World of Warbirds

Kawanishi H6K "Mavis": The First Queen of Pacific Distance

Born of a naval treaty loophole that traded airfields for flying boats, the Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" became the eyes of the Imperial Japanese Navy across the vast Pacific. In this episode, I explore how this massive four-engine monoplane—inspired by British designs—achieved a staggering 24-hour endurance, operating from remote lagoons to strike targets as far as Australia.
 
We’ll break down the technical leap from biplanes to the "Mavis" and recount the gritty, slow-motion "heavyweight dogfight" of 1942, where Mavis traded blows with an American B-17. Join us as we trace the rise of this long-range pioneer and the vulnerabilities that eventually saw it outmatched by faster, armored hunters and how "Mavis" paved the way for the legendary "Emily." Mentioined in this episode:
Wirraways, Boomerangs and Kangaroos!
 
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Henschel Hs 129 The "Panzerknacker"

It was underpowered, it was slow, it was a claustrophobic nightmare to fly, but it sure could crack open a Panzer! Let's learn about this Luftwaffe weirdo!
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The Hump!

In this special roundtable episode, I’m joined by historian Jenny Chan, CBI scholar Quin Cho and author Rainy Horvath who wrote a tribute memoir to her pilot dad, and we deep dive into one of the most dangerous and overlooked air operations of World War II: Flying the Hump.
Jenny's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PacificFrontUntold
Rainy's book: https://a.co/d/e9wfdrG
Quin's book: https://a.co/d/2aZzGpg
 
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Aichi M6A Seiran

What if Japan could have launched bombers from submarines anywhere in the world? This was not a sci-fi dream — it was the very real (and very bold) wartime plan behind the Aichi M6A Seiran. In this "deep-dive" episode, I explore the Seiran, and the underwater mothership designed to carry it — the enormous I-400.
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bpearce29@gmail.com
 

Warbirders Have Questions! Q&A 2026

"The only bad question is the one you don't ask."
I never want my show to be excluding listeners with unexplained acronyms or jargon concepts. I try to explain things as I go… but maybe some stuff sneaks by! Send me your questions! include your name (how to pronounce it) and where you are from! Until next time! - Bryan
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Late to the Party: The Republic XF-12 Rainbow Story

I "rediscovered" this one whilew working on the P-47 series. What a beautiful bird! I hope you enjoy this bonus, just for you... -Bryan
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France's Farman f.222

Ooh La La it's been a minute since I did a French "Avion de Geurre" (Warbird)! Come along as I check out this lumbering giant of an French early war bomber!
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S3 Viking (Tanner’s Just Jetz) pt2

Fighter Pilot Tanner is back with part 2, taking the Lockheed S-3 Viking, the War Hoover into battle and beyond!
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S3 Viking (Tanner’s Just Jetz) pt1

Fighter Pilot Tanner is back with another episode, this time on an ACTUAL JET, the  Lockheed S-3 Viking, the War Hoover!
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S3 Viking (Tanner’s Just Jetz) pt1 PREVIEW

Fighter Pilot Tanner is back with another episode, this time on an ACTUAL JET, the Lockheed S-3 Viking, the War Hoover!
Listen to the rest now!
S3 Viking (Tanner’s Just Jetz) pt1 on Patreon