First seeing commercial service in 1936, the DC-3 was a descendant of Douglas Aircraft Company’s DC-1 and DC-2 designs, and was met with great acceptance by the commercial aviation industry. As war clouds brewed in Europe, American and British air services began their search for a capable, reliable, versatile, and durable aircraft to transport airborne troops and equipment, evacuate wounded warriors to rear areas, and to tow gliders. From that fundamental requirement emerged the C-47 Dakota, also known as the DC-3 Dakota by the Brits. Most famous for its crucial role during the D-Day Invasion of Normandy in June 1944, the Dakota saw service in all theaters of operation during the war, with many examples remaining in commercial and commemorative service to this day.

The B-52 has a long history. First flown in 1952, first entering service in 1955, and with the last airframe out for delivery in 1962, the B-52 soldiers on, still serving today alongside both its replacements 50 years later. This latest (#207) in the In Action series covers the last two variants of this iconic bomber.

There is an introduction and then a brief overview of both variants and their participation in conflicts from Vietnam to today. Like most in the In Action series, the bulk of the volume is made up of photographs, the majority of which are in color. It is especially nice to have many color photos of the various nose art carried by the G and H models. Interior color photos are also included.

I though long ago that I had seen just about every picture of the World War I Albatros D.V and D.Va. Then Windsock comes along and publishes another Datafile that is jam packed with photos that I have not seen before and of aircraft markings that were new to me. This Datafile includes black and white photos taken during and after WWI and pictures of the two flyable aircraft built by The Vintage Aviator Ltd., as well as Albatros artifacts belonging to The Aero Conservancy (https://www.aeroconservancy.com/) here in the US. A narrative description of the process of building the two aircraft is included.