LATEST CLASSIC WINGS

[DaveM2]

All, latest issue should be in the post around Easter....Major features are as follows:


A MESSERSCHMITT & A DEFECTOR

Most of the surviving aircraft from the Second World War have little or no back story, or if they have, it has been lost in the mists of time. However once and a while the story is revealed, and once and a while it reads like a Hollywood film script. The Smithsonian’s Messerschmitt Bf109 spent decades as a rather anonymous machine, restored in the generic scheme of fighter operating in the Mediterranean Theatre. In this article we take a look at the journey of this aircraft, its first restoration and display, the discovery of its identity and pilot and how the latter’s remarkable, but ultimately tragic tale unfolded. With the refurbishment of its long term home at the NASM’s Downtown facility, the Bf109 underwent a paint strip and inspection prior to being repainted in a variation of the aircraft’s scheme when Rene Darbois landed it at an Allied controlled airfield in July 1944. With that, the story of Darbois subtle resistance, flight to freedom, post war disappointments, becoming a war hero and his final disillusionment, can now be better shared with the general public.

RAF STATION CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Based at Podhorany Airfield in the Czech Republic, this organisation, founded by Richard Santus, has become a growing presence in the European heritage aviation scene, taking its fleet to events around the Continent, along with offering services for visitors throughout the year. These include scenic / adventure flights in all of the aircraft of the fleet, extending to aerobatic flights and also to dual instruction and even local aircraft hire for suitably qualified pilots. Richard has been working for several years with a strong desire to remember the commitment of Czechoslovak airmen who joined the RAF after losing their own air force, in order that they might still be able to take the fight back to Nazi Germany. The three fully authentic primary trainers (Tiger Moths and Magister) have now been joined by the world’s only airworthy Anson Mk.1. In this article we take a look at the Station’s history, its aircraft and its goals.

The SOPWITH CAMEL- A DEADLY BEAST!

In the early summer of 1917 the twin-gun Sopwith F.1 Camel was introduced, replacing the Sopwith Triplane. The stubby fighter took its name from the humped fairing which covered the Vickers machine guns mounted on the forward cowling - this armament finally matching the firepower of its rivals. Serving with both the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the fighter went on to become the stuff of legend - particularly as its exploits were later popularised by W.E. John’s ‘Biggles’ and Snoopy’s eternal battle with the Red Baron. Sadly very few largely original Camels survive today and once we take a quick look at the type’s history we launch into a two part survivor series, beginning with The Vintage Aviator’s Ltd’s example which is part of the large fleet of WW1 types owned by Sir Peter Jackson, they based at Hood Aerodrome, NZ.


Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a.....TB-3 / ANT 6

The late 1920s and early 1930s saw a number of giant aircraft developed. The long range heavy bomber designed by Tupolev was one of the most outstanding for its time and sent shock waves through the military high commands of the Western powers as the Soviets demonstrated that they had implemented what was the first strategic bomber fleet. Seeing action in the Sino – Japanese war, the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland, the Winter War against Finland and finally the Great Patriotic War, the aircraft proved its durability and versatility. Not only was it a bomber, but an airborne assault ship and a transport, capable of carrying even light tanks suspended externally. In a similar vein it acted as a mother ship to a number of parasite fighters, ferrying I-16 fighters to attack strategic targets, and finally as a trainer. Here we chart he TB-3s history, both civil and military, and look at the major surviving wrecks, a relatively intact example recently discovered in Lake Ladoga.

CHILE’S COOL COLLECTION

Dave Soderstrom takes us on a visit to the National Museum of Aeronautics & Space of Chile. The museum tells the story of aviation in the country from its earliest days of flight in 1910 through to today’s modern and space aviation. A wide range of aircraft and other interesting exhibits are on display comprising of replicas of the S.E.5a, Avro 504 and Bristol Scout, through to the original DH.60, PT-16, DC-3s, P-47, Catalina, and the very rare Sikorsky Kingfisher. Largely a pictorial spread, the article focuses on the classic and warbird highlights.

[Sopwith]

Looks like some interesting content Dave, look forward to reading it

[Lynn Allen]

Look forward as well to reading it.

Lynn