WWII military aircraft news & trivia (1943)
Quick facts for air-minded readers
10 planes an hour — It is estimated that US aircraft manufacturers are now turning out planes at a rate of about 1 plane every 6 minutes, around the clock, every day of the month.
The danger of ice formations on airplane wings have been completely overcome, according to a statement by Tom M Girdler, Chairman of the Board, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. This feat is accomplished by a new thermal anti-icer, pioneered by the NACA and perfected by Consolidated Vultee. Hot exhaust gases now are used to keep all leading edges of the plane at a temperature well above freezing when icing conditions are encountered.
“Gone today, here tomorrow!” — This 33-ton, 4-engine Coronado, under way for the take-off, has a range of over 3500 miles — can remain aloft a whole day at a time. Designed and built by Consolidated Vultee, this giant Navy patrol bomber is also in service as a cargo transport plane.
Teamwork for Victory — Consolidated Vultee was the first to build multi-ton bombers in volume production on a moving assembly line. To help maintain Allied air supremacy, the Consolidated-designed Liberator bomber is also being built by Ford, Douglas, and North American.
To speed production, more than 10,000 subcontractors and suppliers, in cities all over the US, are working to provide sub-assemblies, parts, and materials for the planes being built in the Consolidated Vultee plants.
Tomorrow’s fledglings — Elementary aeronautics is now being taught to students in more than 14,000 American high schools.
No spot on earth is more than 60 hours’ flying time from your local airport.
Note to plane spotters — This is the new insignia for US planes. The change provides visibility at 60% greater range, and overcomes confusion between our former insignia and the insignia used by Axis planes.
In their war paint — Before Liberator bombers go to war, they are camouflaged and fitted with special equipment for the combat area where they will be operating. Above: White-bellied Liberators move down an assembly line in a modification plant.
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Publication: Time
Publication date: November 1, 1943
