Japanese Bomber

The 2022 Wings Over Columbus Airshow was an event both ambitious in scope and excellent in execution. Not only were the performers of top caliber, but the airshow provided a vast array of aircraft on static display that were truly remarkable including a DC-3 manufactured in 1937, that in years past was operated by American Airlines and carried the moniker “Flagship Detroit.”

The backstory on this airshow is that the United States Navy had cancelled the airshow at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Several concerned citizens and business organizations took up the slack and decided to organize a private airshow.

The thirteen days on the air show circuit in a seventy-six-year-old aircraft were at times challenging and at other times exhilarating. The Kate performed flawlessly. Jewell was adaptable, resourceful, and a wonderful companion on the trip.

Alan Armstrong’s Nakajima Japanese Bomber “Kate”, in formation flight. 2018. 

Alan Armstrong’s Japanese Bomber airplane “Kate” in formation flight on December 2017.

Alan Armstrong’s Japanese Bomber airplane “Kate” preparing for formation takeoff on December 2017.