Aviation Mechanics and Close-ups

Detailed views of aircraft mechanics, equipment, and maintenance operations, focusing on aircraft servicing and mission markings, from vintage to modern airframes.

North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Panchito, nose section

A close-up view of the mission markings on the nose of a Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533 (VMA(AW)-533) A-6E Intruder aircraft on display at the 1991 Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. The missions were flown during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., embarks on a local training mission June 16, 2022. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance is part of the Air Force Reserve and carries the unique distinction of being the only unit in the Department of Defense to fly into tropical weather events for the purpose of atmospheric data collection.

Mechanics Servicing A-20 Bomber, Langley Field, Virginia, USA, Alfred T. Palmer for Office of War Information, July 1942

A close-up view of Mark 5 bombs and a low altitude navigation targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) pod on an F-15E Eagle aircraft. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Front view of a Northrop Grumman (Fairchild) A-10 Thunderbolt from the American Air Force during Mot & E on the Leeuwarden Air Base.

A left front view of three Air-Launched Cruise Missiles mounted to the pylon of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft from the 416th Bomb Wing. Base: Griffiss Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Panchito, nose section

A view of several C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron parked on the taxiway. The C-130s will be used in support of the combined United States/Honduran training operation "AHUAS TAR" (BIG PINE). Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TAR (BIG PINE) Base: La Mesa Country: Honduras (HND)

A Turkish Air Force C-130E Hercules inserts Turkish paratroopers into the drop zone as part of an international mass jump. Paratroopers from Kazakhstan, the United States and Turkey are descending into Kazakhstan to prepare for the the start of the Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) 2000. The CENTRASBAT 2000 exercise is a multi-national, in the Spirit of Partnership for Peace, peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) and hosted by former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, 11-20 September 2000. Exercise participants include approximately 300 U. S. troops including personnel from US CENTCOM, from the US .... Complete Scene Caption: A Turkish Air Force C-130E Hercules inserts Turkish paratroopers into the drop zone as part of an international mass jump. Paratroopers from Kazakhstan, the United States and Turkey are descending into Kazakhstan to prepare for the the start of the Central Asian Peacekeeping

A 23rd Wing A-10C Thunderbolt II sits loaded with four Miniature Air-Launched Decoy craft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Nov. 4, 2022. The MALDs were designed to negate enemy air defense systems and enable previously vulnerable aircraft to operate in heavily contested operating environments.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor Hudson, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, March 31, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

The Royal Air Force in Britain, June 1943 A De Havilland Mosquito IIF DD739/RX-X of No. 456 Squadron RAAF, flying from Middle Wallop, in flight. The censor has scratched out the wing-tip antennae of the Airborne-Interceptor radar.

A member of the 91st Aircraft Maintenance Unit (91st AMU) inspects a 91st Tactical Fighter Squadron (91st TFS) A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft following an exercise. Squadron personnel have deployed to Zaragoza for practice in aerial bombing, gunnery and maintenance operations. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP)

DA-SC-86-10997. Base: Saint Mere-Eglise Country: France (FRA)

A P-51 Mustang and a C-130J sit in the newly renovated McKinley Climatic Laboratory, one of Eglin's most famous landmarks. A P-51 Mustang was the first aircraft to be tested when the chamber opened initially in 1947 and the C-130J will be the first aircraft tested in the new facility. After three year and seventy five million dollars the facility, which is capable of temperatures ranging from minus 85 degrees Fahrenheit to plus 165 degrees Fahrenheit, reopened on June 3, 1997. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

After a crash landing a 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130E at Biebelstadt Army Airfield, Germany, recovery team personnel place wing supports under the right wing. Buffeted by high winds on final approach the landing gear collapsed and the number one engine caught fire on touchdown. The propeller disintegrated, three crewmembers were injured, there were no fatalities. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Three Lockheed P-38 Lightnings in flight near Chino, California

German Heinkel He 111 bombers under attack from Royal Air Force Spitfires.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, the 149th Fighter Wing invited civilian pilot James Bohanon to fly his P-51 Mustang alongside the Gunfighters F-16s at Joint-Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas on Sept 10th, 2022. This historic aircraft was not only the 2nd model of aircraft to be flown by the 149th FW, but it was also flown by Chuck Yeager in WWII, the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound. (Air National Guard photo by SrA Kaliea Green)

Side view of Spitfire PR Mk XI PA944 of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group,14th Recon Squadron at RAF Mount Farm.

Front view of an A-10A Thunderbolt II of the U.S. Air Force, Geilenkirchen, Germany.

030810-F-6701P-003. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, sits on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. With almost 600 F-35s expected to be in service across more than 10 countries in Europe by the 2030s, the air combat capability and interoperability will significantly increase across the theater. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)

DF-ST-85-03579. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Country: Egypt (EGY)

CPT John Denu conducts a preflight inspection of his F-4E Phantom II aircraft during Reforger-Coronet Musket. CPT Denu is assigned to the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Seymour Air Force Base, N.C. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGERCORONET MUSKET Base: Karup Air Base Country: Denmark (DNK)

In the foreground a nose section of a C-130 Hercules from the 41st Airlift Squadron, Pope AFB, North Carolina shares ramp space with a USAF C-5 Galaxy from the 436th Air Wing, Dover AFB, Denver on the crowded Moi International Airport. The aircraft are part of the United States contingent providing humanitarian relief to Rawanda and Uganda. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

A right side view of an Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) C-2A Greyhound aircraft comes to a stop after landing on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

USA, Arkansas, Little Rock Air Force Base, B-25 Mitchell of Doolittles Raiders

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard (ANG), lands and takes off from a highway during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during Northern Agility-1 22 in Alger County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Mich., June 29, 2022. The Northern Agility exercise series exemplifies the MI ANGs progressive vision for fighter forward arming and refueling training that will land aircraft in an austere landing zone, continuing to champion ACE and adaptive basing concepts for the U.S. Air Force. ACE not only requires novel equipment, but also innovative Airmen that can support the Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) concept.

Flyer in the cockpit of a Dassault Mirage 5BA of the Belgian Air Force at the Witmundhafen airbase, West Germany.

France, Normandy, D-Day Beaches Area, Sainte Mere Eglise, Musee Airborne, Airborne Museum, D-day invasion by Utah Beach, diorama of US paratroopers and C-47 Dakota transport aircraft.

The boom pod of a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft, assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, sticks out the back of the aircraft at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia on Nov. 25, 2010.

U.S. Navy Mariner in flight. 1944. No location.

A ground crew chief marshals an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft into a parking position during Exercise Brim Frost '81. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '81 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules expels water during a capabilities demonstration over Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 23, 2012, as part of an annual Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System II certification exercise. The U.S. Forest Service-led training, hosted by the 302nd Airlift Wing, certified aerial firefighting C-130 crews to perform the MAFFS mission. The 302nd AW is the only Air Force Reserve unit with MAFFS capabilities.

An A-10C of the Air Force Reserves breaking away.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing is serviced by members of the ground crew during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Travis Field, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S.Army Inschrift auf Hubschrauber. Das Symbol der US Air Force. U.S.Army inscription on helicopter. The symbol of the US Air Force. LicenseRF Copyright: xZoonar.com/MilanxVasicekx 12866761

Display at The National WWII Museum New Orleans Louisiana

Army marking on the side of helicopter

DF-ST-90-00619. Base: Raf Alconbury Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

040306-F-3208M-025. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Croatian Air Force aerial demonstration team Krila Oluje performs aerial maneuvers over a 310th Special Operations Squadron U-28A Draco Aircraft at 93rd Air Base Zemunik, Croatia during Exercise Trojan Footprint 22 May 10, 2022. Trojan Footprint is the premier Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

110531-N-DR144-619PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2011) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 flies past the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an air power demonstration. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Left front view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in use during the joint South Korea/US Exercise Team Spirit '84. Subject Operation/Series: Team Spirit '84 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron pilot checks his OA-37 Dragonfly aircraft before flying a mission during Exercise Team Spirit '85. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: South Korea

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, conducts pre-flight checks on an MV-22 Osprey during a Transpacific (TRANSPAC) flight in American Samoa, Sept. 16, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

WWII B-25 Mitchell bomber, Madras, Oregon.

Pilot Of Consolidated B-24 Lonesome Polecat, Jr Climbing Into Ship; Copilot Is Ready To Follow.

A right front side medium-range view of an A-10 on the flight line. Exact date shot unknown. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Avro Lancaster heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force bomber command bomb their targets in Nazi occupied Europe

Air force

DF-ST-87-08059. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

B-25 Mitchell bomber at the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

DN-ST-88-00524. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 30, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 21-Aug. 4. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

During an open day a row of viewers behind a Hercules. Further on, F-16s of the KLU and Italian and German aircraft are located.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, the 149th Fighter Wing invited civilian pilot James Bohanon to fly his P-51 Mustang alongside the Gunfighters F-16s at Joint-Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas on Sept 10th, 2022. This historic aircraft was not only the 2nd model of aircraft to be flown by the 149th FW, but it was also flown by Chuck Yeager in WWII, the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound. (Air National Guard photo by SrA Kaliea Green)

020419-F-3488S-009. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 2002 Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

DN-ST-89-01354. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron OV-10 Bronco aircraft takes off on a training mission during tactical air control training. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-00484. Base: Naval Air Station, Moffett Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Detailed view of the famous American heavy bomber, B-17 Flying Fortress.

An air-to-air front view of a C-130H Hercules aircraft of the 139th Tactical Airlift Group, Military Airlift Command. State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Distinguished visitors view F-35B Lightning II during a visit aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli, in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 5, 2022. USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit invited their guests on board in order to showcase the capabilities of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 31st MEUs, F-35Bs. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Replicas of Japanese Kate torpedo planes, made from American AT-6 Texan aircraft, and replicas of Japanese Val Type 99 bomber aircraft fly during a re-enactment of World War II battles. The event is being staged by the Confederate Air Force, a private historical organization that restores and preserves World War II-era aircraft. The re-enactment is part of the Air Force Association's Gathering of Eagles '86, an international aerospace event celebrating the anniversaries of the Strategic Air Command, Tactical Air Command and the independent Air Force Association. Subject Operation/Series: GATHERING OF EAGLES '86 State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force stars and stripes

040612-F-3488S-002. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Wall of Fire detonates behind two U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

030505-N-1539M-001. Base: Punta Gorda State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-09606. Subject Operation/Series: RED STAR Base: Royal Air Force Alconbury Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

US Air Force World war two, P-51D Mustangs of the 4th Fighter Squadron in flight, Italy, 1944

France, Normandy, D-Day Beaches Area, Sainte Mere Eglise, Musee Airborne, Airborne Museum, D-day invasion by Utah Beach, diorama of US paratroopers and C-47 Dakota transport aircraft.

A close-up view of the artwork on the nose of a 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing (3rd TFW) F-4E Phantom II aircraft. The 3rd TFW is taking part in exercise Cope Tora '90, a Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) bombing and gunnery exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TORA '90 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A CH-53 Jolly Green Giant helicopter is loaded from a C-5 Galaxy aircraft during exercise Bright Star '82. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Base: Wadi Seidna Air Base Country: Sudan (SDN)

Unloading of Film From the Camera of a Mirage III. Unloading of Film From the Camera of a Mirage III. "Ramstein AB, West GermanyUnloading of film from the camera of a Mirage III aircraft of the French air force after a Royal Flush XVI competition mission. Royal Flush is a NATO photo reconnaissance exercise conducted by Allied Forces Central Europe." Photographer: Master Sgt.. Hewlon D. Robinson

040508-N-8295E-060. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

Cadet Preparing for a Flight. ca. 1942, Selma, Alabama, USA, A Craig Field Cadet in the Advanced Flying School climbing into the cockpit of his training ship just before going on an altitude mission into the skies over Selma, Alabama.

Navy Capt. Dennis Warren (ret.) and Air Force Capt. Myron Jansen (ret.) both pose in front of the same aircraft they flew during the Vietnam war, a Cessna O2-B Sky-master, Sept. 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Sky-masters were widely used for reconnaissance, target identification, damage assessment and air coordination. (U.S, Air Force photo by Airman William Lunn)

DF-ST-86-12306. State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

At Craiova Air Base, Craiova, Romania, MIG-23s and Romanian Air Industries IAR-93 sit on a parking ramp. The base was visited by the U.S. Air Force airfield survey team at the request of Romanian officials to determine if the Romanian bases meet US and NATO standards for use in operations and exercises. Base: Craiova Air Base State: Craiova Country: Romania (ROM)

DF-ST-89-05882. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

Governors Island, New York, USA. World War One re-creation and history event. Helmets and gas mask.

On Thursday 8th October 2020, Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces, visits two defence companies essential to the economic fabric of the Brittany region. The Minister of the Armed Forces then visits SABENA TECHNICS, a company specialising in aeronautical maintenance, aircraft conversion and cabin fittings. Half of this company's turnover is in the military sector. SABENA TECHNICS will benefit from the government's aeronautics support plan with, in particular, the anticipation of the order for a light surveillance and intelligence aircraft (ALSR). Saint-Lunaire on 2020-10-08.Le jeudi 8 octobre 2020, Florence Parly, ministre des Armees, visite deux entreprises de defense essentielles au tissu economique de la region Bretagne. La ministre des Armées visite ensuite la societe SABENA TECHNICS, spécialisee dans la maintenance aeronautique, la transformation davions et laménagement des cabines. La moitie du chiffre daffaire de cette entreprise concerne lactivite militaire. SABENA

DF-SC-89-11192. Country: Unknown

DF-SC-89-11195. Base: Unknown

A C-130E Hercules aircraft from the 934th Tactical Airlift Group, U.S. Air Force Reserve, flies along the coast while returning to Howard Air Force Base, Panama, during Operation Just Cause. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: JUST CAUSE Country: Panama (PAN)

War relics in the Imjingak area at the high security border between South and North Korea, Panmunjom, South Korea

Side View Of Three North American P-51 Mustangs Of The 15Th Af Flying In Formation.

Formation of F8F Bearcats flying over Chino, California.

A crane sets a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). It and another B-25 will be launched in a re-enachtment of "Doolittle's Raid" of April 18, 1942, during which 16 B-25s were launched from the aircraft carrier USS HORNET (CV-8) in the first mainland attack on Japan. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-93-00054. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Waco 10 ATO Taperwing 1928

DF-SC-88-02373. Country: Unknown

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