F-22 Raptor, 2012, Spitfire, 1940, and 11th Cuirassiers, 1805

Above is the United States Air Force’s fifth generation fighter: the F-22 Raptor.

The idea for the Raptor was conceived at the height of the Cold War. The plan 

was for a stealthy fighter jet to infiltrate into Soviet airspace and strike the Soviets 

in a single decisive blow.

The F-22 is a stealth fighter, meaning it is undetectable to radar. This is achieved 

by a special coat of paint and by storing the fuel tanks and weapons inside the 

wings. It is designed as an air-superiority fighter, capable of sweeping any enemy 

fighters aside. Although the F-22 is capable like many modern fighters, of 

executing strafing runs if necessary. In fact, it was originally designed as a 

multirole fighter and prior to service was designated as the F/A-22 Raptor.

Like most other fighters, it has a crew of one. However, the aircraft is so 

advanced with its fly-by-wire technology, it can almost fly itself. The weapons are 

not pictured, as they are stored internally. But, they include six radar-guided 

AIM-120C air-to-air missiles, two heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles,

and one M61A2 20mm cannon.

Despite its impressive qualities, the F-22 has yet to see combat.

But the next aircraft was battle-tested like never before.

The Supermarine Spitfire earned a reputation as the icon of the Battle of Britain.

Although the Hawker Hurricane downed more enemy aircraft, the more beautiful 

and easier-turning spitfire became the symbolic Royal Air Force fighter of World 

War II.

This aircraft is labelled as being from 1940, during the Battle of Britain.

However, I made a number of mistakes and crossed several different versions.

The plane is armed with 20mm cannons, characteristic of the Marks IV and

later. The plane also has clipped wings, which were a later feature. The two 

features I did get right were the early three-blade propeller and the closed 

canopy.

Nonetheless, the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and distinctive fuselage make this the 

icon of the Battle of Britain in 1940. I do have one scene featuring the Spitfire: 

Locked on and an Ace depicting English ace Eric Lock and his ace-making 

victory on the 4^th of September, 1940.

I also featured this with two other scenes of World War II Allied fighter aircraft

for an exclusive interview and co-commentary with World War II ace Steve Pisanos,

who flew the Spitfire with the Royal Air Force’s Eagle Squadrons, comprised of a

dventurous American volunteers.

The full interview may be found here.

Finally, moving from modern cavalry of the sky to traditional horse-mounted 

cavalry, is one of Napoleon’s regiments of armored cavalry, or cuirassiers: 

the 11^th Regiment of Cuirassiers.

The Napoleonic cuirassiers were the last armored troops employed by 

European militaries until the advent of Kevlar in the late 20^th Century. They 

were also the last armored horsemen to charge into battle. Depending on the 

range and caliber of the firearm, a cuirassier’s cuirass was actually strong 

enough to stop a bullet. The armor also served much more effectively in 

sword melees with enemy cavalry.

The 11^th Cuirassiers were one of the regiments in Napoleon’s cavalry corps

 held in reserve at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 under the command of the 

audacious Marshal Joachim Murat. At the end of the battle, Napoleon ordered 

them forward to help the French break the Austro-Russian right. The French 

cuirassiers bested those of the Allies and ran down the retreating Allied soldiers.

First is the chef d’escadron, or squadron leader. A cavalry squadron consisted 

of about 120 to 150 horses. He is distinguished by a fringed epaulette over his 

left shoulder, another epaulette without fringes over his right shoulder and a red 

plume on his helmet.

Next is a maréchal des Logis, or sergeant. His rank is distinguished by his red 

and silver epaulettes and a red-lined silver stripes, sewn on the lower sleeves.

Instead of a plume, cuirassiers with rank of captain and below wore a pompom, 

a different color for the eight companies.

Finally is a soldat, or private. His rank is indicated by a pair of red epaulettes.

Like the other enlisted ranks, he wears tan breeches,while the officers wear white.

All ranks wore white leather gauntlets, but many men preferred  to just keep the 

cuffs white, while the hands retained their natural leather color.

All the officers and men are armed with straight-edged sabers. The heavy blade 

was ideal for hacking, although the French cavalry were trained to thrust, 

ensuring a quick and painless death.