After the last two airshow seasons at least in part being affected by COVID related restrictions, it was wonderful to drive into Old Warden, park up in the usual way (via the new access road) and be able to wander around the site, in many ways like nothing had changed. The collection's Super Cub got … Continue reading Shuttleworth Collection Season Premiere 2022
IWM Duxford “Evolution Of An Icon” Spitfire Exhibition
Duxford and the Supermarine Spitfire go hand in hand and have been a key part of a joint story for over 80 years now. With Duxford having been home to a huge number of static and airworthy examples of the type from the Mk I to Mk 24, it would be quite the challenge to … Continue reading IWM Duxford “Evolution Of An Icon” Spitfire Exhibition
Red Nose Aeroplanes 2021
As we reach the end of yet another Warbird Tails advent series, it's time for the established tradition of the annual Red Nosed Aeroplanes post. Here are the Red Nosed aeroplanes I've captured in 2021: https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/51154082752/in/album-72157719083822769/ Shuttleworth Collection's DH88 at the Opening show of the season back in May. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/51220162203/in/album-72157719329648121/ Spitfire XVI RW382 at Biggin … Continue reading Red Nose Aeroplanes 2021
Warbird Tails 2022 Preview
As this year's advent series comes to an end. I wanted to use this post to first and foremost thank all of those who stayed with me through what has been a very quiet 2021. The usual challenges of the pandemic, combined with a more traditionally busy airshow season, all wrapped up with becoming a … Continue reading Warbird Tails 2022 Preview
Airshow Moments 2021 Number 10 – Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight
As we come to the end of this years Airshow Moments series, it's fitting that we look again at a new operator/"team" in the form of the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight. Neither aircraft is entirely new to the show circuit but are being operated as a pair for the first time. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/51426434106/in/album-72157719830276155/ The Rolls Royce … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 10 – Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight
Airshow Moments 2021 Number 9 – Hurricane Heritage Debuts
As this this series of season high points comes to a close, is a look at the debut season of the Hurricane Heritage fleet being displayed by their owner, James Brown. The Hurricane Heritage brand is now a familiar name in the historic aviation scene, having been the operator of Hurricane Mk I R4118 since … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 9 – Hurricane Heritage Debuts
Airshow Moments 2021 Number 8 – Brilliant Buchon
The wonderful Hispano Buchon has been a near constant presence at UK airshows for many years now, destined to forever play the Messerschmitt 109 in Battle of Britain set pieces up and down the country. The Buchon is of course a wonderful warbird in it's own right and it always makes a refreshing change to … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 8 – Brilliant Buchon
Airshow Moments 2021 Number 7 – Headcorn Battle Of Britain Finale
The Aero Legends' Headcorn shows have quickly built a reputation over the last few years of offering wonderful set pieces and fantastic collections of Spitfires and Hurricanes. 2021 was no exception. Returning to the June slot following a later season event in 2020 due to the pandemic, the show was expected to boast no fewer … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 7 – Headcorn Battle Of Britain Finale
Naval First Flights December 2 – The Westland Wyvern
Another notable first flight anniversary taking place in December is that of the unique Westland Wyvern. The prototype first took to the air on December 16th 1946. https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/16526001753/in/photolist-aBQvXk-rbm5yH-s873Yz-rQA5iU-rbadB9-aBQvVV-aBTbVh-aBQvWn-aBTbZA-aBQvRT The type went through a number of design and powerplant changes early, initially planned to have he engine behind the pilot, in a similar set up to … Continue reading Naval First Flights December 2 – The Westland Wyvern
17th December – An Iconic Date
It is well known by many that 118 years ago today powered flight was achieved for the first time by the Wright Brothers with their iconic Wright Flyer (pictured below at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC in 2019. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/49217367931/in/album-72157712199008938/ Over time it seems that this date was also popular with aircraft … Continue reading 17th December – An Iconic Date
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