27-feet was the standard .50 caliber belt used by American fighters and bombers in World War II. By firing an entire belt length of ammunition at an enemy, it was said he had given the adversary "the whole nine yards". On American bomber aircraft such as the B-17 Flying Fortress or B-24 Liberator, that 9-yards of ammunition would have travelled through this type of belt feed to create a smooth transfer from the ammunition crate into the Browning M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun.
The Final Broadside: How the USS Constitution became known as "Old Ironsides"
On August 19, 1812, USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere in a decisive naval engagement that stunned the Royal Navy and energized the young United States. Depicted in her historically accurate yellow-ochre war paint, the ship delivers the final broadside that ended the fight and secured her legendary nickname, “Old Ironsides.” Extensively researched from eyewitness accounts and period artwork, this piece commemorates a defining early victory in American naval history — paired with an original oak fragment from the ship herself as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
Legendary CV-63, the story behind "USS Kitty Hawk"
This artwork depicts the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as she appeared in the late 1970s, showcasing her imposing presence as a conventionally powered supercarrier. At this time, Kitty Hawk was a vital asset in the U.S. Navy, participating in Cold War operations and maintaining a strong presence in the Pacific. Her eight steam turbines powered the ship to speeds exceeding 30 knots, supporting extensive deployments and reinforcing American naval dominance. As the lead ship of her class, Kitty Hawk stood as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of U.S. naval engineering during this critical period in history.
Dottie G: The First B-17G to Reach Switzerland
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A Large Section of RLM 04 GELB
Combat Strategist, the story behind "Jagdgeschwader 51"