Kapil Kajal

Kapil is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. Reported across a wide range of beats with a particular focus on air warfare and military affairs, his work is shaped by a deep interest in twentieth‑century conflict, from both World Wars through the Cold War and Vietnam, as well as the ways these histories inform contemporary security and technology.
64 Articles

Aces: Charles Dawson Booker – The 29 Victories of Sopwith Triplane Master

WWI ace Charles Dawson Booker scored 29 victories at maritime fronts, rising to RAF command…

Kapil Kajal

Grounded Dreams: Bristol XLRQ – The Silent Glider of the Pacific

Bristol XLRQ aimed to give US Marines amphibious glider capability in WWII, but shifting doctrine…

Kapil Kajal

Grounded Dreams: Bernard H.V.220 – The French Speed King That Never Raced

Bernard H.V.220 aimed to compete in the 1931 Schneider Trophy, but engine failures and delays…

Kapil Kajal

Boneyard Files: Lockheed P-2 Neptune – The Cold War Sub Hunter in the Sand

Lockheed P-2 Neptune, a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, served in Cold War and Vietnam missions…

Kapil Kajal

Aces of the Great War: Armand Pinsard – The Escape Artist of the SPAD XIII

WWI ace Armand Pinsard, a prewar pilot, escaped captivity, scored 27 victories, and later rose…

Kapil Kajal

Grounded Dreams: Dassault Mirage III V – The Supersonic Vertical Paradox

Dassault Mirage III V explored Mach 2 vertical flight, but complexity, crashes and rising costs…

Kapil Kajal

Flight Test Files: F-111 Aardvark – The Journey of the Supercritical Wing

NASA used the F-111 Aardvark to test supercritical wings, fly-by-wire and adaptive wing tech, shaping…

Kapil Kajal

Flight Test Files: KC-135 Stratotanker – Microgravity Research and the “Vomit Comet” Legacy

The KC-135 Stratotanker, in service since 1956, remains a key US refueling aircraft and supported…

Kapil Kajal

Boneyard Files: Grumman HU-16 Albatross – The Abandoned Flying Boats of the Pacific Rim

The HU-16 Albatross was a versatile amphibious rescue aircraft used by US forces, later retired…

Kapil Kajal

Flight Test Files: B-29 Mothership – The Aircraft That Launched Supersonic Flight

NASA’s modified B-29 Mothership launched the X-1 and D-558, enabling the first Mach 1 and…

Kapil Kajal