Hi all. Latest issue at the printers, so hopefully will be posted within the next few weeks. Main topics this time are as follows:
EAGLE OVER GERMANYMesserschmitt Bf109s were once a common sight over the Fatherland and despite their limited reappearance in the hands of warbird owners in recent decades they remain a rarity. A handful of rebuilt aircraft or re-engined fighters with Spanish DNA are occasionally displayed at air shows in Germany, a treat for all of those who witness the spectacle. All of these machines represent the most produced variant, the Bf109G - the ‘Gustav,’ which began to enter Luftwaffe service in mid 1942. What has never been seen in German skies since 1945 is the early war Bf109E – the ‘Emil,’ made famous during the Battle of Britain – that is until now! This article covers this fighter’s known history and the marathon three decade stop / start rebuild which culminated in a first flight in mid 2023, complemented by some stunning air to air photography.
MYSTERY AIRCRAFT – HAWKER TOMTITThis aircraft was designed by Sydney Camm for an Air Ministry competition in 1927, they looking for a training aircraft to replace the aging Avro 504N for the Royal Air Force. Specifically tailored for instrument flying, the new Reid & Sigrist Blind Flying Panel was fitted which included special Reid turn indicators making the machine suitable for teaching pupils to fly in darkness or cloud. To facilitate this a special retractable blind flying hood was provided. This enabled a level of training that was previously unavailable in the UK. Despite its good flying characteristics the Air Ministry eventually awarded the contract to Avro’s Tutor, however despite their disappointment, the Tomtit marked Hawkers entry into producing metal fabric covered aeroplanes which soon led to the Hart, Hind and Hurricane. Here we look at the aircraft’s development and its use in both the military and civilian sectors and detail the storied history of the surviving aircraft which is operated by the Shuttleworth Collection.
NAKAJIMA’S NIMBLE NATEJapanese fighter pilots believed the manoeuvrability of their mount was of overriding importance, close combat in an aircraft a modern extension of the Samurai’s sword. However this came at the expense of heavier armament and armour protection for both pilot and machine. Japanese aircraft manufactures sought to give the pilots what they wanted, and in the mid 1930s most had experience flying the agile biplane. Nakajima’s new monoplane retained the agility possessed by the advanced Ki-10 biplane it was intended to replace, yet offered major advances in speed and climb performance. The fighter made its combat debut in China but its initial success against Chinese and Soviet volunteer pilots flying the Polikarpovs was eventually countered by a change in tactics. With the beginning of the Pacific War the Ki-27s days were numbered, its deficiencies not addressed. Consequently it a relegated the training role until the last months of the war when was one of numerous obsolete types forced into the Kamikaze role. It was an aircraft that was intended to take part in a Special Attack mission that is now the sole known intact survivor. Here we cover the type’s development, combat operations and delve into the history, recovery and rebuild of the example on display in Japan.
POLIKARPOV’S BATTLING BIPANEThe most produced biplane in history, the U-2 / Po-2 was in constant production from 1928 through to 1953. Some sources state that up to 43,000 were produced, although the exact number will perhaps never be known. Initially designed as a primary civilian trainer, the aircraft was ideally suited, being forgiving and easy to fly. For many years the U-2 was the only training aircraft operated by flight schools and flying clubs. The biplane would soon become multi-role and found employment in the agricultural sector as a crop duster; however with the outbreak of war large numbers were converted for military use and served in the reconnaissance, liaison and medevac roles. The type has found fame in more recent times in the West, it being associated with the all female 588th Night Bomber Regiment – the so called ‘Night Witches.’ Here we take a look at type’s history, with special emphasis on the operations of the latter.
THE WARBIRD MARKETThe Editor gives his views on the current state of the vintage & warbird market worldwide and discusses whether such investment continues to be a solid and profitable exercise. There is a look at the recent high profile movements, with a noticeable upturn in sales over the past few months, which looks set to continue despite the current climate of uncertainty.
Museums: Caproni Collection at Trento, Italy.
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