Aviation History and Photos Blog | PlaneTags™

The Grumman OV-1 Mohawk was one of the most capable and technologically advanced reconnaissance aircraft operated by the U.S. Army during the Cold War. Designed to gather intelligence close to the front lines, the Mohawk combined short takeoff and landing performance with sophisticated sensor systems that allowed it to detect and monitor activity on the ground in nearly any weather conditions.

At a time when battlefield commanders increasingly relied on timely intelligence, the Mohawk provided information that could not always be obtained through traditional observation methods. Equipped with infrared sensors, cameras, and side-looking airborne radar systems, it helped military planners track troop movements, monitor supply routes, and identify potential threats day or night.

Over a service life that spanned more than three decades, the Mohawk flew missions in Vietnam, served with Army intelligence units in Europe during the height of the Cold War, and helped pioneer many of the airborne surveillance techniques that later became standard throughout the military.

Today, PlaneTags made from OV-1D Mohawk serial number 62-5902 preserve the legacy of an aircraft that played a critical role in military reconnaissance during a period of rapid technological change.

The Boeing 717 played a key role in Delta Air Lines’ short-haul fleet for years. Today, material from these aircraft is being reused in a new way. Delta 717 golf ball markers are made from authentic aircraft skin, turning a retired jet into a functional item used on the green.

The MiG-15 was one of the most influential jet fighters of the early Cold War. With its swept wings, near-transonic speed, and devastating cannon armament, it changed aerial combat forever and became a feared adversary in the skies over Korea.

Now, MotoArt is preserving the legacy of this iconic Soviet fighter with authentic PlaneTags made from the skin of Polish-built SBLim-2 N2400X “Red 511.” This rare trainer variant served for decades before eventually making its way to the United States, where it was preserved in 2026 for aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Some aircraft make headlines. Others make history behind the scenes.

The Northrop T-38 Talon is one of the most important jets most people never think about. Introduced in the early 1960s, it became the world’s first supersonic trainer and has shaped generations of high-performance pilots.

At NASA, the T-38 still plays a critical role today. Long before launch, astronauts are in the cockpit of a Talon, building the precision and discipline required for spaceflight.

This release features two NASA T-38 Talons. Each followed a different path. Together, they represent the full scope of NASA flight.

The newest Midway PlaneTags are made from authentic USS Midway watertight doors, including doors such as 2-75-6.

Located below deck, these doors connected the spaces where sailors lived and worked. Layers of paint and wear reflect years of daily use.

Open. Closed. Passed through thousands of times.

Through MotoArt’s partnership with the USS Midway Museum, this material has been preserved and given a second life. 

As American Airlines approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2026, it is a good time to look back at the aircraft that supported its growth over the decades.

One of the most recognizable of those aircraft was the McDonnell Douglas MD-80, often referred to as the “Super 80.” While it was not the newest aircraft by the end of its service life, it played a central role in domestic air travel in the United States.

MD-82 N470AA is one of those aircraft. Delivered in 1988 and flown for nearly 28 years, it represents a period when the MD-80 was a consistent and familiar part of the flying experience.