One of three replica WWII Japanese "Kate" torpedo bombers rehearse their flying routine before Saturday's air show at Slaton Airport. The original bomber was the standard torpedo bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy for much of World War II.Friday, June 05, 2009(Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
Paratroopers from the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team mass exit a C47 airplane at 1,000 feet Friday at Slaton Airport. The team will perform during today's air show at Slaton Airport. Friday, June 05, 2009 (Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
Billy Parker, center, chats with visitors along side his replica WWII Japanese "Kate" torpedo bomber Friday at Slaton Airport. Parker rehearsed aerial maneuvers Friday in preparation for Saturday's air show at Slaton Airport. Friday, June 05, 2009(Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
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Friday afternoon I was a passenger in a 1958 T-34A airplane and a replica Japanese Nakajima B5N "Kate" torpedo bomber (both pictured below). Originally, I was only going to ride in the T-34A airplane but shortly after takeoff the pilot noticed some "engine troubles" and we decided to land and trade planes.
The following are some additional detail shots:
