Freedom of the Air

A world map packed with information about aviation and the aluminum industry.

The use of aircraft in warfare, especially in the roles of close ground support and strategic bombing, was completely revolutionized during WWII. Apart from tactics, the technology also evolved to facilitate heavier bombers, faster fighters, more capable transports and greater range all-around. One critical component of this development was the use of light, flexible and sturdy aluminum frames and skins for the planes, rather than the wood and canvas popularized during WWI.

Alcoa, a major American aluminum manufacturer, was well poised to capitalize on these wartime developments, and issued this map to educate the American public about the company’s role in the conflict. The main image is a world map on a polar projection (or Azimuthal Equidistant, if you want to get technical) which highlights the shortened distances between locations via air. The explanatory text regarding the map’s projection and the benefits of aluminum can be found on either side of the map, while the border is comprised of the wing, rudder, and tail markings of aircraft from major countries around the world.

Interestingly, the belligerent status (Allied, Axis, Neutral) seems to play no part in the selection of the countries depicted. Neutral Spain, “Fighting France,” the Chinese Nationalists, occupied Poland and “Eire” (Ireland) are all shown. Aviation information continues on the verso of the sheet, which contains numerous charts and diagrams of military insignia, unit logos, profiles of Allied and Axis aircraft, organizational structure of air corps, and even illustrations of specific dogfighting techniques.