Today in Aviation History

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the AH-1 Cobra

The Bell AH-1 Cobra first flew on September 7, 1965. Explore the history, combat record,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Douglas SBD Dauntless Delivered to the U.S. Navy

Eighty-five years ago, the U.S. Navy took delivery of its first Douglas SBD Dauntless. Discover…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Space Shuttle Discovery Completes First Space Flight

On this day in 1984, Space Shuttle Discovery completed its first space flight. Learn about…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed JetStar

On September 4, 1957, Lockheed JetStar, the first purpose-built private jet, took flight—becoming a business…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Jimmy Doolittle Sets a New Airspeed Record

On September 3, 1932, Jimmy Doolittle set a world airspeed record of 309.04 mph in…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Nonstop Flight from Europe to the United States

On September 2, 1930, French pilots Dieudonné Coste and Maurice Bellonte completed the first nonstop…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the North American P-64 (NA-68)

On September 1, 1940, the North American P-64 (NA-68) made its first flight. Originally destined…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Antonov An-2

Discover the history of the Antonov An-2 “Colt,” the Soviet-built biplane that first flew in…

Moreno Aguiari

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Lockheed U-2

Discover the story of the Lockheed U-2’s first flight on August 1, 1955, and how…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the NAMC YS-11

On August 30, 1962, the NAMC YS-11 made its first flight, becoming Japan’s first and…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10

On August 29, 1970, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 made its first flight. Explore the history,…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: Captain Richard S. “Steve” Ritchie Becomes the First U.S. Air Force Ace of the Vietnam War

On August 28, 1972, Captain Richard S. “Steve” Ritchie became the first U.S. Air Force…

Moreno Aguiari

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Caproni Campini N.1

On August 27, 1940, the Caproni Campini N.1 made its first flight. Discover the story…

Austin Hancock

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Martin AM Mauler

Discover the story of the Martin AM Mauler, a powerful but troubled U.S. Navy attack…

Austin Hancock