Classic Wings Edition · Volume 28
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A MESSERSCHMITT & A DEFECTOR
RAF STATION CZECHOSLOVAKIA
The SOPWITH CAMEL- A DEADLY BEAST!
Mystery Aircraft...
CHILE’S COOL COLLECTION |
This edition features a couple of remarkable stories. There is the story of Rene Darbois who decided to pre-empt conscription in to the German Army and volunteer for the Luftwaffe - reasoning that he had a far better chance of defecting and joining the fight against his masters if he could be assigned to a front line unit and ‘fail to return’ from a sortie. With skill and more than a little fortune he was able to complete his mission, but post war found that he began to question if all he had been through was worth the return. Nevertheless, his love of flying and country saw him accomplish heroic acts as a medevac pilot in Vietnam. But the horrors of war and his contempt of his superiors was ultimately more than he could endure.
From the Soviet Union comes out mystery aircraft, the lumbering giant which was the Tupolev TB-3. Despite manufacturing problems associated with building this all metal aeroplane in large numbers by an aircraft industry not geared for such a complex machine, good numbers became available to Soviet Air Force by the mid 1930s, these a major deterrent to the expansionist plans of the Japanese in the Far East and a wakeup call to air forces in the West. Although obsolete by the late 1930s, they performed well in various roles until wars’ end.
The Sopwith Camel proved to be dangerous, not only to the enemy, but to its own pilots, many novice aviators being killed by its unforgiving vices. However, once mastered, the stubby fighter was a formidable foe, victory claims for this aircraft far outstripping all others. Here we highlight the views of those who flew and fought with the Camel prior to focusing on an airworthy survivor which will kick off the survivor series.
In the Czech Republic an excellent selection of RAF types are an airworthy tribute to the nationals of the country which sacrificed much to free their homeland from the Nazis. Operating authentically restored examples of the Tiger Moth, Messenger, Aero 145 and recently acquiring a stunning Mk.1 Anson, RAF Station Czechoslovakia is going from strength to strength. Here we look at the background of the organisation, its operation and its goals.:: More about this issue » |
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COMBAT CORSAIR
CLEAR SKY STORM - Aichi’s Special Attack Bomber
SPANISH SPOTLIGHT
Mystery Aircraft
LOCKHEED LEGACY
Airshows: Warbirds Downunder (Temora) |
Overview
In this issue we start with an extended news section, with some exciting happenings worldwide. We then launch into an in depth look at Imperial Japan’s outlandish plans for their brilliantly designed submarine stored and launched floatplane, the Seiran. We describe its innovative design, flight testing, operation plans and finally the restoration of the sole survivor. One of its potential enemies was the combat veteran Corsair, now airworthy in Australia. Carrying out strikes on Japan in the final months of the war, the fighter fortunately found its way to a museum, suffering to a degree, prior to it being moved Downunder where a decade long restoration to fly commenced. Our Mystery aircraft was little threat to the enemy, proving more than a handful to its own operators. Surprisingly for an aircraft which was mediocre across all roles it was designed for, a large number were built, none seeing action. In Spain the FIO is maintaining and flying some rare machines and has some grand plans for the future, the top notch collection securing Spain’s proud aviation legacy. Speaking of which, there are various tribute replicas around the globe which remember the exploits of Lockheed Golden Age monoplanes, one of which may well fly.:: More about this issue » |
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LOCKHEED’S GOLDEN AGE GENERATION
TALKING TRIPE
SOUTHERN SPEEDSTER
Mystery Aircraft...
Airshows: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Pacific Airshow, Australia. |
This issue features aircraft from four significant eras – WWI, the Golden Age, WWII and the National Championship Air Races, Reno. The Sopwith Triplane was described by one airman as looking like a drunken flight of steps, but it's combat prowess, particularly at altitude, was impressive during the few months it saw frontline service, its advantage eventually being nullified with the introduction of improved Mercedes engines powering opposition fighters. The Golden Age saw Lockheed become a household name, it at the forefront of the glamorous era. The choice of explorers, adventurers and record breakers, it also performed the more mundane jobs of airline and freight delivery services with speed and reliability. To WWII and the operations of the Hungarian Air Force are somewhat obscure to many, particularly its indigenous aircraft designs, these leaning heavily toward trainer types. András Fábián’s Levente aircraft had a troubled journey but fulfilled its role despite this. His efforts have been paid tribute to by a family member decades later. Speed and power tops off the issue, the brute force of an ex air racer now calls Australia home, its presence dominating the air space at several events already.:: More about this issue » |
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MOSQUITO MAGNIFICENCE!
LOCKHEED VEGA – GOLDEN AGE TRENDSETTER
MYSTERY AIRCRAFT – The IKARUS S-49
AIRSHOWS: Warbirds over Wanaka (NZ), Scone, Tyabb, AAAA 50th Anniversary (Australia) |
A couple of meaty articles in this issue as we chart the story of the latest Mosquito to fly in NZ, this one quite special given it was the late Glyn Powell’s own project. Sadly he did not live to see it fly, but his legacy lives on and has now been seen by many admirers as the aircraft starred at a sold out Warbirds over Wanaka, the show returning after a pandemic induced hiatus lasting four years. The Lockheed Vega is one of the most important of the pioneering Golden Age aircraft, its innovative design allowing a number of aviators of the time to become household names as they flew the aircraft faster, further and higher to set a large number of records. The post-war Yugoslav Air Force’s indigenous Ikarus fighter was born out of necessity and despite being obsolete in the greater scheme of things was an important stepping stone to a more modern air force for the nation. Numerous air events are featured, Wanaka aside, there are several Australian shows featured, one of which saw the debut of a recently imported Sea Fury.:: More about this issue » |
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