FAT WEASELS

AMERICAN PLANES

The B-17 bomber gained fame for its murderously effective daytime raids over Germany. The bomber, dubbed the Flying Fortress, was equipped with heavy armor and 13 machine guns, both of which proved effective against the attacks of enemy fighters.

On August 1, 1943, United States bombers severely damaged Hitler's last supply of oil in Europe by bombing oil fields in Ploiesti, Romania. Americans suffered heavy casualties during the attack, and it was not until the following year that the Allies completely destroyed these oil fields.

The F4F Wildcat was the main fighter for the US Navy during the first year of the war. The Wildcat was used in the pacific with carriers and it took part for many battles at Coral Sea, Midway and Solomons. In 1943 the F6F Hellcats replaced Wildcats in many squadrons.

The F6F Hellcat replaced Wildcats during the last years of the war, and it became the main fighter of the US Navy. The Hellcat was able to match or beat any of the Japanese fighters.

The A-26 Invader was designed as a replacement for the A-20 Havoc. After World War II it was renamed to B-26 and it was used in Korea and Vietnam.