World of Warbirds

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An exploration of a different aircraft from the World Wars Era: how they were designed, built, modified and used in combat and if any have survived.

Bryan Pearce


    • May 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 113 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from World of Warbirds

    Kawasaki Ki-45 "Nick"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 38:53


    The Kawasaki Ki-45 "Nick" finds its niche tangling with B-29s over Tokyo. Links to other episodes mentioned: B-17 Part 4 "Punchboard" P-40 Warhawk Corsair Part 1 Connect with me! I love comments! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Tanner's Twitter (X): jet jockey Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    British Superbombs!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 39:36


    Let's look at cookies, Upkeep and Operation Chastise, otherwise known as the Dambuster Raid, Highballs, Tallboys and Grand Slams! Connect with me! I love comments! https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Tanner's Twitter (X): jet jockey Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    F4U Corsair Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 54:46


    The F4U Corsair comes into its own from the Pacific, to the Atlantic, Korea, Suez to the "Football War"! Images for F4U Corsair Links to other episodes mentionned: OS2U Kingfisher F6F Hellcat - Made to Order Polikarpov Po-2 P-40 Warhawk F9F Panther Devotion Movie Review Connect with me! I love comments! https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Tanner's Twitter (X): jet jockey Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    F4U Corsair Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 54:46


    The Corsair comes into its own from the Pacific, to the Atlantic, Korea, Suez to the "Football War". Images for F4U Corsair Links to other episodes mentionned: OS2U Kingfisher F6F Hellcat - Made to Order Polikarpov Po-2 P-40 Warhawk F9F Panther Devotion Movie Review Connect with me! I love comments! https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Tanner's Twitter (X): jet jockey Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    F4U Corsair Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 34:31


    I've been waiting for this one! In Part 1 we learn about the conception, design, prototype of the Bent Wing Bird...and some of its problems. I hope you enjoy it! Images for F4U Corsair Links to other episodes mentionned: OS2U Kingfisher F6F Hellcat - Made to Order Polikarpov Po-2 P-40 Warhawk F9F Panther Devotion Movie Review Connect with me! I love comments!   https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 37:47


    Because some of my older episodes have dropped off Spotify, I will be re-releasing them here and there. Take a nostalgic "flight" with episode #1 of WOWB: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk! (Please be gentle, I was soooo new at this 5 years ago!) See P-40 Images Connect with us! We love comments! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    Grumman S2 Tracker (Tanner's Just Jetz)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 34:27


    Fighter Pilot Tanner is back with another episode, this time on the Grumman S2 Tracker, fondly known as the Stoof! Connect with us! We love comments! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    You had Questions! Here are the Answers!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 45:39


    What are Variable Pitch Props? What are cookie bombs? Why are wingtips higher than wing roots? What are the difference between machine guns and cannon? Why weren't contra rotating props used more? Why can't propeller planes go supersonic? Connect with me! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    Gooney Bird Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 50:53


    Gooney Birds foght for freedom all over the world, from the Hump to landing troops on D-Day and Market Garden, to saving lives by evacuating wounded to safety everywhere. They flew the Berlin Airlift and then got a whole new role in Vietnam as Spooky gunships and they just keep on flying and working to this very day! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com

    Gooney Bird Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 36:32


    Yawn? It's just a Transport? No, a "Citizen Soldier" warbird that literally changed the world... patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB bpearce29@gmail.com    

    The Questions Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 6:03


    ....any questions? patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB bpearce29@gmail.com  

    Me 163 Komet: The Rocket-Powered Nightmare (pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 32:14


    The Komet goes operational. What it was like to fly and fight in the Me 163 and survivors (people AND planes!) Want to see images? Patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Want to watch videos? YouTube Channel Support Me! Thanks!

    Me 163 Komet: The Rocket-Powered Nightmare (pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 28:27


    Discover the fascinating story of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, the world's first and only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft. Developed by Germany during World War II, the Me 163 was a revolutionary design that pushed the boundaries of aviation technology. In this video, we explore its development, unique features, combat history, and the many challenges faced by its pilots. Want to hear Part II RIGHT NOW? Patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Want to see images? Patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Want to watch videos? YouTube Channel Support Me! Thanks!

    Grumman AF Guardian (WOWB & Tanner's Just Jetz collaboration!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 21:54


    A World of Warbirds and Tanner's Just Jetz collaboration! It was born to hunt subs! Let's dive into the story of this potent hunter-killer! Want to see images? https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Want to watch videos? YouTube Channel

    Curtiss SB2C Helldiver - Conflicted Pacific Warrior

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 42:47


    Was it a widow-making disaster? A troubled machine that units refused to fly? Or a war-winning ship killer? Which was it? Listen and find out! Want to see images? https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Want to watch videos? YouTube Channel

    Junkers Ju-52: Iron Annie!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 33:00


    Whether she was called Tante Ju ("Aunt Ju") or Iron Annie, she was a Citizen Soldier warbird from pre-war that slogged on until the end...and beyond! Join me on Patreon or on YouTube: https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel Thanks to Vernon Jaworski for the cover art!

    Piaggio P.108 (The Italian Wannabe B-17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 14:48


    Italy's Big Bomber. Actually it was a bomber, passenger & cargo transport and big-gunned, anti-shipping torpedo plane too! But it had its faults, the biggest one was that there were never ENOUGH of any of them...enjoy a look at this fascinating Italian Warbird! Want to see images? https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel  

    Westland Welkin Bonus Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 4:55


    Thank you Patrons for supporting me! I hope you enjoy this bonus episode just for you! The Welkin was an interesting (and very pretty) aircraft in my opinion that few of us have ever heard of. If you are not a Patreon supporter, you will only get a a sample, but I hope you will join me over at Patreon and help to help this podcast running! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds

    Douglas A-1 Skyraider Pt3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 23:18


    More nicknames, flying the Skyraider, the Skyshark(!), and a survivor story! Join me on Patreon or on YouTube: https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel http://airbum.com/pireps/PirepAD-5.html

    The Night Witches and the Po-2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 18:32


    It's our very first Halloween Special! We look at the story of the Nachthexen or Night Witches and their “flying broomsticks”, the venerable Po-2. Happy Halloween! Join me on Patreon or on YouTube: https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel Thanks to Vernon Jaworski for art contributions and Zikai Wang for the episode suggestion!  

    Douglas A-1 Skyraider Pt2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 24:38


    The Skyraider continues on to fight in Vietnam! If you like my episode, you'll probably like: Fight Pilot Podcast ep 92 - Skyraider https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds World of Warbirds YouTube Channel Thanks to Vernon Jaworski for cover art.

    Douglas A-1 Skyraider Pt1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 23:43


    Whether they called her AD, A1, Spad, Sandy or just Skyraider, she was an amazing aircraft. Enjoy part one of three on this wonderful, long-flying warbird! https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel

    F9F Cougar -Tanner's Just Jetz

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 24:56


    It's the SECOND in our "Tanner's Just Jetz" Series! Tanner continues the Grumman Cat story with the F9F Cougar. She also introduces air to air missiles and tells us a bit about Head-Mounted Displays. Enjoy! "Tanner" is a young woman who flies fighter jets for a living.  See images (free): Cougar Images

    J7W Shinden & SAAB 21(R) PART 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 16:37


    In this episode we look at the SAAB 21's transition to JET power with the SAAB 21R and speculate "what might have been" with the Shinden!  https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel

    J7W Shinden & SAAB 21(R) PART 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 20:30


    In this episode I examine the "Godzilla-fighting" J7W Shinden (with expanded material from the YouTube video). In Part 2 we see what might have been by looking at the SAAB 21's transition to JET power to the SAAB 21R! https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds YouTube Channel

    He 219 Uhu: Extended Audio Cut

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 21:51


    What do you get when you put four 20mm cannon, two 30 mm Schräge Musik cannon, stacks of radars, a lovely grauviolett (gray-violette) camoflage scheme and package it in a deadly beautiful airframe? It's the He 219 Uhu- a lethal Luftwaffe night fighter of WW2 that could knock down MULTIPLE RAF bombers in a single mission! Why didn't it make a bigger impact on the nightly air war over Germany? It's a tragic tale of rivals and squabbles and disagreements and petty feuds and grudges. (This is an extended audio version of the video on the WOWB Channel- includes extra squabbles and grudges!) https://patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://amzn.to/4eCM9KI  

    Cry Havoc! The Douglas A-20

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 22:21


    “Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war”: Act III, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar. It's a badass quote, for a badass plane. See images and and connect with us! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel

    Vought SB2U Vindicator

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 24:15


    It was known as the Vindicator, Chesapeake, Cheesecake, Wind-Indicator and Vibrator! You'd think with so many nicknames this US Navy Dive-Bomber that starred in a movie, fought at Midway and was the flying steed of a Medal of Honor winner would be better remembered! Learn all about her here! See images (free): Images to Accompany the Episode Connect with us! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel

    Fairey Battle - Success in Second Chances

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 21:20


    The Fairey Battle was conceived during a peace process and born during the turbulence times before war. In its youth, it fought and did its best and thern settled in to a successful second career. We can all hope for as much... Comment on what you thought of it! Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Email: bpearce29@gmail.com

    Polish Fighter PZL P.11

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 18:51


    How could I have done this podcast for three years and not done even ONE Polish aircraft??? It's a pretty interesting story that includes a whole lot of "what might have been"... See images (free): Images to Accompany: Polish Fighter PZL P.11 Connect with us! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Write me: bpearce29@gmail.com

    The Luftwaffe's fragile, fiery, He 177 Greif

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 31:32


    The German strategic bomber that might have been... We take a close look at the Luftwaffe's fragile, fiery Griffin! See images (free): Images to Accompany: Heinkel He 177 Greif Connect with us! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Write Us: bpearce29@gmail.com

    F9F Panther -Tanner's Just Jetz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 21:47


    It's the FIRST in our "Tanner's Just Jetz" Series! Tanner continues the Grumman Cat story, but this time with turbojet power! The Panther is a facinating story of post-WW2, early fighter jet technology, written by a young woman who flies F-35 Lightning II jets for a living. Enjoy! See images (free): Images to Accompany F9F Panther  Connect with us! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Write Us: bpearce29@gmail.com

    Introducing: Tanner's Just Jetz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 3:31


    Who is Tanner and what is Tanner's Just Jetz? Today we introduce you to our new occasssional series on Jet Warbirds! Support: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel

    Grumman F7F Tigercat: Bigger is Better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 22:07


    It's the fourth in my Grumman "Cat" Series! This is one Big, Bad Kitty! I've been looking forward to doing this one for a long time! It's the last in the Cat Series (or IS it??) Support: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel

    F8F Bearcat - SMALL is BEAUTIFUL!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 26:01


    It's the Third in our Grumman "Cat" Series! Take a Hellcat, put it on a crash diet, keep the big engine and what do you get? Bearcat: where LESS is MORE! Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel

    F6F Hellcat: Made to Order

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 32:09


    It's the Second in our Grumman "Cat" Series!  It was made to order to destroy the enemy! See what exactly made the Hellcat an such a "Zero Killer" and "Ace Maker"!   Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel

    F4F Wildcat

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 25:34


    It's the First in our Grumman "Cat" Series! Join me in our exploration of the evolution from the Grumman FF-1 "Fifi" to the F4F "Wildcat"!  See Images of The Various Aircraft Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop

    Consolidated B-24 Liberator! Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 52:43


    I've received some concerns that the B-17s are getting all the attention ahead of "Masters of the Air", so here is the reissue of B-24 Part II! See the many images of what we are talking about on the Patreon Page! Join the Community: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com Email: bpearce29@gmail.com

    Consolidated B-24 Liberator! Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 27:49


    I've received some concerns that the B-17s are getting all the attention ahead of "Masters of the Air", so here is the reissue of B-24 Part I. It's from early in the podcast, so please ignore the out of date housekeeping stuff! See the many images of what we are talking about on the Patreon Page! Join the Community: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com Email: bpearce29@gmail.com

    B-17 Part 4 - "Punchboard" (Bonus)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 15:17


    As we all get ready for the new Apple TV Series, "Masters of the Air", let's get fully aquianted with the STAR of the series (IMO), the B-17! Yes! It was supposed to be a three-parter, but sometimes a story comes along and you've got to run with it! Enjoy this BONUS episode for all.   See the Images! Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop

    B-17 Part 3 - The Soul of the Fortress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 27:38


    As we all get ready for the new Apple TV Series, "Masters of the Air", let's get fully aquianted with the STAR of the series (IMO), the B-17! In part 3 of this three parter, we look at the soul of the B-17: the crew. Want the book? amzn.to/3RWhFtN Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop

    B-17 Part 2 - The Fortress Goes to War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 17:21


    As we all get ready for the new Apple TV Series, "Masters of the Air", let's get fully aquianted with the STAR of the series (IMO), the B-17! In part 2 of this three parter, we take the B-17 to the fight. Want the book? amzn.to/3RWhFtN Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop

    B-17 Part 1 - The Fly Off

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 25:05


    As we all get ready for the new Apple TV Series, "Masters of the Air", let's get fully aquianted with the STAR of the series (IMO), the B-17! In part 1 of this three parter, we design, test, prototype, compete and crawl through a B-17. Want the book? amzn.to/3RWhFtN Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop

    Hawker Tempest: Last of the Storms...

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 13:05


    “and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked I cried to dream again.” ― William Shakespeare, The Tempest   Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop

    Hawker's Typhoon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 30:17


    Hawker's "All of the Above" Battle Beast! I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it! Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com

    The Shepherd

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2023 5:13


    Happy Warbirdmas everyone! Tell me what you think in the comments! Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com

    FW189 - ”The Flying Eye”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 16:36


    Yoo Hoo! Let's explore the Uhu and find out if it was really as bad as one listener feels.... Tell me what you think in the comments! Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com          

    ”Lost & Found” -Remembrance 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2023 10:54


    Uncovering the mystery of an unknown lost F4F Wildcat...and its pilot. "Lest we Forget" patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds. Join us: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com

    Fi 156 ‘Storch'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 21:03


    Don't think a "Liason" aircraft can be exciting? Think again as we do a deep dive (and Short Takeoff and Landing) with this fascinating bird that was appreciated by friend AND foe! Tell me what you think in the comments over at patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds. Join us: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com

    The Longest Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 6:03


    A Quickie episode on some great Wartime Music. Find it here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7yRgTqdTmV0yZABqZ8iehh?si=GAYpQ4vUTIq5b0tHVWZlQQ Join us: patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Support: Via PayPal Like to Watch? Go to the YouTube Channel Visit the WOWB Kitshop: Kitshop Join the community on Facebook, Insta, Threads or bpearce29@gmail.com

    The State of the Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 12:09


    My Fellow Warbirders...a bit about the past, present and future of the Podcast. Please join! Basic membership is FREE! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds

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