mission over Japan in early 1945.
Early 1960s shot of the USAF Thunderbirds jet demonstration team assembled on the ramp at their home base, Nellis AFB near Las Vegas. They flew the North American F-100C Super Sabre at the time. A single Lockheed T-33 trainer is at center between two Fairchild C-123 Provider transports.
Delta Convair 880 airliner being "held down" by its pilot during takeoff. Probably no passengers on this flight--you don't horse-around like this with passengers. Black smoke is from water injection for added thrust on takeoff, hence the nickname, "water wagons." c1963.
