Waffle2b.gif (54729 bytes)

While attending the Confederate Air Force air show in 1983, there was one member of the media pool that stood out from the crowd. He wore an orange jump suit and had various camera equipment draped around his neck. He would stop at NOTHING to get the shot! Thus was my introduction to this 'hound' (one who can sniff out and pounce upon his prey) from Belgium: John "Hexjumper" Dickens, a/k/a the "Belgian Waffle." He had a portfolio that was out of this world; it was comprised of obscure aircraft and others not often seen by Americans. We could tie up an entire ISP with his material. He has since stepped up to computer animation, please check out his web page (links at the bottom of the page). Here is a small sample of his work.
 

CATALINA.JPG (57592 bytes)

 Consolidated Aircraft's PBY "Catalina" was a popular patrol transport that was converted to a maritime bomber. It was produced in several versions, as a pure watercraft and 'amphibian'.

F82.JPG (47260 bytes)

 The North American Aviation F-82 "Twin Mustang" was one of the strangest aircraft to ever grace the skies. Somebody must have thought that if the P-51 "Mustang" was such a great plane in a flight of one, if we put two of them together we'll have a plane that's twice as good! Wrong. It wasn't twice as good and it just didn't last.

F8FHEADW.JPG (50257 bytes)

 This head-on view of Grumman's F8F "Bearcat" is a fearsome sight, whether on the heels of a hapless Zero pilot or a camera ship!

J37.JPG (71274 bytes)

 The SAAB J37 "Viggen" (Thunderbolt) dates back to the 1960s. It is a multi-role fighter with the ability to operate from short airstrips or, in a pinch, large roads. Sweden has a formidable fighter in the Viggen.

P47.JPG (46214 bytes)

 Another 'Thunderbolt'. This time, it's Republic's heavy-hitter from World War II, the P-47.

T28.JPG (81011 bytes)

 Here's an interesting view of the North American Aviation T-28 "Trojan" trainer. Widely used as a basic trainer by the Air Force and Navy, the T-28 was given a combat capability and saw service in many nations as a COIN (counterinsurgency) attack plane under the name "Nomad."

TBM.JPG (61757 bytes)

 The Navy's "Avenger" TBM/TBF-series torpedo bombers were produced by Grumman and General Motors during World War II. It's a large plane that packs a wollop.

TORNADOW.JPG (70536 bytes)

 Europe's Panavia consortium produced the "Tornado" multi-role fighter-bomber for the air forces of England, Germany, and Italy. Here, the pilot steps on the 'loud' pedal.

VULCANII.JPG (71840 bytes)

 The Avro (Hawker-Siddely) "Vulcan" bomber is one of England's "V"-series bomber. The delta-wing aircraft is one of the most elegant bombers ever produced.
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