Awesome Aircraft Nose Art

There are some really odd places where you can find some really interesting design and art work - one of these surfaces that humans seem to regularly feel the need to decorate are the noses of aircraft, especially military planes. Its not difficult to understand why pilots would want to paint the noses of their planes. The military is notorious for striping people of their individuality and there must be something liberating about having the opportunity to personalize a plane that with carry you into battle - and hopefully back.

She Devil :: b24 liberator & Hells Belle :: b17 flying fortress

A little paint on a deadly machine can also turn the plane into a character with a unique name and personality -  a companion for its crew who will trust it with their lives. Initially when I started putting together this post I was expecting to be showing off the familiar images of aircraft nose art - like the ones above. However, it seems this practice did not die with the second world war and there are some amazing examples out there of modern aircraft nose art to ogle at. For more information on aircraft nose art and its history (really quite interesting if you have the time) click here and here, otherwise read on and enjoy.

Briefing Time :: b25 mitchell

Two One :: s3 viking

The Dragon And His Tail :: b24 liberator

Cocktail Hour :: b24 liberator

Miss Dolly :: erco ercoupe

Various :: tornado gr1

Tiger :: a-7e corsair II

Dragon's Breath :: bac 167 strikemaster

Acemaker :: t-33 shooting star  

Japanese :: f15 eagle