Rear View, Exhaust Nozzles, 1945

The P.H. Richardson Wright Field Photograph Collection features numerous black and white photos of aircraft and aircraft engines that were featured on display for the Armed Forces Day Celebration at Wright Field in October, 1945. All of the photos of the display contain hand written notes about the subject on the back of the print. Though not part of the Armed Forces Day display, this collection contains several detailed photos of the only Fairchild Ranger powered XAT-6 E built. These photos were most likely taken at Fairchild's Maryland plant. As well, many of the photos in the collection pertain to Luftwaffe aircraft that were captured in Operation Lusty and brought to Wright Field for testing. The collection is divided into five series. A finding aid is included.

Series I, Photographic Record

Series I contains the official report P. H. Richardson typed regarding the photos. The report features handwritten corrections.

Series II, American Aircraft

Series II documents the American aircraft featured in the collection. Not only are there conventional aircraft but also there are examples of early guided missiles. The photos are arranged alphabetically by manufacturer. It is worthwhile to mention that multiple aircraft are often visible in each shot.

Series III, Luftwaffe Aircraft

Series III documents the German Luftwaffe aircraft and missiles captured in Operation Lusty that were brought to Wright Field for flight testing. As well, there are photos of the Imperial Japanese Ohka (also referred to as a Baka) manned rocket bomb. The photos are arranged alphabetically by manufacturer. It is worthwhile to mention that multiple aircraft are often visible in each shot.

Series IV, Piston Engines

Series IV documents the piston powered engines that were on display at the Armed Forces Day celebration. The majority of the engines featured are of American manufacture, from such companies as Allison, Chrysler, Continental, Fairchild, General Electric, General Motors, Lycoming, Pratt & Whitney, and Wright. However, there are also photos of a German BMW 803, Daimler Benz, and a Japanese Nakajima 21 Homare. The photos are arranged alphabetically by manufacturer. Those engines without a known manufacturer follow and are listed alphabetically by Richardson's notes.

Series V, Jet Engines

Series V documents early jet engine technology. There are photos of General Electric's Type 1A and J 31 engines. As well, there is a photograph of a display detailing the pulse jet engine used by the German V-1/American JB-2 Loon.