St. George Spitfire HF Mk.IXe - TD314 - Aero Legends High Flight 2026-09-28 | St. George Spitfire HF Mk.IXe - TD314 - Aero Legends
Spitfire IX TD314 solo and flypasts with a C-47 Dakota - Aero Legends High Flight 2024-05-24 | Aero Legends Supermarine Spitfire HF Mk.IXe, TD314, G-CGYJ, the 'St. George' Spitfire, flying a solo display and also paired flypasts together with their Douglas C-47B Dakota, at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford Airfield for the Flying Finale 2023. The Spitfire's pilot is Flight Lieutenant Charlie Brown.TD314 was built at Castle Bromwich in late 1944 and fitted with a Merlin 70 as a High Level Fighter (HF Mk.IXe). She was one of the last high back Spitfires built, as the production line switched to low back aircraft in February 1945. She was delivered to 33 Maintenance Unit (MU) at Lyneham on 30th March 1945, transferring later that month to 30 MU before a further move to 6 MU where she was prepared for service with 183 (Gold Coast) Squadron at Chilbolton on the 24th June 1945. 183 squadron only kept its Spitfires for a short time before re-equipping with Tempests.TD314 then moved to 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron at RAF Bentwaters on 26th July 1945. It is in this squadrons colours that she is currently finished with the squadron codes of FX-P. Whilst with 234 Squadron it is possible that TD314 took part in the 1945 Battle of Britain flypast over London. When 234 squadron converted to Meteors, TD314 was transferred to 29 MU at RAF High Ercall for disposal, on the 27th February 1946.In early 1948 TD314 was selected as one of 136 Spitfire IXs to be sold to the South African Air Force (SAAF) and she was sent to 47 MU at RAF Sealand, where she was packed for shipment. She left Birkenhead on the SS Clan Chattan on 23rd April and arrived at Cape Town on the 12th May 1948. Details of her use with the SAAF are not known but she was sold for scrap to the South African Metal & Machinery CO, Salt River, Cape Town, sometime during 1954. She remained in the scrap yard until recovered by Larry Barnett of Johannesburg in 1969. From there she passed through the hands of several owners before arriving in the UK via Canada in 2009.She was acquired by Aero Legends in 2011 and restoration started at Biggin Hill, culminating in a first post restoration flight on the 7th December 2013. TD314 has been named “St. George” which is prominently displayed on the fuselage.C-47B Dakota IV KP220 was completed at the Douglas Aircraft plant at Santa Monica, California, USA on 8 June 1945. It was given USAAF serial 44-77104, but on 9 June was flown to Montreal, Canada and transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF), becoming Dakota Mk.IV KP220. It was ferried to the United Kingdom (UK), arriving on 19 June and delivered to 435 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), coded 'OFM-R', based at Down Ampney on 1 December. 435 Squadron was part of 46 (Transport) Group, RAF. In March 1946 435 Squadron returned to Canada, and KP220 was transferred to 46 Group's Air Officer Commanding (AOC), operating from Croydon. On 27 March 1947 KP220 was transferred to 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron, coded 'ODA-H', at RAF Bassingbourn, used for short range VIP flights. Between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949 it took part in the Berlin Airlift with 24 Squadron.It was retired from RAF service on 15 November 1950 and stored at 22 Maintenance Unit (MU), RAF Silloth, Cumbria. It went onto the civilian register as G-ANAF on 17 Jun 1953 after purchase by B.K.S Aerocharter Ltd, which later became B.K.S. Air Transport Ltd and was named 'Jean Batten' after the famous aviatrix. It was registered to Hunting Aero Surveys Ltd, which later became Hunting Surveys & Consultants Ltd, on 7 November 1958. On 9 April 1973, it was preserved as KP220 by the East Anglian Aviation Society at Duxford. Ownership then went to West Country Aircraft Servicing Ltd at Exeter until 17 October 1977, when it was chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd, who later purchased her during July 1979. She was leased to British Caledonian Airways Ltd in December 1979, then bought by Air Luton Ltd in June 1985 and Topflight in February 1986.She was chartered by RVL Aviation Ltd at Coventry, with whom she remained until 13 July 2007, when she was again chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd at Coventry. She was then used for radar trials duties, fitted with a large under-fuselage radome as a test bed for the Searchwater 2000 MR Radar developed by Racal from 1988, for the BAE Nimrod. She was stored at Coventry from 2010, when the Bae Nimrod project was cancelled. In 2014 she was converted to spraying fit for pollution control and returned to RVL Aviation Ltd in a bright red and black livery, as a sea pollution control spraying aircraft, on 13 November 2015. She stayed with them until 29 April 2019, when she was bought by Heritage Air Services Ltd. On 23 September 2019 she went to her current owners, Aero Legends Leasing Ltd at Headcorn, Kent, UK. aerolegends.co.ukCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Aero Legends C-47B Dakota IV & Spitfire IX High Flight 2024-05-17 | Aero Legends Douglas C-47B Dakota IV, KP220 and Supermarine Spitfire IX, TD314 flying at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford for the Flying Finale Airshow 2023.C-47B Dakota IV KP220 was completed at the Douglas Aircraft plant at Santa Monica, California, USA on 8 June 1945. It was given USAAF serial 44-77104, but on 9 June was flown to Montreal, Canada and transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF), becoming Dakota Mk.IV KP220. It was ferried to the United Kingdom (UK), arriving on 19 June and delivered to 435 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), coded 'OFM-R', based at Down Ampney on 1 December. 435 Squadron was part of 46 (Transport) Group, RAF. In March 1946 435 Squadron returned to Canada, and KP220 was transferred to 46 Group's Air Officer Commanding (AOC), operating from Croydon. On 27 March 1947 KP220 was transferred to 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron, coded 'ODA-H', at RAF Bassingbourn, used for short range VIP flights. Between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949 it took part in the Berlin Airlift with 24 Squadron.It was retired from RAF service on 15 November 1950 and stored at 22 Maintenance Unit (MU), RAF Silloth, Cumbria. It went onto the civilian register as G-ANAF on 17 Jun 1953 after purchase by B.K.S Aerocharter Ltd, which later became B.K.S. Air Transport Ltd and was named 'Jean Batten' after the famous aviatrix. It was registered to Hunting Aero Surveys Ltd, which later became Hunting Surveys & Consultants Ltd, on 7 November 1958. On 9 April 1973, it was preserved as KP220 by the East Anglian Aviation Society at Duxford. Ownership then went to West Country Aircraft Servicing Ltd at Exeter until 17 October 1977, when it was chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd, who later purchased her during July 1979. She was leased to British Caledonian Airways Ltd in December 1979, then bought by Air Luton Ltd in June 1985 and Topflight in February 1986.She was chartered by RVL Aviation Ltd at Coventry, with whom she remained until 13 July 2007, when she was again chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd at Coventry. She was then used for radar trials duties, fitted with a large under-fuselage radome as a test bed for the Searchwater 2000 MR Radar developed by Racal from 1988, for the BAE Nimrod. She was stored at Coventry from 2010, when the Bae Nimrod project was cancelled. In 2014 she was converted to spraying fit for pollution control and returned to RVL Aviation Ltd in a bright red and black livery, as a sea pollution control spraying aircraft, on 13 November 2015. She stayed with them until 29 April 2019, when she was bought by Heritage Air Services Ltd. On 23 September 2019 she went to her current owners, Aero Legends Leasing Ltd at Headcorn, Kent, UK. Spitfire TD314 was built at Castle Bromwich in late 1944 and fitted with a Merlin 70 as a High Level Fighter (HF Mk.IXe). She was one of the last high back Spitfires built, as the production line switched to low back aircraft in February 1945. She was delivered to 33 Maintenance Unit (MU) at Lyneham on 30th March 1945, transferring later that month to 30 MU before a further move to 6 MU where she was prepared for service with 183 (Gold Coast) Squadron at Chilbolton on the 24th June 1945. 183 squadron only kept its Spitfires for a short time before re-equipping with Tempests.TD314 then moved to 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron at RAF Bentwaters on 26th July 1945. It is in this squadrons colours that she is currently finished with the squadron codes of FX-P. Whilst with 234 Squadron it is possible that TD314 took part in the 1945 Battle of Britain flypast over London. When 234 squadron converted to Meteors, TD314 was transferred to 29 MU at RAF High Ercall for disposal, on the 27th February 1946.In early 1948 TD314 was selected as one of 136 Spitfire IXs to be sold to the South African Air Force (SAAF) and she was sent to 47 MU at RAF Sealand, where she was packed for shipment. She left Birkenhead on the SS Clan Chattan on 23rd April and arrived at Cape Town on the 12th May 1948. Details of her use with the SAAF are not known but she was sold for scrap to the South African Metal & Machinery CO, Salt River, Cape Town, sometime during 1954. She remained in the scrap yard until recovered by Larry Barnett of Johannesburg in 1969. From there she passed through the hands of several owners before arriving in the UK via Canada in 2009.She was acquired by Aero Legends in 2011 and restoration started at Biggin Hill, culminating in a first post restoration flight on the 7th December 2013. TD314 has been named “St. George” which is prominently displayed on the fuselage.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
CAC CA-18 Mk.21/P-51D Mustang Jersey Jerk High Flight 2024-05-06 | Fighter Aviation Engineering's recently purchased Mustang, 'Jersey Jerk', now registered as G-JERK on the UK Civil Register, completes its second UK flight arriving from Sywell, at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on 5th May 2024, during the Duxford VE-Day Flying Day. It is then seen departing following the show. This Mustang is a former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) machine constructed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Melbourne, Australia with constructors number 1435. It was restored by Ed Field who set up the Mustang Fighter Trust, at Caboolture, Queensland, Australia during the 1990's and had its first post restoration flight on 24 January 2002. It was a composite restoration project that had been purchased from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA as a Mustang airframe parts collection which had sections and parts from different aircraft that had been acquired and stored, including. During 1994 these parts and the project were purchased by Australian airline pilot Ed Field with the aim of operating a twin control Mustang commercially. The parts were delivered in mid 1995 and restoration and began, incorporating also some newly made parts. In 1997 the restoration was added to the Australian Civil Register as VH-MFT and identified as a CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk.21 constructors number 1435, based on paperwork supplied with the application for registration. CA-18 c/n 1435 was RAAF Mustang A68-110, which was damaged in a taxying accident at RAAF East Sale on 19 July 1955, and then transported by road to RAAF Tocumwal, New South Wales. It was authorised for disposal on 6 February 1957 as a stripped airframe shell and sold for scrap to R.H.Grant Trading Co, which at that time was carying out large scale scrapping on the airfield at RAAF Tocumwal. Parts of this aircraft, perhaps the whole airframe shell, had found there way to Florida, USA after it had been scrapped and were included in the project purchased by Ed Field.On 19 March 1999 ownership changed to Warplanes Pty Ltd at Caboolture, due to changes with the ownership syndicate, with Ed Field continuing as the operator. The resulting aircraft, which was given twin seats and dual controls, had its first post restoration test flight at Caboolture on 24 January 2002. It was painted up as ex RAAF airframe A68-769/FA, named 'Snifter' and included a stencilled USAAF data block under the cockpit as "P-51-D-25-NT 44-84502", which corresponded with the original 'Snifter' airframe. It remained at Caboolture, Queensland, Australia until sale by its 11 strong ownership syndicate to Fighter Aviation Engineering,UK in 2023. It arrived at Sywell, UK during November 2023 and was reassembled and put into this new colour scheme by Air Leasing who maintain and operate the aircraft on behalf of Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd.The Mustang's new paint scheme represents the mount of Major Donald A. Strait, the commanding officer of the United States Army Air Force's (USAAF) 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, at Martlesham Heath in Suffolk during 1944. Mustang 44-15152 QI-T was christened 'Jersey Jerk' in reference to the state he grew up in, and after the name he had originally wanted - 'Jersey Bounce' - had already been taken by another pilot. He was originally opposed to the word "jerk" in the name, but changed his mind when his crew chief said to him, "Sir, let me tell you why we want to name it that. Any guy that would take off in a single engine airplane, cross the North Sea in the winter time and take a chance of getting his ass shot off by the Luftwaffe or by anti-aircraft fire, has got to be a jerk!" During two combat tours, Major Strait flew 122 missions and had 13 and a half victories, to become the 356th Fighter Groups top scoring ace, with 10 and a half victories while flying a P-51 Mustang. During late 1944 he became commander of the 361st Fighter Squadron and after World War 2 continued to serve with the New Jersey Air National Guard, in which he had enlisted prior to World War 2, where he became a Squadron Commander, Wing Commander and Commander of the New Jersey National Guard. He was decorated 9 times and retired as a Major General in 1978.Powered by a V12 Packard Merlin V1650-7, fitted with a two-stage two-speed supercharger producing 1,590hp (1,185kW), the aircraft remains twin seat and dual control and will be utilised by Ultimate Warbird Flights for regular commercial passenger joy rides and for pilot training. This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
CANSO PBY-5A Catalina Miss Pick Up High Flight 2024-05-06 | Canadian Vickers Canso Catalina, 'Miss Pick Up', G-PBYA, displaying at its Imperial War Museum, Duxford base during the Duxford Flying Finale 2023. This Catalina is operated by Plane Sailing Air Displays Limited on behalf of Catalina Aircraft Limited, supported by its own ‘fan club’ – The Catalina Society.The aircraft was originally ordered for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a Canso 'A' amphibian, equivalent to the US Navy PBY-5A. It was built by Canadian Vickers at Cartierville, Quebec and given constructors number CV-283 before adopting RCAF serial 11005. Catalina's were named 'Canso's' by the RCAF after the town of that name in Nova Scotia, Canada. Taken on charge by the RCAF on 27 October 1943, it initially served with 9 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron at Bella Bella on the British Columbia coast between Vancouver and Prince Rupert Island. It was on their inventory from November to the following August. 9 Squadron had been based at Bella Bella for some time prior to the arrival of Cansos, having operated Supermarine Stranraers there. The Cansos were mainly operated from water despite their amphibious undercarriages and were used on day and night patrols, looking out for enemy Japanese submarines. By mid-1944, the threat of a Japanese invasion of Western Canada had receded and it was decided to disband 9 Squadron and close the station at Bella Bella. The Cansos, including 11005, were flown to Alliford Bay in the Queen Charlotte Islands, also in British Columbia, and transferred to 7 (BR) Squadron in August. The job was the same – anti-submarine patrols mostly – and 11005 remained with 7 Sqn until it too was disbanded on 25 July 1945. During this period of 11005’s service, it would have flown with an overall matt white hull and upper surfaces, the lower hull being gloss white.With the war over, 11005 was no longer required in its originally intended role and it entered a period of storage at Moose Jaw before being converted to a freighter in 1948. Subsequently, 11005 flew with 413 Survey (Transport) squadron and, later, with 121 CU/CR Flight. It flew photographic reconnaissance missions surveying the Arctic regions, search-and-rescue and flood relief supply flights. In April 1949, it was re-designated 413 S(T) Squadron until, at the end of October 1950, it was disbanded. 11005 then passed on to 121 (Search & Rescue) Flight at Sea Island, Vancouver with whom it would have carried the hull code QT-005. It was finally struck off military charge on 25 May 1961. Purchased for civilian work it was used for firefighting pest control, general freight and fuel hauling and photographic/geophysical surveys.The Catalina was eventually purchased by Plane Sailing Air Displays, there followed a long period of work on the aircraft to make it ready for the long ferry flight to the UK. The crew, Paul Warren Wilson, Rod Brooking and Garry Short flew to Duxford, to be met by a small band of dedicated crew and supporters, almost outnumbered by representatives from the aviation press, radio and TV!Following its arrival at Duxford, it flew at a good number of airshows during the 2004 season; its first being a long flight down to Biscarosse in south-west France where it not only performed impeccably in the air but also made its first flights from water in many a year. At the end of the 2004 show season, C-FNJF entered a period of overhaul and preparation for British registry as G-PBYA and it was re-registered on November 19th, 2004. The start of the 2005 season saw G-PBYA still flying in its bright yellow, red and green colours. In May, it flew the short distance from Duxford to Cambridge where it was repainted in its current scheme representing a wartime USAAF OA-10A Catalina 44-33915 of the 8th Air Force 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron at Halesworth, Suffolk. It has now become an established and huge participant at air displays throughout Europe.Read more: catalina.org.ukThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Jet Provost T Mk.5 High Flight 2024-05-04 | BAC Jet Provost T Mk.5, XW325, G-BWGF, with Chris Heames at the controls, doing a solo display at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford for the Duxford Flying Finale 2023. This aircraft was not 'based' at Duxford for the show.XW325 was constructed as a T. Mk.5 and taken on strength by the Royal Air Force on 29th September 1970. It spent the majority of its service career at RAF Finningley as a NavEx trainer. On 14th January 1975 it was converted by BAC at Warton to a T.Mk.5A. It was with the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell between 1979 and 1989, when it transferred to 6 Flying Training School (FTS) at RAF Finningley. It went into storage at RAF Shawbury in February 1993 and was sold to Global Aviation at Binbrook on 19th November 1993, taking up the civil registration of G-BWGF. It went to Humberside Airport, was civilianised and issued with a CAA Permit to Fly. It was sold to the Specialscope Jet Provost Group in August 1996 and then went to the Viper Jet Provost Group in October 2007. In March 2014 it briefly went to a new owner at St. Athan, Wales, before moving on to Dragonjet Ltd at Cardiff between May 2014 and December 2016, when it was sold to the current owner G-JPVA Ltd. XW325 has been repainted into her original 6 FTS marking's. The Hunting Percival Jet Provost was initially developed as a jet engine modification of the piston-engine Percival P.56 Provost, retaining to original wing structure mated to a new fuselage. It was built as a private venture by Hunting Percival Aircraft Limited at Luton Airport.The P.84 Jet Provost prototype (XD674) first flew at Luton on 26th June 1954, with Dick Wheldon at the controls.The aircraft was developed in liaison with the RAF Flying Training Command to ensure that it incorporated many of their desired characteristics required, such as easy instructional processes and a low cost of maintenance. Later flight testing at Boscombe Down refined some of the designs and in February 1955, the first of 10 pre-production aircraft took to the air. Just 3 months later, three aircraft were assigned to the Central Flying School for assessment as an 'Ab-Initio' ('from the beginning') training role.A number of design changes and refinements were made by Hunting Percival and the Jet Provost T2 made its maiden flight on 1st September 1955. The Jet Provost T2 was purely a development variant and a number visited Scandinavia for 'winterization trials' during the latter part of the year.In 1957, Hunting Percival received their first tangible success for Jet Provost when a production order was received for forty Jet Provost T3 aircraft. The requirement called for the increased-power Armstrong Siddeley Viper engine, as well as ejector seats and a revised undercarriage arrangement. In total, 201 Jet Provost T3's were built at Luton between 1958 and 1962, although the Jet Provost T4 variant was already underway by mid-1960. The T4 carried an improved Armstrong Siddeley Viper ASV.11 power unit which was quickly adopted by the key RAF training facilities at Cranwell, Little Rissington, Linton-on-Ouse, as well as RAF Leeming and RAF Ackington.198 Jet Provost T4's were built ahead of a further engine upgrade and the addition of pressurisation, seen in the arrival of the Jet Provost T.5 (Developed by BAC), which first flew on 28th February 1967.Numerous militarised export versions of the Jet Provost T3 and T4, known as the Jet Provost T51 and T52 respectively, served with Air Forces in Ceylon / Sri Lanka (12 T51), Kuwait (6 T51) and the Sudan (4 T51), as well as Jet Provost T52's in Iraq (20), South Yemen, Sudan (4) and Venezuela (15).110 examples of the pressurised BAC 145 Jet Provost T5 were built by BAC at Warton for the RAF, with export aircraft bringing the total number built to 189. As well as a larger, raised cockpit, most T.5s also have large strakes on the lower side of the fuselage nose. In October 1967, the new BAC Strikemaster took to the skies and so dawned a new era for this iconic design which had started out as a private venture for Hunting Percival Aircraft over 15 years earlier. The BAC 167 Strikemaster was an armed development of the BAC 145 Jet Provost T5.Hunting Jet Provosts remain in service into the 1990's and due to its easy, inexpensive maintenance, a number still remain in flying and taxiable condition in private hands today.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Replica Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker - The Red Baron - High Flight 2024-05-03 | A replica Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker, G-FOKK, wearing the markings of the famous German Air Ace 'The Red Baron', displaying at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford for the 2023 Flying Finale Airshow. This is a full scale replica of the famous Fokker DR.1 Dreidecker (Triplane) 477/17, regularly flown by Baron Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron) during the final period leading up to his death. Although ‘477/17’ was his usual machine, he was flying ‘425/17’ on the flight during which he was shot down and killed on 21st April 1918. This replica was scratch built, using plans produced by Ron Sands, by Paul and Sarah Ford. Years of painstaking research went into getting everything, including the colour, as accurate as possible. The aircraft had its maiden test flight at Sywell Airfield on 26 April 2008, almost 5 years after construction began, following 3,500 hours of work and at a cost of £50,000. None of the 320 original Fokker Dr.1's have survived.This aircraft is powered by a Lycoming HIO-360-B1B engine. The aircraft serial number is PFA 238-14253.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spitfire 1As & Hurricane 1 High Flight 2024-05-02 | A pair of Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1A's and a Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 displaying at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford during the 2023 Flying Finale Airshow.Hurricane P2902 (G-ROBT):-P2902 was built in 1939 by Gloster Aircraft, who by then were part of Hawker Siddeley Aircraft Ltd and was one of 2750 Hurricanes built by Gloster's. It was accepted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) on 13 May 1940 and was lost, after only 8 hours of flying, on 31 May 1940 at Dunkirk, France while operating with 245 Squadron.On 31 May 1940 at 1215 hours Hurricane P2902, flown by Pilot Officer McGlashen, together with eight other 245 Squadron Hurricanes, left RAF Hawkinge for Dunkirk, France. This is the first time that P2902 appears in 245 Squadron's Operations record book, so it is likely to have been a replacement aircraft for losses over the previous few days. P2902 was wearing the 245 squadron letter codes 'DX-R'. A formation of enemy ME109's was sighted at 11,000 ft, but not contacted. When the squadron returned to Hawkinge at 1240hrs, P/O McGlashen was missing. Unseen by his colleagues, he had been shot down.P2902 was hit on its windscreen and in its cooling system. P/O McGlashen was slightly wounded and temporarily blinded by oil and glycol in his eyes. He put P2902 into a dive and by the time he could see again, he was very low. He force landed and was rescued from some French Colonial troops, who thought that he was German, by British soldiers. He returned to England via Margate on the Thames paddle steamer 'Golden Eagle' and returned to his squadron at Hawkinge. He fought in the 'Battle of Britain' and throughout the war, which he survived. Hurricane P2902 remained fairly intact on the beach, under mud and sand. It was recovered by Dunkerque Aero Club in 1989. In 1994 warbird operator Rick Roberts, acquired it from a French Museum in a trade for a Messerschmitt Bf109E. Several restorers were employed on P2902 before Hawker Restorations were contracted to return it to flight. It's been restored as it was on its last mission over Dunkirk, including flare mechanisms, parachute tubes, and a ‘short’ Merlin engine with small radiator. Its first post restoration flight was on 19 June 2017. In May 2016 it was sold to Anglia Aircraft Restorations and in May 2022 transferred to Fighter Aviation Engineering, for whom it is operated and looked after by Air Leasing.Spitfire P7308/AR213 - (G-AIST):-This Spitfire was built by Westland Aircraft at Yeovil, UK in 1941 as construction number WASP/20/2. It was assigned RAF serial number AR213 and delivered to the RAF aircraft storage depot at 12 Maintenance Unit (MU), Kirkbride in July 1941. It then went to 57 Operational Training Unit (OTU), Harwarden, where it stayed until February 1943, when it was transferred to 53 OTU at Llandow. Following a number of landing accidents it was repaired, stored and struck off charge in November 1945. It was purchased by Group Captain Allen Wheeler in October 1946. It was then stored at Old Warden and later, Abingdon before being made airworthy for the 1968 movie ‘Battle of Britain’. It was bought by Patrick Lindsay in 1974. A number of ownership changes followed until acquired by the current owner - Spitfire The One Ltd in 2011.The aircraft is powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin 35 and wears the colours and markings of Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa P7308 XR-D flown by Pilot Officer (P/O) William R Dunn, of 71 'Eagle' Squadron based at at RAF Hawkinge on 27 August 1941. P/O Dunn was the first American air ace of World War 2. Spitfire X4650 (G-CGUK):- This aircraft was built at Supermarine's Woolston works in Southampton and first flew on 23 October 1940. Taken on by the RAF two days later, it went to 24 MU at Tern Hill, before going to 54 Squadron at Catterick.On 28 December 1940 it was involved in an airborne collision during 'Dogfight' training with a second Spitfire north east of Catterick. Both pilots were fortunately able to bale out.X4650 crash landed at a shallow angle close to the banks of the River Leven, but despite remaining relatively intact was classified as 'damaged beyond repair' and its remains were pushed into the river. Over time the clay riverbank collapsed around it. In 1976 the remains reappeared and were recovered and placed in storage by local enthusiasts.The remains were bought in the early 1990's by Peter Monk, who rebuilt the aircraft using as much of the original structure as possible and using genuine original Mk.1 parts from other sources.During 2008, Warbird owners Dan and Tom Friedkin from Texas,USA became involved in the project, adding the aircraft to their 'Comanche Warbirds' collection.X4650's restoration was completed by The Spitfire Company Limited and she made her first post-restoration flight at Biggin Hill on 9th March, 2012.Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spitfire T.IX TE508 Grey Nurse High Flight 2024-04-23 | Supermarine Spitfire T Mk.IX, TE308, 'Grey Nurse', in action with at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on 13 April 2024.Spitfire TE308 was built at Castle Bromwich and delivered to 39 Maintenance Unit (MU), RAF Colerne in summer 1945. This ‘low back’ Mk IXe single seat Spitfire never saw combat and ended the second world war in storage where it stayed until 1950. It was then transferred to 29 MU High Ercall, before being sold to Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd.It was chosen as part of a batch of single seat Spitfires for conversion to two-cockpit, armed training aircraft, destined for international military sales. It is believed TE308 was bound for Egypt but the sale never happened.With an absence of affiliation to an active RAF squadron it was decided to do something more unusual with the livery of this aircraft. TE308 currently flies in homage to the striking designs carried by the 457 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. All of the squadron’s Spitfires were painted with a shark’s mouth, giving them the nickname of the ‘Grey Nurse Squadron’. The Squadron had some notable characters including Pete Brothers, Clive ‘Killer’ Caldwell and Bruce Watson.Initially formed in 1941 and based in Southern England under Squadron Leader Pete Brothers, they flew missions over Nazi-occupied France, made up almost exclusively by Australian pilots and crew later transferring to Darwin as part of No.1 wing Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)and seeing action in the South Pacific. Later moving to Morotai (Indonesia) and Labuan (Malaysia) the squadron took part in operations against Japanese forces before being disbanded on November 7th 1945.The Spitfire wears the registration A58-606 and the squadron code ZP-W as flown by 457's Squadron Leader Bruce Watson.Following the T IX two seat conversion, TE308 joined five other two seat Spitfires which were sent to the Irish Air Corps (IAC) in 1951. Marked as ‘163’ in the distinctive Irish green colours the aircraft flew alongside ‘159’ (MJ772) and ‘158’ (MJ627) both of which also form part of the fleet at Biggin Hill.After decommissioning in 1968 the aircraft was purchased, overhauled, registered as G-AWGB and then leased to Spitfire Productions Ltd for use in filming ‘The Battle of Britain’ with stints in the UK and France.After a time in storage and changes of ownership in the UK, TE308 was purchased by Canadian businessmen Don Plumb and Jerry Billing who refurbished the aircraft in Ontario. Flown initially in 2 seater configuration and then with a fairing that covered the rear cockpit.Further changes of ownership saw the aircraft move to transport museums in Maine and Arizona. In 1983 the aircraft moved to Aspen, Colorado and was a regular on the North American display circuit for 25 years. Following a ground collision with a Hurricane in Texas in 2008, the aircraft was restored in Colorado before being purchased by Warbird Experiences Ltd of Biggin Hill where it was comprehensively inspected and overhauled.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, V7497 High Flight 2024-04-20 | Take off and return of Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, V7497 (G-HRLI) at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on 13 April 2024. The original V7497 was manufactured by Hawker Aircraft Ltd in August 1940. This Hurricane was given Hawker construction number 41H-136172 and allocated RAF serial number V7497. It was delivered to the Royal Air Force (RAF) No.20 Maintenance Unit (MU) at RAF Aston Down in Gloucestershire, where further equipment was installed and it was prepared for service.It was issued to 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron at RAF Kenley, on 19th September 1940. 501 was an Auxiliary Air Force (AuAF) Squadron within the RAF, made up of volunteer pilots who had already been heavily committed in combat in France and England prior to and during the Battle of Britain.V7497's first operational use was for an uneventful operational patrol between 4.50 and 5.10pm on 24th September 1940, flown by Sergeant Cyril Joseph Saward. The aircraft was used again on each of the following four days, but for only six more operational sorties, before it was shot down and lost in combat with German Messerchmitt Bf109s over Kent on 28th September. Just before 10am more than 120 enemy aircraft approached the Kent coast near Deal, with 70 crossing the coast in two waves and flying inland. The first wave of 30 enemy aircraft flew towards Biggin Hill. Six of them managed to press on further to reach London.The second wave of 40 enemy aircraft flew as far as Maidstone. Both waves were intercepted by RAF Spitfire and Hurricane fighter aircraft from 17 Squadrons including 501 Squadron (RAF Kenley), 41 Squadron and 603 Squadron (RAF Hornchurch), 605 Squadron (RAF Croydon) and 66 Squadron (RAF Gravesend). Flying towards the second wave of enemy aircraft were 6 aircraft from 605 Squadron, ahead and above twelve Hurricanes from 501 Squadron. They were attacked by 12 Bf109s from 8./JG26 and Pilot Officer Rogers and Hurricane V7497 were 'shot down'.As a result Hurricane V7497 crashed at Chartway Street, East Sutton, near Maidstone. Its pilot, Pilot Officer Everett Bryan Rogers, parachuted to safety. P/O Rogers (RAF number 81373) was a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). He had joined the RAFVR in July 1937, was 'called up' on 1st September 1939 and completed his training with No.11 Flying Training School at Shawbury between 31st January and 29th June, 1940. During July he was trained to fly Hurricanes and arrived at RAF Kenley on 4th August when he joined 615 Squadron. He was moved to 501 Squadron , also at RAF Kenley, on 12th September. oN 15th September he destroyed a German Dornier Do17 bomber during combat over Kent - this was to be his only operational victory as a fighter pilot. He remained with 501 Squadron until October 1940, survived the war after transferring to a Halifax Bomber Squadron (640 Squadron), rose to the rank of Squadron Leader and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and a 'mention in despatches'.V7497 was one of 6 RAF fighters - 4 Spitfires and 2 Hurricanes - lost, and 4 pilots killed, during this combat on a day when 16 RAF Fighter Command aircraft were lost and 9 RAF pilots killed in combat over south east England.The surface wreckage of the aircraft was cleared from the site immediately afterwards. An 'archaeological' dig during the 1990s recovered significant remains of V7497, which had been buried quite deeply due to the Hurricane's angle and impact speed when it crashed. Parts included the aircrafts identity plates and many others that were later used in its restoration. These were acquired by Tony Ditheridge of Hawker Restorations and this Hurricane V7497 is the result of a 'full airworthy rebuild' - effectively a completely new Hurricane aircraft built around the original identity plates and other useable recovered parts, which are said to amount to about a quarter to a third of the aircraft. The Hurricane has been completed as close to its original condition as possible. This includes an original Merlin Mk.III engine which was restored, with modifications such as split cylinder banks and a modern oil filter system, designed to extend its operational life. The rebuild of Hurricane V7497 was completed with its first flight at Hawker Restorations facility at Elmsett, Suffolk on 30th August 2018. It was then flown to the Imperial War Museum airfield at Duxford, where it is now based flying under the management of the Aircraft Restoration Company.More information about Hurricane V7497 can be found on a website dedicated to the aircraft here:-hurricane501.co.ukThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spitfire T IX, PT462 High Flight 2024-04-18 | The Aircraft Restoration Company's 2 seater Spitfire T IX, PT462, G-CTIX, was active for passenger flights at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on Saturday 13 April 2023, here seen on one of its first outings of the day.Spitfire PT462 was part of a batch ordered on 17th July 1943 and built at Castle Bromwich as an HF IXe and powered by a Merlin 70 engine. Delivered to 39 Maintenance Unit (MU) at Colerne, Wiltshire on 21 July 1944, it was soon moved to 215 MU at Dumfries, Scotland on 31July for shipping overseas. It was transported on board the SS Silversandal on 9 August and arrived for the Mediterranean Allied Air Force on 23 August. Then issued to 4 Squadron, South African Air Force on 19 November, coded “KJ-Z”, it was based initially at Bellaria, on the Italian Adriatic coast, before moving to Forli in December.PT462 returned to the RAF on 5 January 1945 and may have seen further service with 73 and 326 Squadrons, but by April 1945 it was being operated by 253 Squadron, coded 'SW-A'. The Squadron spent time in Yugoslavia, Italy and Austria before disbanding on 16 May 1947. PT462 was then stored at Treviso before being sold to the Italian Air Force on 26 June 1947 and given Italian serial number MM4100 when serving with 5 Stormo based at Orio al Serio, near Bergamo.Later sold to the Israeli Air Force (IAF), it was flown out to the Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) plant at Lydda in April 1952. It was given the identity of 20-67 and carried the call sign code '67' on its fuselage side and served with IAF, 105 Squadron at Ramut David Air Force Base. The Israelis retired their last 16 Spitfires in 1956 and 20-67 was ferried to IAI Lod for storage bearing the civilian registration 4X-FOM. The IAF later donated a number of airframes to various Kibbutz for display and 20-67 was given to Kibbutz Kfar-Gaza.In 1976 the now derelict airframe was discovered with its faded 4 Squadron markings of 'KJ-Z' showing through its dilapidated paintwork. After a number of years the remains of the Spitfire were buried at the municipal rubbish dump. Duxford based collector Robs Lamplough traced and recovered it to his storage facility at Fowlmere, Cambridge on 10 May 1983. It consisted of the propeller hub, engine and front fuselage section to just aft of the cockpit. There were no wings, aft fuselage or tail section. The remains were sold to Spitfire collector Charles Church and moved to his workshop in Hampshire in July 1984, where a restoration to flying condition was started.Under Chief Engineer Dick Melton, the aeroplane was rebuilt into a two seat Spitfire and utilised the wings from another ex-Israeli Spitfire, TE517. The wings were rebuilt to PRXI configuration and incorporated that specific marks large leading edge fuel tank, significantly increasing the available fuel tank capacity and giving increased range of operation as a result. The low two seat canopy modification pioneered by Nick Grace and Dick Melton was incorporated, giving the overall profile a more streamlined shape than the original Vickers-Supermarine factory built two-seat canopy arrangement. A new tail section was constructed by Air Repair at Bicester and an overhauled Rolls Royce Merlin 66 came from Aviation Jersey Ltd.The rebuilt Spitfire was registered as G-CTIX and first flown by Shuttleworth Collection Chief Pilot, John Lewis on 25 July 1987. Once test flying was finished it was painted in an unusual green and Blue camouflage scheme. During ground testing a catastrophic internal engine failure occurred and a replacement Packard Merlin 224 was fitted which is still on the aircraft. Following the death of Charles Church in 1989 the Spitfire was sold by his estate and moved to Florida in 1994, where it became N462JC with Mike Araldi’s Jet Cap Aviation at Bartow. During this ownership the current paint-scheme was applied to represent its time as 'SW-A' with 253 Squadron.Jet Cap Aviation later changed its plans and the Spitfire was sold in February 1998 to Anthony Hodgson of Towyn, Wales, reverting to its British registration of G-CTIX. John Romain and John “Smudge” Smith of The Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCo) joined Anthony Hodgson, his brother Jeff and his engineer Dave Budden and travelled to Bartow to dismantle PT462 for shipping back to Duxford where it arrived on 30 April 1998. After re-assembly and certification the Spitfire returned to the air on 5 August 1998 in the hands of John Romain. Once checked out in September of the same year, Anthony Hodgson based his Spitfire at his private strip in North Wales where he continued to fly and display it at a variety of shows. The Aircraft Restoration Company acquired the aircraft on 9 October 2017 and it is now part of their fleet based at Duxford Airfield, Cambridgeshire.Filmed at IWM Duxford on 29/9/21 - Pilot - Stuart Goldspink.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Mudry CAP232 Aerobatics by Diana Britten MBE High Flight 2024-04-17 | British aerobatic champion Diana Britten MBE, displaying excellent flying skills in her Muddy CAP232 aircraft, in front of the crowd at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford's Flying Finale 2023. In 1995 Diana became the first woman ever to win the British Aerobatic Championship.My apologies for the quality of the sound, with the Catalina running its engines close by during most of this display.Diana's aircraft is a CAP 232, manufactured in France by CAP Aviation. It was the last in their line of unlimited aerobatic aircraft. The fuselage is a composite wooden and carbon fibre construction and the wings are carbon fibre. The CAP 232 is the most pilot-friendly, best-performing and comfortable World Class Unlimited aircraft available. Pilots flying this type have won many World Championships.dianabritten.co.uk/diana-britten-aerobatic-pilot-biography.phpThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Fairey Swordfish and Stinson Reliant - Navy Wings High Flight 2024-04-07 | 'Navy Wings' Fairey Swordfish Mk.I and Stinson Reliant Mk.I, at Old Warden airfield for the Shuttleworth 'King and Country' Airshow, on Sunday 7th May 2023. The Swordfish is a welcome and much loved participant in the flying display, while the Reliant completes a supporting role for its attendance, but is nevertheless a rare aircraft and even rarer wearing the Royal Navy colours that it had during World War 2.The Swordfish is owned by 'Navy Wings'(Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd) - formerly the Royal Navy Historic Flight. The Stinson is owned and operated by Paul Kehoe and is an associate aircraft of the charity. Fairey Swordfish, W5856, G-BMGC:-W5856 is the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world. She first flew on Trafalgar Day (21 October) 1941 and was a “Blackfish”, built by Blackburn Aircraft at Sherburn-in-Elmet and delivered to 82 Maintenance Unit (MU) at Lichfield on 20 October 1941, for overseas transport to Gibraltar. It served with the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet for a year. It is likely W5856 was based at North Front, Gibraltar, carrying out patrols over the Straits. She was then returned to Fairey’s Stockport factory for refurbishment during winter 1942/43.Used for advanced flying training and trials, W5856 was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944, again used for training, then stored in reserve after the War ended. It was disposed of and passed through the hands of at least two civilian operators, one being a farmer who had plans for a crop sprayer, before it was purchased by Sir William Roberts and moved to Scotland for his Strathallan Collection, arriving in August 1977 in a badly corroded condition.In 1990 it was bought by British Aerospace (BAe) and restored to flying condition. Following a successful test flight at Brough in May 1993 she was gifted to the Royal Navy Historic Flight and 3 years later was adopted by the City of Leeds, in tribute to the local companies that built Swordfish components during WW2. She now wears the City’s coat of arms and name on her port side just forward of the pilot’s cockpit.W5856 was grounded with corrosion in her wing spars in 2003. BAe stepped in and made a new set of wings which were delivered in 2012. W5856 was finally restored to full flying condition by a major grant from the Peter Harrison Heritage Foundation. The aircraft re-joined the display circuit in 2015, carrying a new paint scheme which depicts a Swordfish of 820 Naval Air Squadron during the attack on the Bismarck in 1941.Stinson Reliant 1 N69745, 42-46703, (FK877) :-The aircraft was one of 500 military Gull Wing versions of the Stinson Reliant that were transferred to the Royal Navy under Lend-Lease arrangements during WW2. The aircraft type was used extensively by the Fleet Air Arm between 1943 and 1946 for navigational training and as a communications aircraft for many second line units.Built by the Stinson Aircraft Company of Detroit from 1933 onwards, this aircraft was produced and first flown in June 1943. It was one of 573 military Gull Wing versions transferred to the Royal Navy under the Lend – Lease arrangement during World War 2. It was one of the second batch of 250 Reliants delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, serving as FK877. It was used by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm's 740 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at Machrihanish and 703 NAS at Thorney Island between 1943 and 1946, for navigational training and as a communications aircraft. After the war most ex Royal Navy Reliant's were retired to the USA and sold to the civil market.The Stinson Reliant is a high winged monoplane with seating for up to four passengers. The aircraft was extremely versatile with good performance and had an unwavering solid feel which was ideally suited for communication and training roles.This one is owned and operated by Paul Kehoe.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Merlins Roar - Avro Lancaster PA474 - RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight High Flight 2024-04-05 | #AvroLancaster #BattleofBritainMemorialFlight #Lancaster #MerlinFour Merlin engines roaring together as the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Avro Lancaster B1, PA474 flys past. PA474 is one of only two Lancaster aircraft remaining in airworthy condition out of the 7,377 that were built (the other is in Canada with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, Ontario). The left-hand side of PA474 represents Lancaster BIII W5005 ‘AR-L’ “Leader” of 460 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron, with its nose art of a kangaroo in wellington boots playing bagpipes reflecting the mixed nationalities of the crew: Scottish, Welsh and Australian. The ‘bomb log’ on the nose shows a ‘snapshot in time’ at the point just after the 30th successful operation flown by W5005, to Munich on 6th September 1943. W5005 eventually completed 94 operations before ditching in the Humber on 27th August 1944, after having been transferred to 550 Squadron.The right-hand side of PA474 wears the 50 Squadron code letters ‘VN-T’ representing Lancaster LL922 in which Flying Officer ‘Dougy’ Millikin (grandfather of the ex OC BBMF, Andy ‘Milli’ Millikin) and his wireless operator John Tait, flew 33 operations together. The starboard side of the Lancaster’s nose also bears the coat of arms and name of The City of Lincoln.The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two. It is a legend that lives on today and the contribution made by the aircraft and its crews to the freedom of our nation will, hopefully, never be forgotten. The prototype Lancaster took to the air for its first flight from Woodford, Manchester, on 9th January 1941; the first production Lancaster flew later that year on 31st October.The first RAF unit to receive the new aircraft for operations (on Christmas Eve 1941) was No 44 Squadron at Waddington, quickly followed by 97 Squadron at Woodhall Spa. The performance of the Lancaster was simply outstanding. It could carry a maximum bomb load of 22,000 lb, its maximum level speed with a full load at 15,000 feet was 275 mph and it could cruise routinely at altitudes above 20,000ft at a range speed of 200 mph. With a full bomb load the aircraft had a range in excess of 1,500 miles. The Lancaster’s performance, its ruggedness, reliability and to many its sheer charisma, endeared it to its crews who were proud to fly this famous thoroughbred.Filmed at the Shuttleworth King and Country Airshow 2023.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
King Charles IIIs The Royal Chipmunk High Flight 2024-04-05 | De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22, WP903, (G-BCGC) was manufactured in 1952 by De Havilland in the United Kingdom (UK). It was one of 1,000 Chipmunks made in the UK and was number 776 in the production line, with constructors number C1-0776. The Royal Air Force received 735 Chipmunks, which were designated in British service as the de Havilland Chipmunk T.10, of which this was one. The Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft which was the standard primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force and nineteen other air forces through much of the post-Second World War years. Wsiewołod Jakimiuk, a Polish pre-war engineer, was the principal designer of the Chipmunk for De Havilland Canada, leading the design team.WP903 served with the RAF Queens Flight, hence the unique Dayglo Red colour scheme and warning lamp (the 'Parrot'), which was a specific modification for its Royal service.During its first assignment with the Queens Flight from 20th September 1960 to 12th June 1964 it was used to teach The Duke of Kent, Prince Michael and Prince William of Gloucester to fly.Reassigned back to the Queens Flight in July 1969 it was used to teach Prince Charles, the then Prince of Wales and now King Charles III, by his own instructor Squadronn Leader Philip Pinney, who flew a total of 101 flights. Starting training at RAF Tangmere, the Prince Charles went on to fly his first solo at RAF Bassingbourn on January 14, 1969, followed by the award of his Private Pilots Licence in March 1969 and his RAF Preliminary Flying Badge on 2nd August.WP903 was then returned to No.27 Maintenance Unit (MU) at Shawbury in August 1970.Whilst WP903 was the main Chipmunk to serve with the Queens Flight, WF848 also served between August 1954 and April 1955 for Prince Phillip's flying training at White Waltham and later from March to April 1979, WP904 was detached from the Royal Navy Grading Flight, for Prince Andrew's flying instruction.It had made its last RAF flight from RAF Benson on 10 October 1969 after being transferred from the Queen’s Flight to the storage facility at Shawbury.On leaving the RAF WP903 was acquired by the Culdrose Gliding Club in March 1974, serving as a Glider Tug until December 1996.The Chipmunk has been based at RAF Henlow since December 2001 and is operated by the Henlow Chipmunk Group.In 2020 with RAF Henlow airfield closing, WP903 found a new home and moved the very short distance to Old Warden, where it is now based.Filmed at the Shuttleworth King & Country Premiere Airshow at Old Warden airfield on 7th May 2023. Display flown by Robert Brinkley.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
F-16 Dannebrog 800 Special Scheme display - Royal Danish Air Force High Flight 2024-03-29 | Captain Troels 'TEO' Vang flying The Royal Danish Air Force's F-16 Solo Display, in the 'Dannebrog 800' special scheme aircraft, E-191, during The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 at RAF Fairford, England. The film shows the show arrival of both aircraft on Wednesday 12 July, followed later on the same day, by a practice and validation display by E-191. The aircraft flew again during a very wet Friday 14 July, which I didn't film as it was just too wet to risk the camera. Unfortunately the aircraft then developed a technical fault which grounded it for the rest of the airshow, before it departed on Monday 17 July. Perhaps one of the most colourful display fast jets on the European circuit, the Danish display F-16 is painted in a special scheme 'Dannebrog 800', which was applied to the aircraft during June 2019 in order to commemorate the 800th Anniversary of the colours of the Danish flag. This celebrated 'Valdemarsdag', the anniversary of King Valdemar’s victory in the Battle of Lindanise (present day Tallinn, Estonia) in 1219. According to legend, on that day, the flag of Denmark 'Dannebrog' (which translates to 'the cloth of the Danes' or the 'red flag') fell from the sky.The Danish Air Force sent their F-16 solo display, together with a static display example of the F-16BM two seater, to the 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The aircraft are from Eskadrilles 727 and 730 of the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) based with Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, in southern Jutland, Denmark. Denmark operates 30 F-16s which are pooled between Eskadrille 727 and Eskadrille 730 at Skrydstrup. Eskadrille 727 was the first Danish squadron to be equipped with the F-16 and is the oldest fighter squadron of the RDAF. It will replace its F-16s with an order for 27 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs. Four F-35As, the first to be received in Denmark, were delivered to Esdadrille 727 at Skrydstrup on 14 September 2023. The squadron will operate both the F-16 and F-35A aircraft for a transitional period, until all ordered F-35s have been delivered, which is expected to be during 2026. The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is currently the most numerous combat aircraft in NATO. Originally developed for the USAF as a day fighter, the F-16 has evolved into a highly capable multi-role combat aircraft that despite flying for the first time in 1974 is still in production. Over 4,500 F-16s have been produced over the past 49 years and 3,000 of them are still in service with 25 nations around the world. The most recent version is called the Block 70/72 and includes a new cockpit, computers, an advanced AESA radar based on the one installed in the F-35.Denmark originally ordered 77 F-16s which were licence built by SABCA in Belgium. Today the fleet stands at 30 aircraft in service with others in storage. These have been updated to the F-16AM MLU specification which includes the Link 16 datalink, Helmet Sight, Targeting Pods, new computers and the ability to use the Aim-9X Sidewinder providing a full multi-role capability. The Danish Air Force will shortly begin to retire their remaining F-16s as deliveries continue of the F-35A. Denmark have ordered 27 F-35As to replace the F-16.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Bristol F2B Fighter High Flight 2024-03-19 | Bristol F.2B Fighter, G-AEPH, now B1162 (previously it wore D8096, which is its real identity) was built in 1918 and saw no operational wartime service. It did serve with 208 Squadron based in Turkey in 1923.The aircraft was repainted in November 2020 as an aircraft operated by 22 Squadron (RAF) with aircraft serial number B1162 during an overhaul that took over two years, and returned to flying in March 2021. B1162 was based at Villeneuve-les-Vertus, France in March 1918. It wore the code F on the fuselage sides and the undersides of the wings, along with a large letter on the central part of the top wing. 22 Squadron was the first RAF squadron to use the F2B. It's the only airworthy original example of a Bristol Fighter in Europe and is powered by a very rare Rolls-Royce Falcon engine.Its remains were acquired in 1936 by Captain C P B Ogilvie who intended to restore it to flying condition, but failed to complete it.The Bristol Aeroplane Company restored the aeroplane and it flew again in 1951, in the care of the Shuttleworth Collection. The engine and airframe underwent a complete refurbishment during 1980-82. In 1992 the engine (the oldest working Rolls-Royce aero engine in the world) was replaced by an overhauled unit. The original was rebuilt and is kept as a fully working spare.This Bristol Fighter is the only airworthy original example in Europe.In 1915 the Royal Flying Corps had identified a need to replace their Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c's with an emphasis on self-defence capabilities. Designed by a team led by Frank Barnwell (who had experience as a frontline RFC pilot), the prototype Bristol Type 12 F.2A (C3303) was first flown on 9th September 1916 at Filton, fitted with a newly available 190 hp Rolls-Royce Falcon I inline engine. Bristol had already received an order for 50 aircraft by the time the second prototype flew on 25th October 1916, this time fitted with a Hispano-Suiza power unit. The type was a twin-bay biplane, with the fuselage suspended mid-way between the wings in a similar manner to the earlier Gordon England biplanes. The pilot was seated forward, the observer / gunner being equipped with a Scarff-mounted machine gun in the rear cockpit. A forward-firing Vickers gun was mounted on the fuselage centreline. The type was ordered into service with 2 prototypes and 50 production F.2A being built before construction was switched to the Type 14 F.2B, the aircraft which became the definitive Bristol Fighter.When production was switched to the F.2B it became the subject of 'contract manufacture' across the aircraft industry with the first 150 or so fitted with either the Falcon I or Falcon II engine. The remainder received the Falcon III engine which meant they could achieve a top speed of around 123 mph and could reach 10,000 feet about 3 minutes faster. The F.2B featured a fully covered lower wing centre-section and downward sloped longerons in front of the cockpit, to improve the pilot’s view when landing and despite being a two-seater it was an agile dog-fighter, which had superiority over many of its single-seater opposition. At some points engine supply was outpaced by airframe production and some 5,300 Bristol F.2B were built in Britain, with an additional 68 in the USA. Rolls-Royce power plants of all types were utilised to offset the shortages. The Type 15's produced by sub-contractors received the Sunbeam Arab piston engine which relegated them to simple reconnaissance missions whilst the Type 16 was fitted with the Hispano-Suiza engine which once again failed to match the power of the Falcons. There was a proposed Type 22 fitted with a radial or rotary engine but this never came to fruition and the type number was later re-allocated to the Bristol F.2C Badger. The Bristol M.R.1, often referred to as the 'All-metal F.2B' was in fact a completely new design although it shared similar fuselage characteristics. Only 2 prototypes were built but it never entered production. In peacetime, the Bristol Fighter was used as an Army Cooperation machine, particularly in India and Iraq.A structurally strengthened version the Bristol Type 96 was designated the Bristol Fighter Mk III. These aircraft were later converted in service to the Bristol Fighter Mk IV with increased weight (max 3,350 lb), taller fin, Handley Page slots and aerodynamically-balanced rudder. There are 3 remaining airworthy aircraft with a number on static display, predominantly in museums around the UK and Europe. A replica aircraft was created at Filton to celebrate 100 years of aircraft manufacturing in Bristol, where the original Bristol Fighter was designed and built.Filmed during the Shuttleworth King and Country Airshow 2023, where it completed two displays.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
The Doomsday Plane - Boeing E-4B Nightwatch High Flight 2024-03-07 | A look at one of four Boeing E-4B 'Nightwatch' planes that are operated as US National Airborne Operations Centres and are a key component of the National Military Command System for the US President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In the event of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centres, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control and communications centre to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities. The conduct of E-4B operations encompasses all phases of the threat spectrum. Additionally, the E-4B provides outside the continental United States, travel support for the Secretary of Defense and his staff to ensure Title 10 command and control connectivity.The airframe is a modified Boeing 747-200 packed with 41 different types of communication and surveillance equipment. The aircraft is designed to be capable of remaining in the air for up to a week if necessary, without landing, although it's longest uninterrupted test flight was reportedly only 34 hours long. It can accept air to air refuelling, but needs two fully loaded Boeing KC-135 tankers to refuel from a minimum fuel load. All of its electronics and wiring are shielded against Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) and its original analogue flight control system is more able to withstand EMP than more modern digital systems. An advanced satellite communications system provides worldwide communication for senior leaders through the airborne operations center. Other improvements include nuclear and thermal effects shielding, acoustic control, an improved technical control facility and an upgraded air-conditioning system for cooling electrical components.The main deck is divided into six functional areas: a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, communications area and rest area. The four aircraft are all based at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska with the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, which is part of the 595th Command and Control Wing.Flight crew consists of a Command Pilot, Co-Pilot, Flight Engineer and a Navigator. The navigator using a special suite of specialist military navigation equipment. Up to 112 mission personnel can be carried, although the aircraft uses a minimum of 48 people for every mission.To provide direct support to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the JCS, at least one E-4B NAOC is always on 24-hour alert, 7-days a week, with a global watch team at one of many selected bases throughout the world.The E-4B also provides support to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides communications and command centre capability to relief efforts following natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.Air Force Global Strike Command is the Air Force single-resource manager for the E-4B, and provides aircrew, maintenance, security and communications support. E-4B operations are directed by the JCS and executed through U.S. Strategic Command. USSTRATCOM also provides personnel for the joint airborne operations center battle staff.Each aircraft has cost US $223.2 million and costs about US $200,000 per hour to operate.This aircraft carries US Air Force serial 73-1676 and was built in 1973. Filmed at RAF Fairford, UK during The Royal International Air Tattoo 2022.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
DH.88 Comet, Miles Hawk Speed Six & Percival Mew Gull High Flight 2024-03-06 | A trio of Shuttleworth Collection 1930's racing aircraft flying together at Old Warden during the Shuttleworth King & Country Airshow 2023.Comet:-Three De Havilland DH.88 Comets were made for the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race from England to Australia. Each cost £50,000. De Havilland Ltd financed the project for prestige and research. Each was sold for £5,000. The first , the black and gold ‘Black Magic’ E-1 (G-ACSP) flew on 8/9/1934. It was flown in the race by Jim and Amy Mollinson (nee Johnson). It was powered by two 230 hp Gipsy Six R engines, driving Ratier two-position propellers that changed the pitch from fine to coarse automatically as airspeed increased. Two crew sat in tandem behind three fuel tanks, giving a range of nearly 3,000 miles. It has a retractable undercarriage and is light-weight because it's made mostly of wood. The only metal used is for load bearing parts.The other two aircraft were the British Racing green (G-ACSR), flown by Owen Cathcart and Ken Waller and this aircraft, (G-ACSS) ‘Grosvenor House’, flown in the race by CWA Scott and Tom Campbell Black. The race began on 20/10/1934 from RAF Mildenhall. Both 'Black Magic' and 'Grosvenor House' flew to Baghdad non-stop. This DH88 won in 70 hours 54 minutes.It was evaluated by the RAF as K5084 and shown at the 1936 Hendon Pageant. It had several accidents and was sold as scrap. It was bought by F Tasker and restored at Essex Aero Ltd, Gravesend. Renamed ‘The Orphan’ it was fourth in the England-Damascus Air Race of 1937.It was renamed as ‘The Burberry’ and set time records for round trips from England to both the Cape and New Zealand.It was left and stored at Gravesend during WW2. De Havilland apprentices statically restored it for the 1951 Festival of Britain. It was given to the Shuttleworth Collection in 1965, restored and flown again on 17/5/1987.In 2002 the undercarriage failed when landing. Modifications to its structure were made and the aircraft flew again in 2014.Hawk Speed Six:-This was designed as a racing development of the Miles Hawk sports and towing aircraft. Three were built by Phillips and Powis. The prototypeG-ACTE first flew in 1934 and was raced in Kings Cup races from 1934 to 1936.The two others were the M2U, G-ADOD, and the M2L G-ADGP. These were built for Luis and Ruth Fontes. Both were raced in 1933 and 1936 until G-ADOD was written off on 1st October 1936 after engine failure. This left G-ADGP as the sole survivor. It was modified before and after WW 2 to obtain faster speeds, coming 2nd in 4 out of 13 Kings Cup races from 1948 to 1960.By 1971, G-ADGP had been modified so much that it was almost unrecognisable. In 1986 it was sold to Tom Buffaloe who had it rebuilt to 1937 specification. It spent most of the next 10 years based at Old Warden. In 1997 it was sold to Concorde captain Roger Mills and kept at Fairoaks. In 2018 it was sold to the Shuttleworth Collection. Mew Gull - This one was originally registered ZS-AHM, named ‘The Golden City’ and flown by Major A M Miller. It was one of three Mew Gulls intended to take part in the Schlesinger Race from Portsmouth to Johannesburg in 1936. Having run out of fuel just before the first control at Belgrade and being unable to obtain a suitable grade of spirit for refuelling, Miller retired and returned to England. In 1937, the Mew Gull was sold to Alex Henshaw and re-registered G-AEXF.Henshaw flew it to win the 1937 Folkestone Trophy at 210 mph, but suffered engine failure and force landed during that year’s King’s Cup. For the 1938 season G-AEXF was modified by Essex Aero at Gravesend. They fitted a Gipsy Six R engine in place of the former standard Gipsy Six and a Ratier variable pitch propeller taken from the Comet racer G-ACSS. Soon the Ratier was replaced by a de Havilland constant speed propeller and the fuselage was remodelled above the top longerons to give a lower profile – with the pilot seated on the floor. After this Henshaw won the 1938 King’s Cup at 236.25 mph.G-AEXF then returned to Gravesend where a Gipsy Six series II engine, radio and long-range fuel tanks were fitted in preparation for Alex Henshaw’s Cape record flight. He took off on February 5th 1939 and returned from Cape Town 4 days 10 hours 16 minutes later, a record that stood for over 70 years. G-AEXF spent WW2 hidden in France and was returned to England, refurbished and overhauled in time to win the 1955 King’s Cup.G-AEXF was bought in 1985 by Desmond Penrose and was returned to its original 1939 configuration by AJD engineering and then based at Old Warden. In 1991 it was badly damaged when it force landed in a barley field, probably due to carburettor icing. It was restored and later, in 2002, sold to the Real Aeroplane Company. It was then bought by the Shuttleworth Collection and went back to Old Warden on 6th October 2013.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Fairey Swordfish and Stinson Reliant - Navy Wings High Flight 2024-03-04 | A Fairey Swordfish Mk.I and Stinson Reliant Mk.I, arriving at Old Warden airfield for the Shuttleworth 'King and Country' Airshow, on Sunday 7th May 2023, the day after the Coronation of King Charles III.The Swordfish is owned by 'Navy Wings'(Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd) - formerly the Royal Navy Historic Flight. The Stinson is owned and operated by Paul Kehoe and is an associate aircraft of the charity. Fairey Swordfish, W5856, G-BMGC:-W5856 is the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world. She first flew on Trafalgar Day (21 October) 1941 and was a “Blackfish”, built by Blackburn Aircraft at Sherburn-in-Elmet and delivered to 82 Maintenance Unit (MU) at Lichfield on 20 October 1941, for overseas transport to Gibraltar. It served with the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet for a year. It is likely W5856 was based at North Front, Gibraltar, carrying out patrols over the Straits. She was then returned to Fairey’s Stockport factory for refurbishment during winter 1942/43.Used for advanced flying training and trials, W5856 was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944, again used for training, then stored in reserve after the War ended. It was disposed of and passed through the hands of at least two civilian operators, one being a farmer who had plans for a crop sprayer, before it was purchased by Sir William Roberts and moved to Scotland for his Strathallan Collection, arriving in August 1977 in a badly corroded condition.In 1990 it was bought by British Aerospace (BAe) and restored to flying condition. Following a successful test flight at Brough in May 1993 she was gifted to the Royal Navy Historic Flight and 3 years later was adopted by the City of Leeds, in tribute to the local companies that built Swordfish components during WW2. She now wears the City’s coat of arms and name on her port side just forward of the pilot’s cockpit.W5856 was grounded with corrosion in her wing spars in 2003. BAe stepped in and made a new set of wings which were delivered in 2012. W5856 was finally restored to full flying condition by a major grant from the Peter Harrison Heritage Foundation. The aircraft re-joined the display circuit in 2015, carrying a new paint scheme which depicts a Swordfish of 820 Naval Air Squadron during the attack on the Bismarck in 1941.Stinson Reliant 1 N69745, 42-46703, (FK877) :-The aircraft was one of 500 military Gull Wing versions of the Stinson Reliant that were transferred to the Royal Navy under Lend-Lease arrangements during WW2. The aircraft type was used extensively by the Fleet Air Arm between 1943 and 1946 for navigational training and as a communications aircraft for many second line units.Built by the Stinson Aircraft Company of Detroit from 1933 onwards, this aircraft was produced and first flown in June 1943. It was one of 573 military Gull Wing versions transferred to the Royal Navy under the Lend – Lease arrangement during World War 2. It was one of the second batch of 250 Reliants delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, serving as FK877. It was used by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm's 740 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at Machrihanish and 703 NAS at Thorney Island between 1943 and 1946, for navigational training and as a communications aircraft. After the war most ex Royal Navy Reliant's were retired to the USA and sold to the civil market.The Stinson Reliant is a high winged monoplane with seating for up to four passengers. The aircraft was extremely versatile with good performance and had an unwavering solid feel which was ideally suited for communication and training roles.This one is owned and operated by Paul Kehoe.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Piper Cub Banner Towing - God Save the King - Shuttleworth King & Country Airshow 2023 High Flight 2024-03-02 | The Shuttleworth Collection's Piper Cub, G-SVAS, picking up and towing a banner showing 'God save the King' for the opening of the Shuttleworth 'King and Country' Airshow, on 7 May 2023 - the day after the Coronation of King Charles III. Unfortunately the banner tow didn't go quite to plan as it was prepared and picked up 'upside down', but nor did my filming as I didn't anticipate that the Lynx Helicopter would block my view of the actual moment of the banner pick up - there are ways and means to correct some of it, but not all of it!This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Cycling the Undercarriage on a De Havilland DH.88 Comet High Flight 2024-03-01 | A short demonstration, in the engineering hangar at the Shuttleworth Collection, of the undercarriage being cycled up and down on their De Havilland DH-88 Comet racer, G-ACSS, 'Grosvenor House'.Filmed at the Engineering Open Day on 25 February 2024.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Hawker Demon sold to new owner in USA High Flight 2024-02-29 | Demon Displays Ltd, Shuttleworth Collection based Hawker Demon, K8203, G-BTVE, has this month been de registered in the UK following sale to a new owner. Concurrently it has appeared on the United States Federal Aviation Administration civil register as N-1HD. The US registered owner is listed as 'Weeks Kermit A. Trustee' of Polk City, Florida. As of 25th February 2024 the aircraft remains in situ in a hangar at the Shuttleworth Collection, as seen in the first part of this film.The outdoor shots of the Hawker Demon in action were filmed at various times between 2016 and 2022.This Demon wears the same 64 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) colours, as it had when delivered to the RAF in 1937, from Boulton - Paul Aircraft Ltd. It's the only airworthy example of a Hawker Demon.When the Hawker Hart bomber entered service in January 1930, it outperformed all other RAF aircraft, so the decision was made to procure a two-seat fighter version for use until the Fury was ready. Two modified Harts were produced as prototypes for evaluation. Powered by the supercharged Rolls Royce Kestrel V12 engine, each was equipped with two synchronised forward firing .303in Vickers machine guns and had the rear cockpit modified to accommodate a .303in Lewis gun and observer/air gunner. These were known as Hart Fighters, as were a further batch of 6 machines. The name Demon was adopted in 1932 and full production began shortly thereafter. The aircraft entered RAF service with No 23 Squadron in April 1933 and eventually equipped seven regular and five auxiliary squadrons. As the sole other operator, the Royal Australian Air Force purchased 64 machines.The Demon was not a particularly successful fighter. Such was its speed that the rear gunner experienced considerable difficulty manoeuvring his gun against the slipstream. From late 1936 a number of aircraft built by Boulton-Paul were provided with a hydraulically operated Frazer-Nash turret shield in the rear cockpit and many earlier aircraft were retrospectively modified to this standard. This initiative greatly improved the rear gunner’s accuracy, but badly affected the performance of the fixed guns whenever the turret was pointed abeam.The aircraft remained in service until late 1938, at which time its units were re-equipped with the Bleheim1F. It was obsolete by the time war broke out in 1939 but a few continued to serve as target tugs and communications aircraft. A total of 305 Demons were built with several surviving on static display in various museums around the world. This sole airworthy machine took to the air in June 2009 following an 18-year restoration.It was the twenty-third aircraft delivered of a third production batch of 37, built by Boulton-Paul. It was taken on charge by the RAF on 27 October 1937 and went to 64 Squadron, RAF Church Fenton. It was later sent to 9 Maintenance Unit (MU), RAF Cosford and then to 9 Air Observer’s School, RAF Penrhos. It was struck off charge on 28 September 1940, but became a ground training aid at 1 Service Flying Training School, RAF Netheravon. It was finally disposed of to 413 (Aldershot) Squadron Air Training Corps, probably during 1943. The rear fuselage went into RAF Museum storage at RAF Cardington.The previous owner acquired that Demon fuselage in July 1991 from Aero Vintage Limited, together with a fin, rudder and tailplane, elevators, a centre-section and some parts of the wings and undercarriage; some other components were rescued from a tip in Ireland. Restoration was entrusted to SkySport Engineering Limited, with the main criterion being that the finished aircraft should be historically accurate in every way. A great deal of time, especially during the early years, was spent in extensive research and development of ways to manufacture specialist components, some of it being carried out by sub-contractors; the Kestrel V engine was acquired in Australia.K8203’s first post restoration flight was at SkySport’s base near Sandy, Bedfordshire, on 23/6/2009. Test flying was completed at RAF Henlow. The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the Permit to Fly at the end of the following month and the restored aircraft made its airshow debut a few days later on 2 August at the Shuttleworth Collection’s Old Warden Airfield, where the Demon is still hangared.On 21 March the 2010 ConRod Trophy was awarded to Tim Moore of SkySport Engineering for the company’s restoration and maintenance of the Hawker Demon. In September the aircraft won the 2010 Freddie March ‘Spirit of Aviation’ Trophy at the annual concours d’elegance at Goodwood, to which ‘about 25 of the world’s finest, most elegant, original and rarely-seen aircraft from the evocative pioneering days of aviation’, all in flying condition, are invited; the competition is judged primarily on the aircraft’s condition, originality and service history.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Avro 504K Rotary Engine Demo High Flight 2024-02-29 | An engine prime, start and run demonstration and a walk around look at the Shuttleworth Collection's 1918 Avro 504K. Filmed at their Engineering Open Day on Sunday 25 February 2024. The engine is a Le Rhone 9J Rotary.First flown at Brooklands in 1913 and still in RAF service in 1944, the Avro 504 was a development of the Avro 500. It was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft during the First World War. Ultimately built by at least 18 contractors, the total number built during the First World War is unclear, although there is general agreement that more than 8,000 were built during the First World War and the grand total, including aircraft built overseas exceeds 10,000 aircraft. From mid-1915 onward, the Avro 504 was withdrawn from operations in France and became the standard training aircraft for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). The most significant versions of the Avro 504 were the 504J using the 100hp Gnome Monosoupape or the 80hp Le Rhone rotary engine, whereas the 504K could accommodate these and a wide range of other engine types. The Avro 504J (of which 2,070 were built) was in essence, an Avro 504A fitted with a 100 hp Gnome Monosoupape engine. Many aircraft initially ordered as Avro 504A were eventually completed as the Avro 504J. Valuable work was performed by the Smith-Barry School of Special Flying at Gosport using the Avro 504J and 504K, formalising the instructional syllabus and teaching operational flying techniques to prepare pilots for combat flying at the Front Towards the end of 1917, the shortage of rotary engines for Avro 504s became acute and so a modified engine mount arrangement was designed whereby different interface plates would allow many types of rotary engines to be fitted within a smooth circular cowling. This model received the designation Avro 504K.Engine choices for the 504K included the 100 hp Gnome Monosoupape, the 80 or 110 hp Le Rhone, and the 130 hp Clerget, among others. The Avro 504K was the most successful version of the Avro 504, with 4,997 being built. In late 1917, single-seat converted 504Js and 504Ks were used to equip several Home Defence squadrons of the RFC. These aircraft were fitted with a Lewis gun above the wing and powered by 100 hp Gnome or 110 hp Le Rhône engines. 274 converted Avro 504Js and Ks were in use by eight Home Defence squadrons in 1918. After the end of the war, the type continued in service as the standard trainer of the newly formed Royal Air Force (RAF) until the late 1920s. The last UK-built Avro 504Ks were delivered in February 1927. Large numbers of surplus aircraft were sold for civil or military use, with more than 300 504Ks placed on the civil register in Britain, used for tuition and joy-riding. Most of these aircraft had the dual controls removed and the rear cockpit modified to accommodate two passengers. Extensive military export orders for the 504K were received and 30 or more of the type were operated by each of the following nations: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), India, Japan, Portugal and South Africa. Some 331 Avro 504K were manufactured overseas in Australia, Japan, Canada, Dutch East Indies and Belgium.Unofficial derivatives of the Avro 504K were built in Japan and Russia. This aircraft, which is powered by a Le Rhone 110hp engine, is owned and operated by The Shuttleworth Collection. It was one of those converted to a radial engined 504N while in RAF service. Later it passed into civilian ownership and was registered as G-ADEV. In 1940 it was impressed into military service and took part in glider towing experiments. After WW2 it was returned to civilian use and converted back to K specification by Avro apprentices for the film Reach for the Sky. It was then donated to Shuttleworth.It was completely overhauled during 2010 and since March 2011 has been presented in the night fighter configuration of 77 Home Defence Squadron, RAF, machine E.3273, based at East Lothian between September 1918 and June 1919. For the night fighter role the Avro 504K was converted from a dual to a single-seater. This was achieved by fairing over the front cockpit and fitting a Lewis gun over the centre section mounted on a semi-circular sliding Foster gun mount. With a Le Rhone rotary engine this configuration could usefully reach 18,000 feet. This conversion also gave night flying pilots the ability to train with a rotary engine, which made it an invaluable stepping stone towards flying the Sopwith Camel. It was the Camel which would spearhead night fighting in France in 1918.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Asymmetric Arrows - The Red Arrows High Flight 2024-02-28 | This display from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic team, the world famous 'Red Arrows', happened on the Saturday of The Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 at the Royal Air Force (RAF) airfield at Fairford, UK. Normally the Red Arrows display is done with 9 aircraft. For the 2023 season the team, for personnel and training reasons, were reduced to 8 aircraft. Unfortunately for this display they were only able to muster 7 aircraft, as one of the pilots was unable to fly. This led to the first half of the display looking very asymmetric - e.g. the formation called 'nine arrow' only has seven aircraft and their formation positions are unbalanced. The reason for this is that each pilot is trained to fly just one position in the formation during any one single display season. So if a pilot isn't available, then it's not possible for another 'spare' pilot, or for one of the other pilots and aircraft, to fill the vacant spot or to move an aircraft's position in order to balance the formations.The aircraft flown are all BAe Systems Hawk T. Mk.1's.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spitfires & Hurricanes - Salute to The Few of the Battle of Britain 1940 High Flight 2024-02-27 | The grand finale at the Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow 2022, was this display by four Supermarine Spitfires and three Hawker Hurricanes, in a salute to 'The Few' - the brave British, colonial and pilots from many European and other countries, such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the USA (unofficially), who successfully defended the United Kingdom between May and October 1940, from the swarming hordes of German Luftwaffe Bombers and Fighters which were intent upon defeating the Royal Air Force in order to gain superiority in the air in advance of a planned sea and land invasion by German military forces. Because the German Luftwaffe were repelled and unable to defeat the Royal Air Force, the planned German invasion of Britain never happened.The aircraft are:-1/. Aero Legends 2 seat Supermarine Spitfire Mk. T IX, NH341, G-CICK. This Spitfire was originally a single seater Mk. IX, but was converted to 2 seat configuration when restored.- Another film here - youtu.be/WqIIK180aJU?si=-grWGBuXRSSrbkLq 2/.The Aircraft Restoration Company's (ARCo) Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk.XI, PL983, G-PRXI.Another film here - youtu.be/Is8kn3y3uQs?si=5CGfI-04_yb5QBv23/. Max-Alpha Aviation's Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIIIc, MT928.Another film here - youtu.be/TUPznxKSGNE4/. Aero Legends Supermarine Spitfire HF Mk.IXe, TD314, G-CGYJ, the 'St. George' Spitfire.Another film here - youtu.be/KP59os6l3mU5/. Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, V7497, G-HRLI.Another film here - youtu.be/vGGo2hfvVz86/. Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, P3717, G-HITT. Another film here - youtu.be/qWbadBv2IPU7/. Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, R4118, G-HUPW.More film here - youtu.be/Q2uDlTH86NUThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Yakovlev Yak-3UPW High Flight 2024-02-25 | Yakovlev YAK-3UPW, F-AZIM, flown by Rob Davy for the Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow 2022. This Yak-3 is a modern build from the original plans of the 1940's Soviet fighter. This example was built in 1995 and is in Ukrainian Air Force colours.From 1991 to 2002 there were 21 Yakovlev Yak-3, Yak-7 and Yak-9 aircraft produced in the former Soviet Union using the original plans and dies.These aircraft are powered by the American Allison V-1710 or the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine in place of the Klimov V-12s used during the war. Several of these aircraft are airworthy, mostly based in the United States with others in Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Others have been converted to "Yak-3U" status from original Yak-11 trainers for private owners and museums. This aircraft is a Yak-3U with a Pratt & Witney (hence 'UPW') R-1830.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Stearman Bi-plane Wing Walkers High Flight 2024-02-23 | A 'wing walking' display with a pair of Boeing Stearman bi-planes, each with a lady strapped to a safety rig on the top wing. It's not really 'Wing Walking' but it's the only way you'll do it these days without falling off. Unlike some other 'Wing Walking' displays, this 'act' doesn't include aerobatics and smoke. You have to respect anybody that is happy to be on top of that wing, regardless of the fact that there are securely strapped to it.Both aircraft are Boeing A75L300 Stearmans registered to The Wing Walk Company. G-WGWK was manufactured in 1941 and G-WWLK in 1942.Filmed at the Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow 2022.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Restored Westland Lynx helicopter - First airshow display. High Flight 2024-02-22 | Up close with Project Lynx's newly restored Westland Lynx AH.7, ex British Army Air Corps battlefield helicopter, making its public airshow debut at Old Warden Airfield on 7 May 2023, for the Shuttleworth Collection's 'King & Country' Season Premiere Airshow.Westland Lynx XZ179 made its first flight on 22 May 1978. It was the tenth Lynx AH1 built by Westland at its Yeovil plant, making its first flight in the hands of test pilot Roy Moxam. It was retained by manufacturer Westland and the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) for trials. It was later delivered to the Army Air Corps (AAC) on 24 February 1983, as a Lynx AH1. It was converted to AH.7 standard at Royal Naval Aircraft Yard (RNAY), Fleetlands during 1988 and flew with numbers 652, 654, 655, 659, 661, 667 and 672 Squadrons AAC, before ending its service with 671 Squadron AAC. Retired in 2013, it went into the Lynx/Wildcat donor programme at Middle Wallop on 19 November and was stripped for spares before disposal. It was later sold to a private owner from whom it was bought by its current owner during 2019, going onto the UK Civil Aviation Register, as G-NCKS, during October 2019. After being transferred by road on 10 September 2019 to Weald Aviation Ltd at North Weald Airfield, Essex, it was surveyed and its restoration started. The first post restoration flight was on 23 December 2021 (low hovers only) and on 14 February 2022 it made its first full post restoration flight.First flying in 1971, the Westland Lynx to this day holds the international speed record for a helicopter at 249.09mph, new designs have gone faster but are not classed as a traditional helicopter. The landing skid equipped version of the Lynx entered service with the Army Air Corps in 1979 as the AH.1 and were regularly upgraded into the AH.7, which served as the Army's anti-tank helicopter for the latter half of the cold war and throughout the 1990s, seeing service in both Gulf Wars. The Lynx AH.7 was replaced in the anti-tank role in 2005 by the Apache and was eventually retired from support roles in August 2015. The Lynx helicopter was retired from British military service in early 2018, when the last two AH.9As, from 657 Squadron AAC, were delivered for disposal to AAC Middle Wallop on 26 January 2018.projectlynx.co.ukThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
De Havilland Vampire, solo and with BAC Strikemasters High Flight 2024-02-22 | The Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron's De Havilland DH100 Vampire FB.52, displaying at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, during the Duxford Summer Airshow 2023. Later in the display the Vampiure is joined by a pair of BAC Strikemasters for some formation flying, before they separate to perform their own routine.De Havilland Vampire FB.52, registered LN-DHY was license built in Switzerland in 1952 as serial No.705 and was flown with the Swiss Air Force marked as Vampire J-1196 until 1990. A French owner flew it for a couple of years until it was sold to Christer Andskär in Sweden and registered SE-DXS.The aircraft was purchased from Sweden in May 2011 and is now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron(Norwegian Historical Squadron), based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway.The aircraft is here wearing the markings of an Italian Air Force aircraft to commemorate this year's Italian Air Force's Centenary, having taken part in marking the occasion in Italy, earlier in the summer. It has also been based at IWM Duxford for much of the Summer. The aircraft normally flies wearing markings to represent Vampire PX-K, serving with 336 squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force in the early 50s.Specifications (Vampire FB.52) Crew: 1Length: 30 ft 9 in (9.37 m)Wingspan: 38 ft (11.58 m)Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)Wing area: 262 ft² (24.34 m²)Empty weight: 7,283 lb (3,304 kg)Max. takeoff weight: 12,390 lb (5,620 kg)Powerplant: 1×de Havilland Goblin 3 centrifugal turbojet, 3,350 lbf (14.90 kN) Performance Maximum speed: 548 mph (882 km/h)Range: 1,220 mi (1,960 km)Service ceiling: 42,800 ft (13,045 m)Rate of climb: 4,800 ft/min (24.4 m/s) Armament Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Hispano Mk.V cannonsRockets: 8 × 3-inch "60 lb" rocketsBombs: or 2 × 500 lb (225 kg) bombs or two drop-tanksThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Westland Lynx & Gazelle helicopters - Project Lynx - Duxford Summer Airshow 2023 High Flight 2024-02-21 | 1982 Westland Gazelle HT.2 Gazelle, (ex ZB646), G-CBGZ and Project Lynx's former British Army Air Corps Westland Lynx, XZ179, G-NCKS, performing together at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on the first day of the Duxford Summer Airshow 2023. This was the first paired display for the Lynx, whereas the Gazelle previously performed as part of the Gazelle Display Team, but is now with the 'Project Lynx' team. This display is reminiscent of the days of the Army Air Corps 'Blue Eagles' Helicopter Display Team which used these aircraft types together.Westland Lynx XZ179:- This Army Air Corps (AAC) Lynx made its first flight on 22 May 1978. It was the tenth Lynx AH1 built by Westland at its Yeovil plant, making its first flight in the hands of test pilot Roy Moxam. It was retained by manufacturer Westland and the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) for trials. It was delivered to the AAC on 24 February 1983 as a Lynx AH1. It was converted to AH7 standard at RNAY Fleetlands in 1988 and flew with 652, 654, 655, 659, 661, 667 and 672 Squadrons before ending its service with 671 Squadron. Retired in 2013, it went into the Lynx/Wildcat donor programme at Middle Wallop on 19 November and was stripped for spares before disposal. It was sold to its current owner during 2019 and went onto the UK Civil Aviation Register, as G-NCKS, during October 2019. After being transferred by road on 10 September 2019 to Weald Aviation Ltd at North Weald Airfield, Essex, it was surveyed and its restoration started. The first post restoration flight was on 23 December 2021 (low hovers only) and on 14 February 2022 it made its first full post restoration flight.First flying in 1971, the Westland Lynx to this day holds the international speed record for a helicopter at 249.09mph, new designs have gone faster but are not classed as a traditional helicopter. The landing skid equipped version of the Lynx entered service with the Army Air Corps in 1979 as the AH.1 and were regularly upgraded into the AH.7, which served as the Army's anti-tank helicopter for the latter half of the cold war and throughout the 1990s, seeing service in both Gulf Wars. The Lynx AH.7 was replaced in the anti-tank role in 2005 by the Apache and was eventually retired from support roles in August 2015. The Lynx helicopter was retired from British military service in early 2018, when the last two AH.9As, from 657 Squadron AAC, were delivered for disposal to AAC Middle Wallop on 26 January 2018.projectlynx.co.ukWestland SA.341C Gazelle, G-CBGZ, ex ZB646:- This Gazelle served with the Royal Navy. It has links to the Royal Navy 'Sharks' Helicopter Display Team but is now in an all over metallic graphite color, with the tail wearing the 'Sharks' art along with 60th anniversary marks in honour of 705 Naval Squadron's diamond anniversary in 1996.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Knights of the Air - Great War Display Team - Duxford Summer Airshow 2023 High Flight 2024-02-19 | A mock World War 1 'Duel in the Air', or 'Dogfight' between 'opposing' British and German 'Knights of the Sky' - The Great War Display Team. Filmed at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford during the Summer Airshow 2023. Aircraft :-Fokker Dr1 Dreidecker (Triplane) - The Dr1 was a direct attempt to copy the successful Sopwith Triplane. Armed with two forward firing Spandau machine guns, it was very manoeuvrable, and a favourite mount of a number of German aces such as Werner Voss and Manfred von Richthofen. Richthofen said "it climbed like a monkey and was as manoeuvrable as the devil." It entered service in 1917 with Von Richthofen's Jasta the first to be equipped. 320 were built. The team has two Fokker Dr1s - 403/17, G-CDXR, flown by Will Greenwood, replicates the Dr1 flown by Lieutnant Johann Janzen [13 victories] of Jasta 6, of JG1. It has the unit markings of a black/white striped tail and black cowling, with Janzen's personal marking of a 'white snake' line on a black band, edged with white on the rear fuselage. Janzen became 'Staffelfuhrer' [Leader] of Jasta 6 and survived a crash-landing, when the control cables of his Triplane were shot away in combat.Fokker Dr1, 556/17, G-CFHY, flown by Peter Bond, replicates that flown by Leutnant Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann of Jasta 6 in March 1918 which was then based at Lechelle. Beckmann survived the Great War having shot down 8 allied aircraft. He went on to win the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross in WW2 and commanded a transport unit of the Luftwaffe flying aircraft such as the JU52 in Russia.Avro 504K, 'Olivia', G-EROE flown by Matthew Boddington - This Avro 504K is a replica built by Argentinean company, Pur Sang Aero Historic. It was their second build of the type.The Avro 504K was chosen as a subject due to the type being the first aircraft to be manufactured (under licence) in Argentina. The FAibrica Militar de Aviones - FMA (Military Aircraft Factory) of Cordoba built around 34 Avro 504s from 1928. In Argentina the aircraft carried the registration LV-X430. This replica appeared in the UK in 2010 and was sold to Eric Alliott Verdon-Roe Trading as 'British Aviation' in February 2016. It is now registered G-EROE.Junkers CL1.1801/18, G-BNPV, flown by Mike Collett. The Junkers CL1 was a ground-attack aircraft, based on the Junkers J8 but with an extended fuselage to carry a gunner. First flying in late 1917 it was accepted by Idflieg, which oversaw all German military aviation, but only 47 were built by the time of the Armistice. It was the first ever cantilever monoplane and had a metal frame with corrugated aluminium skin. It entered service on the Russian front in mid 1918 as a ground attack aircraft with 3 machine guns and an ability to drop sticks of grenades.There aren't many two-seaters in the Team and one of the occupants in this one is a dummy. This aircraft is a modified Bowers Fly-Baby, remodelled to look like a typical CL1. It was originally built in 1988 by John Day, first flying with the Team in its modified form in 2003. Nieuport 17/23 Scout, N1977, G-BWMJ, flown by John Gilbert - This Nieuport 17 is a full size flying replica. It was built from 1992 to 1997 by Robert Gauld-Galliers and John Day. It had a film role in the 2006 film Flyboys – about the young American volunteers of the Lafayette Escadrille. It's powered by a 165 horse power Warner Scarab 7-cylinder radial engine. The aircraft is now owned and flown by John Gilbert and is one of several WW1 reproduction flying aircraft based at Stow Maries.The markings on this aeroplane are dedicated to N1977 of the Escadrille Lafayette, which was flown by Sergeant Robert Soubiran. Soubiran was an American aviator during World War One and was one of the first Americans to arrive in France in 1914, enlisting with the French Foreign Legion. He was one of 38 Americans who went on to join the Lafayette Escadrille. He later attained the rank of Major in the U.S. Air Force.Two Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 7/8th scale replicas - Matthew Linney in his SE5, F8010, G-BDWJ and John Gammidge's with his SE5, F5459, G-INNY.The RAF SE5, originally with a 150HP direct-drive Hispano-Suiza engine, first flew in November 1916. Only 77 of these were built before the engine was replaced by a geared 200HP version. The type went into squadron service in March 1917 and, with another engine change to the 200HP Wolseley Viper, they continued in service right up to the end of the war, with a total of 2765 built by armistice day. It was very robust and the first British aircraft to have 2 guns; a Vickers machine gun in the fuselage and a Lewis gun on the top wing. It had a superior performance at higher altitude than the Sopwith Camel and was also faster.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spitfire XI PL983 - Duxford Summer Airshow 2023 High Flight 2024-02-16 | The Aircraft Restoration Company's (ARCo) Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk.XI, PL983, G-PRXI, here flown by Paul Bonhomme, at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford during their Summer Airshow 2023.Supermarine Spitfire PL983 is a Photo Reconnaissance (PR) variant of Reginald Mitchell's famous World War 2 fighter design. Photo Reconnaissance Spitfires carried no weaponry, relying solely upon speed, height, surprise and the pilots flying skills for protection.PL983 was built at Reading by Vickers-Armstrong's Chats Hill and Aldermaston Works. It was delivered to 6 Maintenance Unit (MU) Royal Air Force (RAF) at Brize Norton on 31/10/44 and issued to No.1 Pilot's Pool (PRHQ) at Benson on 24/11/44. It transferred to 34 Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force on 5/1/45, moving on to 4 Squadron, where it sustained battle damage on 22/2/45, and then to 2 Squadron on 6/9/45. It returned to 6 MU on 12/1/46, then went to 39 MU, Colerne on 15/7/46, back to 6 MU on 29/7/46 and then to 33 MU at Lyneham.On 22/7/47 it was contract loaned back to Vickers Armstrong, Eastleigh for onward loan to the United States Air Attaché, Livingston Lord Satterthwaite. With the American civil registration NC74138 it was officially handed over on 27/1/48 and flown by the ex Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) pilot, Lettice Curtis from Eastleigh to Hendon, to join the U.S. Embassy Flight. Lettice Curtis flew it again on 15/8/48, for an air race, gaining first place in the Wiltshire Flying Club's Thruxton Air Races. She flew it again on 28/8/48 when it was 5th in the Lympne International Air Races, in the process breaking the Women's National 100km closed-circuit speed record. Lettice Curtis' original signature, added more recently, now appears next to the cockpit on the Spitfire's outer port side.It was returned to Vickers-Armstrong Ltd and in 1950 ferried to the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden with registration G-15-109, where it was placed on external static display. A restoration to flying condition was started by a volunteer team at Duxford on 30/8/75, but the Shuttleworth Collection sold the unfinished aeroplane at Christie's Duxford auction in April 1983. Purchased for £110,000 by wartime French pilot Roland Fraissinet, it became the first Spitfire to be restored by Trent Aero Engineering and made its first flight in July 1984 at East Midlands Airport. Sold on 20/6/88 to collector Doug Arnold, it featured in the TV series ‘Piece of Cake’, but saw little air display use. Following his death in November 1992, PL983 was placed in dismantled storage until being re-assembled at North Weald prior to sale to Justin Fleming in 1999. Operated by Martin Sargeant, it was overhauled and re-flown, but sadly met with an accident at Rouen, France in June 2001. The severely damaged Spitfire was purchased by the Aircraft Restoration Company and moved to Duxford in 2003. PL983 became the in-house project of Historic Flying Limited (HFL) and work began on the restoration in 2006. The fuselage was sent to Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight while the wings were constructed by HFL. The exact Rolls Royce Merlin 70 engine which powered PL983 during the war was found and overhauled. The Merlin 70 has a different supercharger gearing compared to the Merlin 60, to improve the aircraft’s performance at higher altitudes. A reconnaissance wrap around clear view windscreen has been fitted to replace the armoured version fitted to the fighter variants. Following the pioneering fitment of a mock camera instillation on the Rolls Royce Spitfire PS983, HFL have also put the same lens assembly fitment into the side camera hatch on PL983. On completion of its latest restoration, PL983 first flew again on 18 May 2018.Between 2020 and 2022 the aircraft was decorated with the phrase 'Thank U NHS' on its underside and had the names of numerous people connected with the National Health Service (NHS), who were nominated for their contribution in helping others during the Covid Pandemic, written on its fuselage. This raised £150,000 for NHS Charities. For more information about the history of PL983 see - aircraftrestorationcompany.com/spitfire-pl983AND ESPECIALLY -vintageaviationecho.com/spitfire-prxi-pl983This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Grumman F8F Bearcat - Duxford Summer Airshow 2023 High Flight 2024-02-15 | The Fighter Collection's Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat, G-RUMM, at the Imperial War museum, Duxford flying for the Summer Airshow 2023. The Bearcat design was the Grumman response to the US Navy’s 1943 request for a fast responsive fighter for the Pacific Theatre, as a successor to the Grumman Hellcat that would be capable of outperforming the Japanese A6M Zero as well as the Zero's anticipated improved replacement, which fortunately never materialised. In October 1944 the US Government ordered 2023 F8F-1 Bearcats from Grumman and 1876 F3M-1s from General Motors (GM), but on VJ Day in August 1945 the GM contract was cancelled and the Grumman orders, which had reached over 6000 by then, were reduced to 770. The US Navy's first combat unit to equip with the Bearcat was VF-19 (Fighter Squadron 19), based at Santa Rosa , California, who received their first Bearcat on 21st May 1945. The squadron sailed aboard USS Langley in July 1945. By August two more squadrons had also equipped with Bearcats, but before any could be used in combat, Japan surrendered. By 1948 the US Navy had 24 Bearcat squadrons. It also served with the US Marine Corps. Development continued and from the 771st airframe 126 F8F-1Bs were introduced with four M-2 20mm cannon, instead of four 0.5inch machine guns. It was one of the best-handling piston-engine fighters ever built, able to outperform many early jets. Its capability for aerobatic performance is illustrated by its selection as the second demonstration aircraft for the navy's elite Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron in 1946.The Blue Angels flew the Bearcat until the team was temporarily disbanded in 1950 during the Korean War. The Bearcat was used to great effect by the French Air Force, who had nearly 200, in French Indo-China (Vietnam) between 1946 and 1954. The Bearcat could outperform many early Jet fighter aircraft of the period.Bearcats have long been popular in air racing. A stock Bearcat flown by Mira Slovak won the first Reno Air Race in 1964. Rare Bear, a highly modified F8F owned by Lyle Shelton, went on to dominate the event for decades, often competing with Daryl Greenamyer, another famous racer with victories in his own Bearcat (Conquest I, now at the Smithsonian's NASM) and holder of a piston-engined aircraft world speed record in it. Rare Bear also set many performance records, including the 3 km World Speed Record for piston-driven aircraft (528.33 mph), set in 1989, and a new time-to-climb record (9,800 ft in 91.9 seconds, set in 1972, breaking the 1946 record.The Fighter Collection (TFC) aircraft was built in 1948 as an F8F-2P and taken on charge in August of that year by the US Navy. She served at a number of Naval Air Stations before undergoing modification to F8F-2P standard in 1952. The F8F-2 was an Improved version, equipped with a redesigned engine cowling, taller fin and rudder, armed with four 20 mm cannons, powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-30W radial piston engine. The F8F-2P was a further modified Photo-reconnaissance version of the F8F-2, fitted with camera equipment, and reduced armament of only two 20 mm cannons. 60 were built. Following further Navy service she was struck off charge in January 1957 and then passed through two private owners in the US; the first from 1957 to 1972, and the second until 1981. The second owner fully overhauled and flew her once again in 1975. In 1981 the Bearcat joined The Fighter Collection and is now the longest serving member of their fleet.Shge wears the markings of Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat BuNo.95318, '201-B', flown by Lieutenant Commander Caldwell the Air Group Commander of VF-19, on board USS Boxer (CV-21) in 1947. Grumman Bearcats were operated by the US Navy, US Marine Corps, French Air Force, Royal Thai Navy and Republic of Vietnam Air Force. 21 Bearcats survive of which 15 are currently airworthy. This is currently the only airworthy F8F-2P and the only airworthy Bearcat in the UK and Europe.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Goodyear FG-1D Corsair - Duxford Summer Airshow 2023 High Flight 2024-02-15 | The Fighter Collection's Goodyear FG-1D/Mk.IV Corsair, KD345, civil registration G-FGID, being flown by pilot Stu Goldspink at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford during the Summer Airshow 2023.It wears the colours of a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft from 1850 Naval Air Squadron, based on HMS Vengeance, whilst deployed to the Pacific in December 1945. In British service the Goodyear FG-ID Corsair was known as the Mk.IV Corsair. When the Chance Vought FG-1D Corsair was introduced in 1940 it boasted the most powerful engine along with the largest diameter propeller of any fighter aircraft in history. The result of this engine and propeller combination was the first fighter to exceed 400mph. Corsairs were built right up until 1952, giving the type the honour of having the longest production run of any American piston-engined fighter.The first service engagement for the Corsair was with the US Marine Corps operating from makeshift land bases across the Pacific. It was not until later that she was operated from aircraft carriers, first with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. The Corsair proved to be a formidable air superiority fighter during World War 2 when she was the scourge of the skies across the Pacific, and continued to deliver sterling service in later years during the Korean War.This Corsair was built under licence by the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation in Akron, Ohio as C/N 3111 and allocated bureau build No.88297. She was accepted by the US Navy on 9th April 1945 and delivered two days later. She was initially dispatched to Guam in the Pacific, allocated to the Aircraft Pool Airwing 2. She went to a Repair Depot in the Philippines, possibly Samar, in October 1945 and was then returned to the USA before being allocated to various US Naval Air Reserve squadrons and stored. The aircraft was sold in 1956 after 1652 flying hours. She was bought by ALU-MET Smelters in 1959 and then by legendary stunt-pilot Frank Tallman in 1960. He sold her in 1966, and she passed through a number of other owners until joining The Fighter Collection fleet in 1986.The Fighter Collection’s Corsair has never been restored and has the distinction of being one of the few still flying with the original part fabric outer wings.Designed and initially manufactured by Chance Vought, additional production contracts were given to Goodyear, whose Corsairs were designated FG, and Brewster, designated F3A.The Corsair was designed and operated as a carrier-based aircraft, and entered service in large numbers with the U.S. Navy from late 1944. It became one of the most capable carrier-based fighter-bombers of World War 2. Some Japanese pilots regarded it as the most formidable American fighter of the war and its naval aviators achieved an 11:1 kill ratio. Early problems with carrier landings and logistics meant it was eclipsed as the dominant carrier-based fighter by the Grumman F6F Hellcat. Instead, the Corsair's early deployment was to land-based squadrons of the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy.The Corsair served almost exclusively as a fighter-bomber throughout the Korean War and during the French colonial wars in Indochina and Algeria. In addition to its use by the U.S. and British, the Corsair was also used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, French Naval Aviation, and other air forces until the 1960s.From the first prototype delivery to the U.S. Navy in 1940, to final delivery in 1953 to the French, 12,571 Corsairs were made in 16 models. Its production run was the longest of any U.S. piston-engined fighter.In November 1943, the Royal Navy received its first batch of 95 Vought F4U-1s, which were given the designation of "Corsair I". The Royal Navy put the Corsair into carrier operations immediately. They found its landing characteristics dangerous, suffering a number of fatal crashes, but considered the Corsair to be the best option they had.In Royal Navy service, because of the limited hangar deck height in several classes of British carrier, many Corsairs had their outer wings "clipped" by 8 in to clear the deckhead. The change in span improved the sink rate, reducing the F4U's propensity to "float" in the final stages of landing. Despite the clipped wings and the shorter decks of British carriers, Royal Navy aviators found landing accidents less of a problem than they had been to U.S. Navy aviators, thanks to the curved approach they used. This technique was later adopted by U.S. Navy and Marine fliers for carrier use of the Corsair.The Royal Navy developed a number of modifications to the Corsair that made carrier landings more practical. Among these were a bulged canopy, raising the pilot's seat 7 in. and wiring shut the cowl flaps across the top of the engine compartment, diverting oil and hydraulic fluid spray around the sides of the fuselage.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Fursan Al Emarat Display Team - UAE Air Force -Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 (Saturday) High Flight 2024-02-15 | 7 Aermacchi MB-339NAT jets of 'Fursan Al Emarat' - the United Arab Emirates Air Force national aerobatic display team, flying at RAF Fairford for the Saturday of The Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. This was the teams first appearance at RIAT since 2012.Fursan Al Emarat (Arabic: فرسان الامارات - in English 'The Knights of the Emirates') is the aerobatics display team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence. The team has a total of seven aircraft that symbolizes 7 Emirates, all seven of which are used for international airshows.The UAE Air Force decided to establish an aerobatic team in the late 2000s, and looked to existing well-established teams in Europe. They made a deal with Italy, buying a fleet of second-hand MB-339s for the team, which was established in 2010. Team members were trained by the Italian Air Force 'Frecce Tricolori', who fly the same type of aircraft, at their home base in Rivolto, Italy. Al Fursan debuted at the Dubai Airshow in 2011. The MB-339 has no other roles within the UAE Air Force, being used only for airshow duties.Al Fursan made their international debut in 2012, at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK.The team is now renamed as the 'Fursan Al Emarat' Squadron.The Aermacchi MB-339 is an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed specifically for the Italian Air Force to replace the MB-326. The original version began deliveries in 1979 with the final MB-339A being delivered to the Italian Air Force in 1995. There have been various versions of the MB-339 produced including the modernised MB-339C/CD for Italy which also posses a light attack capability plus the specialised aerobatic MB-339PAN built specifically for the Frecce Tricolori display team. The MB-339 has proved popular with a number of air forces including New Zealand who received their aircraft in 1991. Upon retiring their combat aircraft fleet in 2002, a number of RNZAF examples were acquired by Draken International who fly them as adversary aircraft.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Saab JAS-39C Gripen - Swedish Air Force - Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 (Saturday) High Flight 2024-02-13 | A Swedish Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen displaying at RAF Fairford on the Saturday of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023. This Gripen is from the Skaraborg Air Force Wing (Swedish: Skaraborgs flygflottilj), also F 7 Såtenäs, or simply F 7 Wing of the Swedish Air Force based near Lidköping in south-central Sweden. All Swedish and foreign Gripen pilots are trained by the Skaraborg wing.The JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighter is the latest in a long line of outstanding jet combat aircraft produced by Swedish manufacturer Saab. However, it differs from its stablemates in having achieved a good deal of international sales success. In 1979, the Swedish government began development studies for "an aircraft for fighter, attack, and reconnaissance" (ett jakt-, attack- och spaningsflygplan, hence "JAS") to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force. A new design from Saab was selected and developed as the JAS 39. The Gripen prototype first flew towards the end of 1988 and Sweden bought an initial 204 examples of the early 'A' and 'B' model aircraft. The SAAB JAS 39 Gripen is a light-weight multi-role fighter indigenously developed by Sweden to replace the legendary Draken and Viggen with the Swedish Air Force. The Gripen is powered by the Volvo RM12 turbofan which is a licence built version of the General Electric F404, the same engine that powers the original versions of the F-18 Hornet. The Gripen has been designed to operate from roads and snow-covered runways that are less than 500 metres long. Production deliveries of the JAS 39A began in 1993 and the upgraded JAS 39C was delivered from 2003. A heavily upgraded version designated the JAS 39E has been developed in conjunction with Brazil with new avionics, a heavier payload, strengthened airframe and undercarriage and powered by the F414 - the same engine as used in the Super Hornet.Following deliveries commencing in 1993, the first JAS 39A entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997. The fleet was upgraded to JAS 39C standard which included an air to air refuelling capability, improved avionics and the ability to generate oxygen on board to increase flight time. During 2011, the Gripen was deployed to police the no-fly zone over Libya where they flew over 650 combat missions. A total of 204 Gripens have been delivered to Sweden - 28 of which are leased to the Czech Republic and Hungary - with 98 currently in active service with the Swedish Air Force.In December 2022 Sweden ordered an upgrade package from Saab for a number of their Gripen C/D fighters. The upgrade includes new engines, a new radar and a new electronic warfare system. The order value is approximately SEK 3.5 billion and the contract period is 2023–29.[179] In September 2023 Swedish FMV and Saab signed additional orders for the Gripen E and C/D versions. The new orders enables the C/D version to continue serving after 2030 parallel with the introduction of the E.[180]Index of the 204 Gripen delivered to Sweden:-98 Gripens operative C/D-version aircraft.32 Gripens disassembled or destroyed. JAS 39D required two 39A hulls to build.28 Gripens leased to the Czech Republic and Hungary.24 Gripens in hangar storage awaiting decommission.12 Gripens sold to Thailand.4 Gripens returned to Saab to be used as test aircraft.4 Gripens lost in accidents.2 Gripens donated to Flygvapenmuseum in Sweden and Royal Thai Air Force Museum in Thailand.Gripen operators:-Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, UK (Empire Test Pilot's School).This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Search & Rescue Demo -Leonardo HH-139 -Italian Air Force -Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 High Flight 2024-02-12 | The Italian Air Force giving a rare 'Search & Rescue' demonstration of their HH-139B helicopter at RAF Fairford, on the Saturday of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The helicopter appeared as part of the celebration of the centenary of the Italian Air Force. This was the first time this display appeared at RIAT and was provided by 15° Stormo from Cervia Air Base.The Leonardo AW139 is a 15-seat medium helicopter which first flew in 2001. The AW139 has found success as a corporate transport helicopter and began operational use in 2003. The type has also gained a strong military reputation and has been ordered by a number of air forces including the Irish Air Corps. Boeing also build a version of the AW139 under licence called the MH-139A Grey Wolf which has replaced the UH-1N in US Air Force service as a security patrol helicopter for nuclear missile launch facilities. In the UK, the AW139 was previously used for Search and Rescue for His Majesties Coastguard.The Italian Air Force operate three versions of the AW139. The HH-139A and HH-139B are specialised variants of the militarised AW139M, both of which are used for Search and Rescue, the HH-139B model is also configured to undertake Combat Search and Rescue behind enemy lines. The third version is a pair of VH-139A which the Italian Air Force use as VIP transports.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
RAF Typhoon FGR.4 Black Jack - Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 (Saturday) High Flight 2024-02-11 | Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Matt Brighty flying the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 display at RAF Fairford, on the Saturday of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The aircraft, nicknamed 'Black Jack' because of its distinctive special Union Jack scheme on an all black background, is Typhoon ZJ914. The RAF Typhoon Display Team are sponsored by Bae Systems, Air. The aircraft is cased with 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby.The Steedman Display Sword (British participant with the most notable contribution to RIAT) was awarded to Flight Lieutenant Brighty for his display.The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role high performance combat aircraft which was a multi-national development between the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Achieving its first flight in March 1994, deliveries to the partner nations began in August 2003 and the type first saw combat over Libya during 2010 and 2011. The Typhoon has been subject to constant upgrades throughout its service life and most recently has been earmarked for a new far more advanced radar together with the potential for a new touchscreen cockpit to be installed. The Typhoon can carry a variety of air to ground and air to air weaponry including the Meteor long range air to air missile which is arguably considered the best air to air missile in the world. In addition to the partner nations, the Typhoon is operated by Austria, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.The RAF currently operate three generations of the Typhoon known as Tranches One, Two and Three. Tranche Two and Three aircraft mostly equip front line squadrons and have been upgraded to a similar standard - with Tranche Three aircraft also having the ability to use conformal fuel tanks if required. The older Tranche One aircraft cannot be easily upgraded to the same standard and are currently used for training and the air defence of the United Kingdom however they are expected to be retired in 2025. The RAF operate the Typhoon from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, RAF Lossiemouth in Morayshire and RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands; whilst also maintaining a combat deployment at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The latter flies daily missions over Syria whilst also supporting NATO enhanced air policing missions along the Ukrainian border.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
RAF Boeing Chinook HC.6 - Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 (Saturday) High Flight 2024-02-10 | The Royal Air Force (RAF) Boeing Chinook HC.6 display at RAF Fairford on the Saturday of The Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The aircraft used is ZA683 which is based with 18 Squadron and the RAF Chinook display team, at RAF Odiham.This Boeing HC-47 Chinook (HC.6 is its Royal Air Force designation), was assigned the United States test registration of N37030, before its delivery as a Chinook HC.1 to the Royal Air Force in 1981. It was upgraded to an HC.2 in 1995, to an HC.4 in 2012 and to an HC.6A in 2018.While on a training mission at 2230 hours on 28th July 2020, its front end, cockpit section and front port side were damaged when it flew into overhead power lines, close to Berthlwyd Farm, near Llangynin, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Sources: - forces.net/news/chinook-forced-land-welsh-field-after-incident twitter.com/RAF_Odiham/status/1291671761935831040?It force landed in a field with damage to the nose, all three front cockpit windows and to the port front fuselage and a cabin window, caused by it striking three power cables. One crew member sustained minor injuries from broken cockpit window glass. The Chinook was repaired on site and flown out for further repairs on 6th August 2020.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Pratt and Whitney Radials - DC3 Dakota and Harvard Pair High Flight 2024-02-09 | Aero Legends Douglas DC-3 Dakota, KP220, G-ANAF displaying with their North American T-6G Texan pair, during the Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow 2022. The Texans are powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340 and the Dakota by a pair of Pratt & Whitney R-1830's.Dakota KP220:-C-47B Dakota KP220 was completed at the Douglas Aircraft plant at Santa Monica, California, USA on 8 June 1945. It was given USAAF serial 44-77104, but on 9 June was flown to Montreal, Canada and transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF), becoming Dakota Mk.IV KP220. It was ferried to Britain and delivered to 435 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), coded 'OFM-R', based at Down Ampney on 1 December. In March 1946 435 Squadron returned to Canada, and KP220 was transferred to 46 Group's Air Officer Commanding (AOC), operating from Croydon. On 27 March 1947 KP220 was transferred to 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron, coded 'ODA-H', at RAF Bassingbourn, used for short range VIP flights. Between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949 it took part in the Berlin Airlift with 24 Squadron.It was retired from RAF service on 15 November 1950 and stored at 22 Maintenance Unit (MU), RAF Silloth, Cumbria. It went onto the civilian register as G-ANAF on 17 Jun 1953 after purchase by B.K.S Aerocharter Ltd, which later became B.K.S. Air Transport Ltd and was named 'Jean Batten' after the famous aviatrix. It was registered to Hunting Aero Surveys Ltd, which later became Hunting Surveys & Consultants Ltd, on 7 November 1958. On 9 April 1973, it was preserved as KP220 by the East Anglian Aviation Society at Duxford. Ownership then went to West Country Aircraft Servicing Ltd at Exeter until 17 October 1977, when it was chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd, who later purchased her during July 1979. She was leased to British Caledonian Airways Ltd in December 1979, then bought by Air Luton Ltd in June 1985 and Topflight in February 1986.She was chartered by RVL Aviation Ltd at Coventry until 13 July 2007, when she was again chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd at Coventry. She was then used for radar trials, fitted with a large under-fuselage radome as a test bed for the Searchwater 2000 MR Radar for the BAE Nimrod. She was stored at Coventry from 2010, when the BAe Nimrod project was cancelled. In 2014 she was converted to spraying fit for pollution control and returned to RVL Aviation Ltd in a bright red and black livery, as a sea pollution control spraying aircraft, on 13 November 2015. She stayed with them until 29 April 2019, when she was bought by Heritage Air Services Ltd. On 23 September 2019 she went to Aero Legends at Headcorn, Kent.T-6G Texan, G-DDMV, 493209:-Originally built in 1943, although all records of her service have disappeared. In 1949 she was returned to the factory for upgrading to T6G standard and re-emerged with serial 49-3209.After serving with various training units she was one of 10 T-6Gs delivered to the Haitian Air Force on August 26th 1957 and given the serial 3209. She was returned to the US during 1982 after being sold to Larry Johnson, with the civil registration of N3240N. Initially she was ferried to Miami Florida, registered to Nostalgia Aircraft Inc and painted in a yellow US Navy colour scheme. By 1986 she had been registered to Nostalgic Aircraft Service, still in Miami where she remained until 1988 when she was sold to Jim Carlin of Delray Beach, Florida.A year later she was sold to Paul Morgan and brought to the UK registered as G-DDMV on 30th April 1989, based at Sywell. By 1990 she had been put into California Air National Guard markings which she remained in when sold to Colin Dabin. Her base remained at Sywell but she also spent time at Rochester Airport. During 2013 she suffered a catastrophic engine failure which saw her languishing in a hangar at Headcorn until Aero Legends purchased her in January 2015 for a full overhaul and a new engine.T-6G Texan, G-BGHU In 1941 she was constructed as AT-6C with wooden rear fuselage and tail and in 1943 had a standard full metal fuselage applied. In 1950 she was upgraded to T-6G configuration by North American Aviation.She served with the USAAF between 1942 and 1950. She was sold to the French Air Force in 1952, seeing active service in Algiers. In 1961 she was sold to the Portuguese Air Force and served in Angola, serial # 1707. She was sold in 1979 and joined the Aero Legends stable in 2019.The paint scheme represents a T6G flown in Korea by the 64th TCGP in August 1950. All markings, numbers etc are as originally worn during its service with the U.S.A.F. In this guise, T6’s were used in the Korean war for forward air control and target marking. They were armed with phosphor rockets and machine guns.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
The Saudi Hawks - Royal Saudi Air Force Aerobatic Team High Flight 2024-01-29 | The Saudi Hawks, the national Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are officially known as the Saudi Falcons in their home territory, but for some reason are known as The Saudi Hawks in Europe. Perhaps this is to avoid confusion with the Royal Jordanian Falcons Aerobatic Team? They are shown here at RAF Fairford, UK displaying on the Saturday of The Royal international Air Tattoo 2023.On June 6, 1998, at King Abdulaziz Air Base (Dhahran), No. 88 Squadron was created by Gen. Abdulaziz Henaidy, the Royal Saudi Air Force's chief of staff, who is backed by Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz (Minister of Defense and Aviation). The squadron is known as the "Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team." Flying BAE Hawk Mk.65 and 65A jet trainers, it is the Royal Saudi Air Force's (RSAF) official demonstration team.The Falcons debuted in January 1999 at Riyadh, the Saudi kingdom's capital, as part of Saudi Arabia's 100th anniversary celebrations. Six smoke-capable BAE Hawk Mk.65A and three Mk.65s-all modified by BAE Systems are assigned to the team and now wear the team's striking green and white demonstration colors. In February 2000, the Falcons first appeared outside their homeland - in Bahrain, flying out of Dhahran. Soon afterward, the team and the various RSAF Hawk squadrons moved to King Faisal Airbase (Tabuk) in northwestern Saudi Arabia.The team draws comparison with the RAF Red Arrows due to the similar aircraft. There are tangible links as ex-Red Arrows personnel have been involved in training the team.From June 2002, the team toured the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia for four months and performed at civil and military shows. The team performed its first ever display in Europe at Air Power 2011 in Zeltweg.In July 2011, they displayed in the UK for the first time. The display was cancelled on the first day of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford due to bad weather, but they flew a rolling display the following day.In June 2014, they displayed in the Kavala Air Sea Show which was held in Kavala, Greece.On 6 September 2015, they displayed in front of 450,000 spectators at the airshow dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the Frecce Tricolori display team at Rivolto Air Base, Italy.In January 2018, they displayed in the Kuwait Air Show, Kuwait.In July 2023, they displayed at RAF Waddington Families Evening (England) and at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford 9shown here).The British designed and built BAE Systems Hawk is one of the world's most successful advanced jet trainers. Originally designed by Hawker Siddeley, the Hawk first flew in 1974 and entered service with the RAF in 1976 to replace the Folland Gnat T.1; enjoying superb export success having being procured in various guises by 19 nations. Whilst the original Hawk is no longer used by the RAF other than by the Red Arrows, the heavily updated Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer is currently operated by 4 and 25 Squadrons at RAF Valley as the Hawk T.2 where they are used to train the next generation of fighter pilots. Since 2008 the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer has also been licence built in India and flown by the Indian Air Force display team, the Surya Kiran.The Royal Saudi Air Force originally ordered 50 Hawk Mk.65/65As over two contracts in 1985 and 1994. In addition, the RSAF ordered 22 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) based on the Hawk Mk.128 in 2012 with a follow-on order for a further 22 being made in 2016. It is intended that the Hawk AJT will replace the Mk.65 fleet once deliveries have been completed. The Hawk Mk.65 currently equips the RSAF display team, the Saudi Hawks, who fly seven examples seen here.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spitfire IX Pair High Flight 2024-01-26 | Aero Legends Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX pair, single seater TD314 and two seat trainer NH341, displaying in the sky above their base at Headcorn Airfield, Kent for the Battle of Britain Airshow 2022.Ex Royal Air Force 'Red Arrows' and 'Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pilot, Flight Lieutenant Antony 'Parky' Parkinson MBE is at the controls of TD314 and Flight Lieutenant Charlie Brown is flying NH341. SPITFIRE MKIX TD314TD314 was built at Castle Bromwich in late 1944 and fitted with a Merlin 70 as a High Level Fighter (HFIXE). She was one of the last high back Spitfires built and was delivered to 33 MU at Lyneham on 30 March 1945, transferring later that month to 30 MU before a further move to 6 M where she was prepared for service with 183 (Gold Coast) Squadron at Chilbolton on the 24 June 1945. TD314 moved to 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron at Bentwaters on 26 July 1945, it is in this squadrons colours that she is currently finished with the squadron codes FX-P. When 234 squadron converted to Meteors TD314 was transferred to 29 MU at High Ercall for disposal on the 27 February 1946.In early 1948 TD314 was selected as one of the 136 Spitfire IXs to be sold to the South African Air Force and she was sent to 47 MU, RAF Sealand where she was packed for shipment, leaving Birkenhead on the SS Clan Chattan on 23 April and arriving at Cape Town on the 12 May 1948. She was sold for scrap to the South African Metal & Machinery Co, Cape Town, during 1954. She was recovered by Larry Barnett of Johannesburg in 1969. From there she passed through the hands of several owners before arriving in the UK via Canada in 2009.Acquired by Aero Legends in 2011, restoration started at Biggin Hill culminating in a first flight on the 7 December 2013. TD314 has been named “St. George” which is prominently displayed on the fuselageSPITFIRE MK IXT NH341 ‘ELIZABETH’Spitfire NH341 was built at Castle Bromwich as a Spitfire Low Level Fighter (LFIXE) and delivered to 8 MU on the 28th April 1944. It was sent to Miles Aircraft for modifications to be fitted before delivery to 411 (Grizzly Bear) squadron RCAF on 12th June 1944.This was the only squadron NH341 served with. The most notable use of NH341 was in the hands of Flt Lt Hugh Charles Trainor who gained his third kill in 48 hours on 29th June 1944 when he downed an ME109 five miles West of Caen whilst flying her. Flt Lt Trainor destroyed another ME109 on the evening of 30th June 1944 over Thury Hurcourt, again in NH341.Flt Lt Trainor gained ace status later flying another Spitfire when he destroyed two more ME109s in a single flight on the 4th July, this was after NH341 had been lost on the 2nd July whilst being flown by W/O J S Jeffrey, who escaped unscathed after tangling with FW190s South East of Caen.The substantial remains were placed on display at the Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie at Bayeux during 1996. It was later displayed at the Juno Beach Museum at Courseulles-sur-Mer during 2003 where it was described as being ML295. Inspection of the aircraft however shows that a substantial amount of the parts originated from NH341 with only a few parts from another Spitfire.NH341 was delivered to 411 Squadron’s airfield at B4 Beny sur Mer near the Normandy coast shortly after D -Day (6 June 1944) On 12 June 1944, flying its first sortie on 14 June. NH341 made 27 operational combat flights over the post D-Day battlefields in the hands of 9 pilots. F/L Trainor scored two air victories in NH341 against ME109s on the 29th and 30th June.The fuselage of NH341 arrived at Historic Flying Ltd, Imperial War Museum, Duxford in July 2015. The restoration was done as a two seat MK IXT to allow Aero Legends customers to experience flying in a Spitfire. Its olour scheme and equipment mirror as closely as possible NH341's when flying with 411 Squadron.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
German Air Force A400M and Tornados ECR/IDS - Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 High Flight 2024-01-22 | A German Air Force Airbus A400M from Lufttransportgeschwader 62, a Panavia Tornado IDS from Luftwaffengeschwader 33 and a Panavia Tornado ECR from Luftwaffengeschwader 51, give a representative air to air in flight refuelling demonstration at RAF Fairford, on the Saturday of The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023. This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Airfield Attack Spitfires vs Me109 Buchon in Battle of Britain skies High Flight 2024-01-21 | Part of the 2022 Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow, in the skies where the Battle of Britain was fought during 1940, was a representation of an mock 'airfield attack' by a German Me109 - played by the Aircraft Restoration Company's Spanish, Merlin engined, Hispano Buchon , G-AWHK, flown by John Romain. A pair of 'defending' Spitfires take off to deal with the 'enemy' aircraft. The first is single seat Spitfire HF Mk.IX, TD314, G-CGYJ, flown by ex Royal Air Force 'Red Arrows' and 'Battle of Britain memorial Flight pilot, Flight Lieutenant Antony 'Parky' Parkinson MBE. This is joined by two seat Spitfire Mk.IX(T), NH341, G-CICK, flown by Flight Lieutenant Charlie Brown. SPITFIRE Mk.IX TD314was built at Castle Bromwich in late 1944 and fitted with a Merlin 70 as a High Level Fighter (HFIXE). She was one of the last high back Spitfires built and was delivered to 33 MU at Lyneham on 30 March 1945, transferring later that month to 30 MU before a further move to 6 M where she was prepared for service with 183 (Gold Coast) Squadron at Chilbolton on the 24 June 1945. TD314 moved to 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron at Bentwaters on 26 July 1945, it is in this squadrons colours that she is currently finished with the squadron codes FX-P. When 234 squadron converted to Meteors TD314 was transferred to 29 MU at High Ercall for disposal on the 27 February 1946.In early 1948 TD314 was selected as one of the 136 Spitfire IXs to be sold to the South African Air Force and she was sent to 47 MU, RAF Sealand where she was packed for shipment, leaving Birkenhead on the SS Clan Chattan on 23 April and arriving at Cape Town on the 12 May 1948. She was sold for scrap to the South African Metal & Machinery Co, Cape Town, during 1954. She was recovered by Larry Barnett of Johannesburg in 1969. From there she passed through the hands of several owners before arriving in the UK via Canada in 2009.Acquired by Aero Legends in 2011, restoration started at Biggin Hill culminating in a first flight on the 7 December 2013. TD314 has been named “St. George” which is prominently displayed on the fuselageSPITFIRE MK IXT NH341 ‘ELIZABETH’Spitfire NH341 was built at Castle Bromwich as a Spitfire Low Level Fighter (LFIXE) and delivered to 8 MU on the 28th April 1944. It was sent to Miles Aircraft for modifications to be fitted before delivery to 411 (Grizzly Bear) squadron RCAF on 12th June 1944.This was the only squadron NH341 served with. The most notable use of NH341 was in the hands of Flt Lt Hugh Charles Trainor who gained his third kill in 48 hours on 29th June 1944 when he downed an ME109 five miles West of Caen whilst flying her. Flt Lt Trainor destroyed another ME109 on the evening of 30th June 1944 over Thury Hurcourt, again in NH341.Flt Lt Trainor gained ace status later flying another Spitfire when he destroyed two more ME109s in a single flight on the 4th July, this was after NH341 had been lost on the 2nd July whilst being flown by W/O J S Jeffrey, who escaped unscathed after tangling with FW190s South East of Caen.The substantial remains were placed on display at the Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie at Bayeux during 1996. It was later displayed at the Juno Beach Museum at Courseulles-sur-Mer during 2003 where it was described as being ML295. Inspection of the aircraft however shows that a substantial amount of the parts originated from NH341 with only a few parts from another Spitfire.NH341 was delivered to 411 Squadron’s airfield at B4 Beny sur Mer near the Normandy coast shortly after D -Day (6 June 1944) On 12 June 1944, flying its first sortie on 14 June. NH341 made 27 operational combat flights over the post D-Day battlefields in the hands of 9 pilots. F/L Trainor scored two air victories in NH341 against ME109s on the 29th and 30th June.The fuselage of NH341 arrived at Historic Flying Ltd, Imperial War Museum, Duxford in July 2015. The restoration was done as a two seat MK IXT to allow Aero Legends customers to experience flying in a Spitfire. Its olour scheme and equipment mirror as closely as possible NH341's when flying with 411 Squadron.Buchon G-AWHK (‘Yellow 10’) - was built in Spain by Hispano Aviación in 1949. It's a Messerschmitt Bf-109 airframe, but has a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine fitted. Nothing is known about its operational life. In 1968 it was bought by Spitfire Productions Ltd for use in the film ‘Battle of Britain’. After filming, it and 10 others went to the USA with pilot Wilson ‘Connie’ Edwards as payment for his flying for the film. It was briefly flown in America with the Confederate Air Force before being put into a museum. In 1996 it was bought by the Old Flying Machine Company, moving on to Breighton, Yorkshire, where the Real Aeroplane Company began restoration. It flew again in mid-2006. In November 2006 it was bought by the Aircraft Restoration Company.This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Spanish EAV-8B Harrier II High Flight 2024-01-19 | A McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II+ from 9ª Escuadrilla Aeronaves (9th Aeronaval Squadron), Armada Española (Spanish Navy) displaying on the Saturday of The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 at RAF Fairford, UK. The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II was a joint project between the US and UK to develop a new generation of Harrier. The UK initially left the project in 1975 only to re-join it after the aircrafts first flight in 1981. The key differences between the original Harrier and the Harrier II were a more powerful engine, a larger composite wing with additional hard points, a better structure and an elevated cockpit. The Harrier II entered service with the RAF as the Harrier GR.5 which was later upgraded into the GR.7 and GR.9 variants before they were eventually retired in 2010. In the US the AV-8B went through a number of upgrades eventually creating two variants - the AV-8B(NA) standing for night attack and the AV-8B+ Harrier II Plus which featured an APG-65 muti-mode radar giving the aircraft the ability to carry the Aim-120 Amraam beyond visual range air to air missile.In October 1972 the Spanish Navy took a step forward integrating into the Harrier V/STOL program developed by Hawker Siddeley. In 1987 12 AV-8S were procured and formed the core of the 9th Squadron. The first three units, purchased from the United States, arrived on October 6th 1987 and were dubbed 'Cobras', although the official name for the first AV-8S aircraft in Spanish service was the 'Matador'. The VA.1 Matador was the Spanish designation for the AV-8S which, in turn, was the export designation of the USMC AV-8A. This Matador was produced in two production batches under the company designations of Harrier Mk 53 (first batch) and Harrier Mk 54 (second batch) respectively. A two-seat trainer Matador also existed under the designation of VAE.1, a Spanish designation for the TAV-8S which, in turn, was the export designation of the same TAV-8A in service with the USMC. 9 of these aircraft went on to serve with the Spanish Navy until 1996, when they were sold to the Royal Thai Navy. These were superseded in Spanish service from 1987 by the EAV-8B Harrier II which have also since been replaced with the radar equipped EAV-8B Harrier II Plus, 12 of which remain in service, together with 1 two seat TAV-8B model.The Harrier II PLUS has a totally redesigned and larger fuselage. New wing fuel tanks were incorporated and Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (US designation - F402-RR-408) engines installed. The plane has carbon-fibre composite leading edge root extension wings (LERX).However, the main feature is the nose with its state-of-the-art AN/APG-65 pulse Doppler radar with different configurations: air-air, air-surface with an advanced multi-mode, all-weather, day and night system. In 1996 and 1997 8 further 'Harrier' II PLUS were built under licence in Spain by Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A.This aircraft is the same model as that also still flown by the United States Marine Corps and the Italian Navy.Today the entire Spanish Harrier fleet is operated by 9 Escuadrilla who are based at Rota and operate from the Juan Carlos 1 amphibious assault ship.The Squadron has since clocked up more than 50,000 flight hours. The Spanish Navy is expecting to retain the Harrier in service until 2030 and intends to continue upgrading its Harrier squadron with better versions in order to keep this valuable tactical asset fully operational.For an interesting overview of the team and Spanish Navy operation of the Harrier II Plus there is an interesting article here:-airshows.co.uk/features/2019/spanish-navy-harrier-pilots-interviewThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Douglas Dakota III, KP220 - Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow 2022 High Flight 2024-01-18 | Douglas Dakota III/C-47A Skytrain, KP220, G-ANAF displaying at Headcorn Airfield during the Battle of Britain Airshow 2022.C-47B Dakota IV KP220 was completed at the Douglas Aircraft plant at Santa Monica, California, USA on 8 June 1945. It was given USAAF serial 44-77104, but on 9 June was flown to Montreal, Canada and transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF), becoming Dakota Mk.IV KP220. It was ferried to the United Kingdom (UK), arriving on 19 June and delivered to 435 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), coded 'OFM-R', based at Down Ampney on 1 December. 435 Squadron was part of 46 (Transport) Group, RAF. In March 1946 435 Squadron returned to Canada, and KP220 was transferred to 46 Group's Air Officer Commanding (AOC), operating from Croydon. On 27 March 1947 KP220 was transferred to 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron, coded 'ODA-H', at RAF Bassingbourn, used for short range VIP flights. Between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949 it took part in the Berlin Airlift with 24 Squadron.It was retired from RAF service on 15 November 1950 and stored at 22 Maintenance Unit (MU), RAF Silloth, Cumbria. It went onto the civilian register as G-ANAF on 17 Jun 1953 after purchase by B.K.S Aerocharter Ltd, which later became B.K.S. Air Transport Ltd and was named 'Jean Batten' after the famous aviatrix. It was registered to Hunting Aero Surveys Ltd, which later became Hunting Surveys & Consultants Ltd, on 7 November 1958. On 9 April 1973, it was preserved as KP220 by the East Anglian Aviation Society at Duxford. Ownership then went to West Country Aircraft Servicing Ltd at Exeter until 17 October 1977, when it was chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd, who later purchased her during July 1979. She was leased to British Caledonian Airways Ltd in December 1979, then bought by Air Luton Ltd in June 1985 and Topflight in February 1986.She was chartered by RVL Aviation Ltd at Coventry, with whom she remained until 13 July 2007, when she was again chartered by Air Atlantique Ltd at Coventry. She was then used for radar trials duties, fitted with a large under-fuselage radome as a test bed for the Searchwater 2000 MR Radar developed by Racal from 1988, for the BAE Nimrod. She was stored at Coventry from 2010, when the Bae Nimrod project was cancelled. In 2014 she was converted to spraying fit for pollution control and returned to RVL Aviation Ltd in a bright red and black livery, as a sea pollution control spraying aircraft, on 13 November 2015. She stayed with them until 29 April 2019, when she was bought by Heritage Air Services Ltd. On 23 September 2019 she went to her current owners, Aero Legends Leasing Ltd at Headcorn, Kent, UK. This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Voyager KC.3 & F/A-18C Hornet Flypast High Flight 2024-01-18 | Royal Air Force Airbus Voyager KC.3, ZZ335 and Finnish Air Force Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18C Hornet, HN-421, conducting a fly past together in simulation of 'in-flight refuelling' at RAF Fairford, UK on Saturday of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The Voyager is based at nearby RAF Prize Norton and the Hornet is from Hävittäjälentolaivue 11 (Fighter Squadron 11) based at Rovaniemi in Lapland. This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
RNLB Trent Class Life Boat Henry Heys Duckworth at Eastbourne Pier and Marina High Flight 2024-01-17 | Trent Class Royal National Life Boat (RNLB) Official number - 1213, Operational number - 14-15, 'Henry Heys Duckworth' passing Eastbourne Pier and then docking at Eastbourne Marina on 7 July 2023.Developed by the RNLI in the early 1990s, the first Trent class lifeboat was introduced in 1994, with a maximum speed of 25 knots, propeller protection and a range of 250 nautical miles.The Trent-class lifeboat is an all-weather lifeboat operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from 30 stations around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland to provide coverage up to 50 miles (80 km) out to sea. The class is named after the River Trent, the second longest river wholly in England.The Trent class lifeboat was one of the first ‘hard chine’ hull design for the RNLI. The Trent has the same geometric hull shape as the Severn class and has a sheerline that sweeps down for ease of survivor recovery.In the Trent, the engine room is aft but space limitations led to a novel approach in which one of the twin MAN diesel engines is turned around, driving the propeller in a conventional manner, while the other works through a 'V' drive.The propellers and rudders lie in partial tunnels set into the hull that, along with the two bilge keels, provide excellent protection from damage in shallow water.The Trent class carries a small XP boat, an inflatable daughter boat with a 5hp outboard engine capable of 6 knots. This small craft is used to access areas where the lifeboat cannot reach. The Trent is intended to lie afloat at moorings. It has five water-tight bulkheads to create six compartments: fore peak; fore store; survivor cabin; tank space; machinery space; and aft peak steering compartment. Above these is the main deckhouse which has seats for the six crew and a doctor. This is another water-tight space which provides the boat's self-righting capability.Designed and built by Green Marine, each boat is constructed of over 100 mm (3.9 in) thick fibre reinforced composite topsides, single laminate double hull bottoms, 4 water-tight bulkheads and prepreg epoxy, glass and Kevlar shields.The Trent has a service life of 25 years, although current estimates appear to exceed these original operational confines due to constant on-station maintenance, periodic refitting and sporadic repairs. In comparison with its predecessors, the boat has numerous additional advantages which aid in the overall success of every launch. One detail would be its condensed hull, which allows it to operate in significantly constrained locations (such as marina berths and dense quayside scenes).Another aspect aiding in its confined manoeuvrability would be the bilge keels which aid in protecting its twin drive props. Its hull sheerline sweeps down into an area known as the 'welldeck', which helps ease the recovery of casualties onto the lifeboat. The remote location of an 'a-frame' hoist also provides additional assistance for particularly awkward recoveries (such as casualties in stretchers).Each Trent class lifeboat is complemented with an array of advanced technologies. Each device provides full assistance in search and rescue operations, and therefore must be of an officially high standard. The comprehensive electronics fit includes full radio equipment including Navtex Multi-Frequency, Marine Very High Frequency and DSC installations. For navigation the crew utilize an array of digital select systems including DGPS equipment, and an electronic Laserplot chart display and information system which allows complete automated management via the vessel's on-board processors (autohelm), although comparatively infrequent in practice.Other features of Trent class lifeboats include VHF/DF, radar and weather sensors. Provisions for survivors include complete first aid equipment including the Basket and Neill Robertson stretchers, oxygen and Entonox breathing systems, ambulance pouch, thermodynamic food canisters and sick bags for ailing casualties. The Trents also have a small toilet arrangement. The afterdeck houses a salvage pump in a water-tight container for use in inter-vessel salvage, and two fire hoses allow proficient fire fighting. The Trent carries an inflatable XP-boat which is powered by a 5 hp outboard engine, and can be deployed in slight conditions to gain access to rocks or beaches when an inshore lifeboat is otherwise unavailableTrent Class Facts Introduced: 1994 (Last built 2003)Length: 14.3mWidth: 4.9mLoad: 28 tonnesLaunch Type: AfloatFuel Capacity: 4,180 litresCrew:Range: 250 nautical milesMax Speed: 25 KnotsEngines: 2 x MAN 2840 marine diesel; 850hp each at 2,300hpThis Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Italian Army Agusta AH-129D Mangusta High Flight 2024-01-08 | An Italian Army (Esercito Italiano) Agusta AH-129D Mangusta attack helicopter, displaying at RAF Fairford, UK during The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023, on the Saturday of the show.The A-129 Mangusta was the first dedicated attack helicopter developed in Europe. Development began in the early 1970s to meet the Italian Army's need to introduce a light observation/anti-tank helicopter against the threat from the Warsaw Pact. It was initially started as a joint Italian-German project, until Germany pulled out. Development was by Agusta Westland, which later became Finmeccanica and Leonardo. 'Mangusta' is Italian for 'Mongoose'. The name was given as a commercial move to highlight the A129's ability to defeat the Bell AH-1 'Cobra' helicopter, its main competitor for tenders at the time. The design began in 1978 and the first of five prototypes made the first flight on 11 September 1983. The first attempt to expand on the types capabilities was via a joint project between Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK, however this project also collapsed in the 1990s when the Netherlands and the UK pursued their own programmes. It proved to be ideal as a peacekeeping aircraft and particularly suited to operations in warm climates. The A-129 has constantly been updated.This latest version carries advanced avionics and is armed with the advanced Spike-ER anti-tank missile. The A-129 is also built under licence in Turkey as the T-129 ATAK and the Mangusta's replacement, the AW249 is currently flight testing.The Italian Army ordered a fleet of 60 A-129A attack helicopters, which were constantly updated resulting in the A-129D, now designated AH-129D, entering service in 2012. It's seen combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan and provided support for UN missions in Macedonia, Somalia and Angola. The fleet in service has now reduced to 32, as the Italian Army awaits the delivery of the first AW249.It's equipped with anti-tank and area-suppression weapons to effectively perform its primary role of attack against armoured targets, but it can also cover ground attack, fire support, escort and armed reconnaissance/scout roles. It's an all-weather helicopter capable of operating day and night.Armament is a 20mm main gun with three rotating barrels and side pods capable of launching 70 or 81mm rockets and missiles of various types, such as AGM-114 Hellfire, BGM-71 TOW anti-tank, FIM-92 Stinger and MBDA Mistral anti-aircraft.The A129D upgrade added the new Rafael TOPLITE III optronic system in place of the Saab HeliTow, which includes FLIR and a new laser with rangefinder function, target designator, target marker for other launchers and source discovery laser. Also, the Spike launch pads can be elevated to simplify and improve the safety of the launch during combat.It's powered by two Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D turboshaft engines with semicircular air intakes, mounted on top of the fuselage, connected to systems to enhance mission capability, such as simple engine controls with automatic engine management, fast start-up, high power for fast transit and low fuel consumption. It also features a low radar and infra red heat signature and fast engine response.It was the first helicopter to make use of a fully computerized, integrated management system that helps reduce crew workload, with much of the helicopter’s functionality designed to be automated. This includes parts of the flight and armament systems, which are monitored and directly controlled by onboard computers. It is also equipped with infrared night vision systems.The A129 Mangusta has a tandem cockpit with a crew of two - pilot and gunner. The fuselage is highly angular and armoured to provide ballistic protection, while the composite rotor blades can also withstand hits from 23mm cannon fire.Its five-blade main rotor is mounted on a turboshaft powerplant which allows it to reach a maximum speed of 170 mph (278 km/h) and maintain a cruise speed of 155 mph (229 km/h). Its range is 320 miles (510 km) and service ceiling 15,500 ft (4,725 m), with a rate of climb of 2,025 ft per minute (10.2 m/s).The Italian Army A129 Mangusta helicopters are assigned to the 5th Regiment 'Rigel' in Casarsa della Delizia where this aircraft is based, and to the 7th Regiment 'Vega' in Rimini. Both units are led by the 'Friuli' Air Brigade. Currently the Italian Army fleet includes 48 Mangustas: 32 are the AH-129D variant and 16 the AH-129C trainer.The A129 in Italian Army service has been designated as EA-1 (Elicottero d'Attacco - Attack Helicopter 1), later changed to EC-1 (Elicottero da Combattimento - Combat Helicopter 1) and ultimately to EES-1 (Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta - Scout and Escort Helicopter 1).This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2023 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
Hurricane LF363 - 303 Polish Squadron Kościuszko - RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight High Flight 2024-01-07 | The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Hawker Hurricane Mk.II, LF363, displaying with Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece MBE, at the controls, during the Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow 2022. As part of its last ‘Major’ service at Biggin Hill, which was completed in Spring 2022, LF363 was repainted into new colours as ‘RF-J’ of 303 Kościuszko (Polish) Squadron during the Battle of Britain.The original Hurricane ‘RF-J’, which LF363 now represents, was Hurricane Mk. I, V6665, which was delivered as a replacement aircraft, to 303 Squadron at Northolt on 7th September 1940. It lasted for only 20 days before it too was lost in combat.In common with all the 303 Squadron Hurricanes, V6665 was painted with the colourful circular unit badge on each side of the upper fuselage under the wireless aerial mast. In addition, shortly after receiving instructions from Headquarters 11 Group on 16th September, V6665 was painted with an unusual red diagonal band around the rear fuselage ahead of the fin and tail. This was an experimental identification marking that was applied to three of 303 Squadron’s Hurricanes as a trial, which was later not pursued. It was not, as some think, an indication that this was a flight commander’s aircraft.Hurricane V6665 was flown on its first operational sortie on 9th September 1940 by Flight Lieutenant Johnny Kent, a Canadian RAF pilot who was one of the RAF flight commanders on the unit. During this sortie, Kent damaged a Junkers Ju 88 twin-engine bomber and shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110, which crashed into the waters of the English Channel and exploded, with no sign of survivors from its crew.Hurricane V6665 flew 19 operational sorties during its short life with 303 Squadron, 11 of these with Johnny Kent as the pilot. In total, V6665’s pilots claimed four enemy aircraft destroyed while flying her. Polish pilot Sergeant Michal Brzezowski claimed two Heinkel He 111's in V6665. He was killed on 11th September when he was shot down, while flying another Hurricane. Sergeant Tadeusz Andruszkow destroyed a Dornier Do-17 while flying V6665 on 26th September, but he was shot down and killed while flying her on the following day. He was only 19 years old and is buried in Northwood Cemetery, Middlesex. Hurricane V6665 crashed near Cowden, Kent, and was destroyed.303 Squadron is now accepted as being the highest scoring RAF fighter squadron of the Battle of Britain, with the best kill to loss ratio of all RAF units involved in the battle, despite being in the front line for only 42 days.In its new markings Hurricane LF363 commemorates Group Captain Johnny Kent DFC and Bar, AFC, Virtuti Militari, whose final total of wartime victories was 13 enemy aircraft destroyed, and also the vital part that the Polish Air Force played in defending freedom during the Second World War and during the Battle of Britain in particular. This Video and Audio content isCopyright © 2023 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
