- "I Don't Want Anything Touched" - The famous words uttered by Supermarine and Vickers test pilot Joseph "Mutt" Summers following the first ever flight of the new Supermarine Type 300 at Eastleigh, better known as the Spitfire. These words of praise clearly meant that Summers had very little to complain about following his introduction … Continue reading Supermarine Type 300 – K5054: The Spitfire Is Born
Keeping in with previous first flight anniversary posts, this week takes a look at the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, which first flew on the 27th January 1939. Early Design: At first glance its hard to believe that this design, from the legendary hands of Lockheed's Kelly Johnson, is now 76 years old. The P-38 is one … Continue reading P-38 Lightning: The “Fork Tailed Devil’s” Birthday
A month ago today the historic aircraft and airshow scene in the world saw the important return of a much-missed type. Bristol Blenheim/Bolingbroke Mk1 G-BPIV made its first flight following an 11-year restoration project. The aircraft suffered an unfortunate landing accident in 2003, having been a core part of the airshow scene since 1993, since … Continue reading The Blenheim’s Back!
“If Birds Can Fly For Long Periods Of Time, Why Can’t I?” - Orville Wright One Hundred and Twelve years ago today, the single most important aviation milestone was achieved. The wright brothers successfully carried out the first ever manned powered flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright, bicycle builders from Ohio became obsessed with the idea … Continue reading A Long Time Ago in Kittyhawk
70 Years ago today, the unique Heinkel He162 jet fighter first flew in the hands of test pilot Gotthard Peter. The HE162 Salamander was a single seat, single engine jet fighter. It was designed to be quick and easy to produce as well as being more reliable and cost effective than the Me262. The aircraft … Continue reading HE162 Salamander First Flight
Warbird Tails 