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  • TINKER HISTORY: Douglas C-47 Skytrain

    The Douglas Aircraft Corporation C-47 “Skytrain” was a twin-engine, cargo and troop transport built around a cantilever low-wing configuration and tailwheel landing gear. The C-47 is a derivative of the Douglas DC-3 airliner which opened up air travel to the masses in the early 1940s and became

  • 18th CMSAF: The Airman behind the stripes

    Growing up with five other siblings, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright said he had a very loving home. However, living in poor neighborhoods and moving from place to place presented trials. In his own words, they were, ‘humble beginnings.’

  • TINKER HISTORY: AT-6 Texan

    The North American AT-6 “Texan” was a single-engine, basic trainer built for the Army Air Corps during World War II. It also saw service with the U.S. Navy with the designation SNJ (Scout Trainer North American) and with Royal Air Forces’ as the Harvard. The design featured robust main landing gear

  • Tinker History: P-51 Mustang

    The North American P-51 “Mustang” was a single-engine, air-superiority fighter and bomber escort which served the Army Air Corps during World War II in all theaters. The sleek design was built around the massive V-12 engine driving an even larger propeller. The aircraft was famously used in the

  • Tinker launches 75th anniversary celebration

    Tinker Air Force Base launched its 75th anniversary celebration on Jan. 30, during a luncheon at the Tinker club with a room full of Tinker senior leaders, distinguished congressional and civic leaders to celebrate the milestone. Among the guests were Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, the Principal

  • TINKER HISTORY: Drones in the ’40s

    The Culver PQ-14 “Cadet” was an outgrowth of Culvers pre-WWII efforts in to inexpensive general aviation aircraft production. The PQ-14’s predecessor, the PQ-8, was produced specifically as a radio-controlled drone for the Army Air Corps beginning in 1940 when a contract for 200 aircraft was let.

  • Real ID Act, compliance extended

    Oklahoma’s Department of Homeland Security extension that was set to expire Jan. 29 has been extended to June 6. On this date some identification cards, such as the Oklahoma driver’s license, will no longer be acceptable forms of identification to enter Tinker Air Force Base unescorted.

  • TINKER HISTORY: The Genesis of Tinker AFB

    In celebration of Tinker's 75th anniversary, we're looking back at how the base began. In the early 1940s, Oklahoma City entrepreneurs Edward K. Gaylord, Wilbur E. Hightower, Tom Braniff, Frank Buttram, and Stanley Draper and others formed the Oklahoma Industries Foundation after learning that the

  • TINKER HISTORY: Tinker modifies armament on B-24

    The Consolidate B-24 “Liberator” was a four-engine, heavy bomber produced for the Army Air Corps prior to and during World War II. The aircraft was used in all theaters of the war with particularly heavy use in the European campaign. According to official Tinker history documents, the Oklahoma City