This time 73 years ago saw an historic feat take place on Royal Navy carrier HMS Ocean. Ocean, which was originally completed in November 1945, clearly missed out on any wartime service. However, it did have the honour of being the last carrier to operate the Fairey Swordfish before retirement. It also saw the early … Continue reading First Jet Carrier Landing Anniversary – December 1945
The P-36 design showed great potential in its early testing, but it quickly became apparent that the airframe was limited by the radial engine up front. The basic Hawk airframe was always designed with speed as a target, with the wing design having great development potential. This potential was tapped as part of the testing … Continue reading The Curtiss Story Part 9 – Birth of the Underdog: the “Long Nose” P-40s
The Avro Anson first took to the skies in March 1935, following a new specification issued by the Air Ministry for a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Avro were already working on an airliner design project which fitted the requirements well. The Anson (or Avro652a as it was then known) successfully outperformed the DH89 in trials and … Continue reading In Profile: Avro Anson/Avro XIX
The Shuttleworth Collection Military pageant is always a highlight of every season, generally offering the chance to see some unique visiting warbirds and on occasion WW1 types perform in the picturesque surroundings of Old Warden. This year was no exception and while the main focus was WW1 there were plenty of other special displays from … Continue reading Shuttleworth Collection Military Pageant 2018
If 2017 was "the year of the Hurricane" then 2018 certainly had a more continental feel. This year most certainly belongs to the revival of the Hispano Buchon. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/44116181905/in/dateposted-public/ A relatively common site in the 1990s, the "one faux nine" has long been an airshow staple and after a few years absence in the early … Continue reading Buchon Summer
The city of Bristol and aviation go hand in hand, from the fragile, kite-like box kite to the raw power and elegance of Concorde it’s legacy is extraordinary. The Bristol Aeroplane company too, has rightfully earned an important place in the aviation history books, designing a number of iconic machines throughout the 20th Century. Perhaps … Continue reading Bristol F2b Fighter
100 years have passed today since the end of the Great War. Though many believed it to be at the time to be the "war to end all wars" we sadly know that was not the case. Part of the work I am trying to do on this site is keep the memories of those … Continue reading 11.11.1918 – 11.11.2018
Once again, the WW1 enthusiasts heaven, hangar 1 at Old Warden, is home to one of the most elegant designs to ever take to the skies. Arriving fresh from the workshop of the Vintage Aviator Ltd (TVAL) in New Zealand, is another exquisite recreation of an Albatros D.Va. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/45020432504/in/album-72157703138986334/ This example, set to be registered … Continue reading Armistice 100 – WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust Albatros Arrival
Something a little different that I wanted to include over this winter was a series of posts on some iconic warbirds featuring excerpts from the training manuals and videos of the period. The idea is to give both myself and readers and insight into what it was like to learn to fly these impressive machines … Continue reading Learning the Legends – Flying the P-47 “by the book” – WW2 Pilots Notes Review
Miles is a name that synonymous with British aviation, particularly in the 1930s and 40s. Their characteristic touring and training designs led to the company being a prolific manufacturer during the interwar years. Strictly speaking, the Miles family of aircraft began back in 1929 with the little Southern Martlet, though the M2 Hawk, would form … Continue reading Miles Hawk Speed Six
