Zeno’s Warbird Video Drive-In Big June 2011 Newsletter
Hello World War 2 & jet aircraft fans -
You are invited to drop by Zeno’s Warbird Video Drive-In http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/ for this month’s flight of five exciting aviation & combat documentary films playing over the Internet. This month we’re featuring two videos on fighter tactics, one a premiere, two D-Day features & more.
All of the videos showing on our web site are for your free viewing pleasure.
Now showing in May At the Matinee at Zeno’s Drive-In
“Offensive Tactics Against Enemy Fighters in World War 2” NEW! Written and narrated during World War 2 by legendary Navy ace, inventor of the “Thach Weave” and expert on fighter tactics, John “Jimmy” Thach. Learn the lessons US Navy fighter pilot’s learned – the hard way – during the first two years of the War battling against agile Japanese Zeros. This film shows the genesis of modern “boom & zoom” energy fighter tactics, still valid and practiced to this day. “Altitude is your wealth. Never spend it unless it buys you speed or advantageous firing position.” The ABCs - “Altitude, Bracket Behind and Combat Concentration.” You’ll learn about scissors, wing overs, countering enemy moves and much more. This is the bible of World war 2 fighter tactics.
“Naval Aerial Tactics” during the Korean War - featuring the F2H-2 Banshee. Produced by the Navy Department during the Korean War, this unique film is compelling today for two reasons. First, it features truly outstanding color footage of F2H-2 Banshee fighter/bombers operating singly and in squadron formation, dancing agilely among towering cumulus clouds. Second, it opens a fascinating window on US Navy carrier launched fighter operations and tactics at the time of the Korean War. The film addresses three main “problems” in areal tactics: intercept, escort and attack, and defense. Using a combination of live action and animation, you’ll learn about how to optimize your approach angle for a minimum deflection gun shot when intercepting an intruding bomber (no air-to-air missiles yet!), Various squadron formations to suit differencing tactical situations, effective combat air patrol operations for carrier protection, options for escorting bombers to targets, optimizing fuel consumption in various operations, working effectively with carrier air controllers, carrier approach and landings, tactics for attacking enemy formations, and how to avoid stalls during combat, are just some of the subjects covered in this information packed film.
“Normandy: The Aerial Invasion of Fortress Europe” This film was produced during the war to show the strategic and tactical planning that went into the airborne component of the D-Day invasion as well as document the proceedings. Of special interest is the detailed depiction of the development of glider transport and doctrine. Great footage of 82nd & 101st Division paratroopers. If you think you’ve seen all the surviving footage about Normandy operations, this film will be an eye opener.
“The True Glory : From D-Day to the Elbe” Academy Award Winner The dramatic story of the legendary aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet (CV-8), from her launching through her dramatic loss after the Battle of Santa Cruz. In between , you’ll see some of the best footage we have of the Hornet’s role in the launching of Col. Jimmy Doolittle’s amazing B-25 bomber strike on Tokyo on 18 April, 1942. You’ll also see memorable scenes from her participation in the Battle of Midway, including up close footage of the immortal heroes of Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), all of whom, except one lone survivor, Ensign George Gay, lost their lives flying unescorted against the Japanese fleet in their out-dated Douglas TBD Devastators. Their sacrifice helped draw protecting Japanese fighters away from their carriers, leading to the loss of three of them that day to US dive bombers.
“Mission Accomplished” The Story of the First US B-17 Flying Fortress Strike in Europe On August 17, 1942 eighteen B-17Es from the 97th Heavy Bombardment Group, Eighth Bomber Command (later Eighth Air Force) from Grafton Underwood, performed the first daylight raid over Northern Europe by US heavy bombers. Escorted by RAF Spit Vs & IXs, 6 bombers ran a diversion along the French coast, while 12 more Fortresses attacked the primary target., the important rail yards at Sotteville, France, near Rouen. This mission was a crucial first step in establishing American daylight precision bombing doctrine. Success of the raid was vital so that VIII Bomber Command CO Gen. Ira C. Eaker went along for the ride in B-17E “Yankee Doodle.”
If you haven’t stopped by Zeno’s Drive-In before, we also feature 1940-45 vintage WWII Army & Navy films and pilot’s manuals on how to fly the F4U, F6F, P-38, P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51, P-61, TBF/TBM, AT-6/SNJ, B-17, B-24, B-25, A-20, A-26, B-26, B-29, and Stearman N2S. Alert! - don’t miss the F-86 & B-58!
Keep 'em flying!
Zeno
Zeno’s Warbird Video Drive-In
World War II Aviation Videos Playing Online 24/7
http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/
Now on Twitter @ZenosWarbirds
Web videos: World War 2 & Korean War Fighter Tactics, D-Day & more