2019 was a year of great firsts for the UK airshow scene. We saw the debut of the wonderful Ultimate Fighters team (who have already been confirmed for their first 2020 appearance at the Air Festival at Duxford in May) and the incredible DH9 from the Historic Aircraft Collection. It also saw a wonderful tribute … Continue reading Warbird Tails 2020 Season Preview
There are few names in aviation as iconic as that of de Havilland. From historic trainers to fighters, right through to the first commercial jet airliner, the company have been involved in all of it. Without a doubt the most impressive collection of de Havilland types and the company's story has always been the de … Continue reading de Havilland Aircraft Museum Re-Opening – 16th February 2020
Inter-war types have a certain something about them. A world largely at peace and aviation development arguably levelling off, allowed machines to, quite simply become far more graceful. Air racing and speed became the focus of the day with interwar American greats typically taking the monoplane and radial format throughout the 30s, it was inevitable … Continue reading Inter-War Wonders Part 1: Boeing P-26 Peashooter
My first warbird outing of 2019 came around a little quicker than usual with my second Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar tour. I last visited in December 2018 so was looking forward to seeing what had changed in the last 12 months or so. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/49404934451/in/photostream/ The hangar tour really is a great experience with very knowledgeable … Continue reading Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Visit – January 2019
Happy New Year All! After an extended absence since my Advent posts its good to be back online and I once again aim to bring regular content throughout the offseason before the inevitable rush of shows slows things down again in the summer. 2020 looks to be a very special year and I already have … Continue reading Warbird Tails Airshow Top 5 2019
Hard to believe that it is this time of year once again. Christmas Eve is my traditional "red nosed aeroplane" post for a bit of festive light relief. Enjoy this selection from 2019 and thank you all for your continued support and all of the views, shares and likes over the past 12 months. I'll … Continue reading Rudolph The Red Nose Aeroplane 2019
Not so long ago the sight of three or more Mustangs in the air over a UK airshow was not uncommon. Recent years have seen the UK population wildly fluctuate, at points reduced to just two examples regularly participating in airshows. It seems that the rise of the Hurricane and Buchon has outbalanced the American … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2019 11 – Duxford Mustang Gathering September Show
This years Flying Legends brought a number of season highlight but it was the mid-point of the show that brought the real high point for many and an act thoroughly deserving of an airshow moments post, Ultimate Fighters. Since the announcement and associated trailer went live early in the year, there had been high anticipation … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2019 10 – Ultimate Fighters Debut
Carrying on from the previous two posts, today's looks at the impressive collection of USAAF machines on display in the museum from WW2.On arrival to the museum you are greeted by a Curtiss P-40. Once inside you can't help but notice the huge presence of the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" famous for carrying out the … Continue reading Museum Profile: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Part 3 – USAAF WW2
The UK Airshow circuit has been lucky to enjoy a number of Hawker Fury/Sea Furys over the years but rarely have any significant numbers been on the circuit at the same time. The past few seasons have seen Anglia Aircraft Restorations Fury II, Shaun Patrick's R2800 powered T20 and Navy Wings' Centaurus powered T20. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/49078855551/in/album-72157711818073412/ … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2019 9 – Fury trio Duxford September
