Classic Wings Edition · Volume 25
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SPITFIRE STUNNER!
GERMANY’S JOUSTER - THE SIEMENS SHUCKERT
Italian Elegance- The MACCHI M.7
Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a...SHORT SCION
Airshows |
Highlights this issue include two very elegant aircraft from different, but overlapping eras. The stylish Macchi Flying boat fighter is featured with the major focus on the restoration of the only known surviving example which served with the Italians before moving to Sweden. The aircraft has been returned to its original (Swedish) colours, the journey to display revealing several interesting finds. The equally lovely Spitfire spotlighted is a very original example which has spent decades awaiting a return to flight. A new owner saw that journey expedited and the result is nothing short of spectacular. A fighter from an earlier war has its type history and flight characteristics explored, the latter explained by experienced NZ Warbirds pilot Frank Parker. This full scale replica of the outstanding, but little known Siemens Shuckert D.IV, is a sprightly beast and confirms the potency of the original, which fortunately arrived too late and in small numbers to affect the air war over the trenches. Our Mystery machine is the rather ungainly looking Short Scion and we highlight a couple of examples which are receiving some much deserved TLC. This issue rounds out with another peek at some gems originating from the Smith Collection and some much missed air show action from both sides of the Tasman.:: More about this issue » |
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SMITH’S SHED- The Ultimate Man Cave!
DORET’S DEWOITINE
FALCONS OF THE MOTHERLAND
FORMIDABLE FOE - Flying the FOKKER D.VII
Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a...HEINKEL HD 35 / Sk 5 |
Some larger articles in this issue, particularly the one related to the collection of the late John Smith which has gained worldwide interest since the once 'hidden' treasures are now, or will soon be, accessible to the public thanks to the Smith family. Many stories have circulated about what John had collected over the years and even to the seasoned aviation people who knew John quite well, there has been surprise at some of what has been discovered. If you like adventure you will like this article! Our pilot's report is a beauty and we learn about the handling of one of the Great War's most deadly machines and why the Allies insisted all examples should be handed over as part of the Armistice agreement. This is Andrew's first foray into writing- hopefully it won't be his last!
Another, more modern aircraft, which was built for handling, in this instance aerobatics, is the subject of the second part of our French Flair article which looks at the two different approaches in the preservation of two machines flown by aerobatic aces, the first , discussed in the previous issue was the Morane AI. Here we look at the Dewoitine D.530. Our Mystery aircraft is a very rare breed, and we look at its history and how it managed to survive to become one of the gems of the Swedish Air Force Museum. Our other major feature focuses on a growing Moscow Museum which has opened a spectacular new exhibit featuring four historic fighters, two having a connection to the Soviet's best.:: More about this issue » |
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FRENCH FLAIR
OUR LAST MYSTERY AIRCRAFT WAS A...HAWKER DANECOCK / DANKOK
FINLAND’S HURRICANE -The VL PYÖRREMYRSKY
THE SMITH SELECTION
PERCIVAL PASSION
---BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO A CAPABLE CLASSIC
KIP AERO’S SOPWITH 1 ½ STRUTTER |
In this issue, readers have an opportunity to learn about and potentially own a reproduction Great War aircraft, thanks to a couple of innovative companies - one producing the airframe and one producing the engine – grab your goggles and scarf and join the fray! Percival products dominate; the evolution of the much loved Gull is highlighted, whilst the rebirth of an aircraft which evolved from the type, the Proctor, is discussed by its new owner. A couple of the more obscure types are featured, the mystery aircraft being the interwar Hawker Dankok of which there is one survivor of the few built. From the WWII era, the indigenous one off Finnish ‘Hurricane’ fighter has its troubled story told. There is also a real treat, with a couple of pages featuring the first of the late John Smith’s transparencies (slides). Some stunners here – Mossie wrecks, Corsair, Lancaster and Rearwin Sportster. :: More about this issue » |
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THRUXTON JACKAROO
SOVIET STEEL -PIMA’S SHTURMOVIK
AUSSIE SPITFIRE ADVENTURE
AVRO 504 PT.2
Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a ...ALBATROS L 101
Airshow Tyabb, Australia |
In this issue we have some exciting news items, including a long awaited update on a major wreck recovery. Feature articles focus on the lovely Avro 504 and its influence worldwide post-war. A reasonably healthy number of original examples survive and we detail the histories of these machines. In NZ, a rare example of the modified Tiger has recently returned to the sky, bedecked in a colour scheme which is sure to turn heads. An even rarer type from the same era is our mystery machine, the Albatros L.101, which despite some concerning attributes when first flown, went on to carry out its duties in servicing the needs of a rapidly expanding pre war Luftwaffe. The heavy metal is represented by the recovery and restoration of a Soviet stalwart, the rugged ground attack Il-2 Shturmovik. The polar opposite is the nimble and elegant Spitfire, and here we feature one of the finest to fly in a number of years. The Brisbane based Spitfire XVI is now available for viewing, both in Classic Wings - and in person!:: More about this issue » |
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AVRO 504
TRICOLORE TANTE-JU
ON THE COMET’S TRAIL
Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a... EKW C-35
BEIJING BEAUTIES |
In this issue we cover aviation from the Great War, the Golden Age and WWII, focusing on some icons of these eras and one which isn’t so well known. Avro’s multipurpose 504 is one of two major features, this first of two instalments concentrates on its short combat career and its major role as a trainer. The lovely de Havilland Comet is the other, looking at its stardom which followed its long distance racing and record setting as it changed the face of aircraft design in the 1930s. There are a couple of WWII types which contrast markedly – the iconic Junkers Ju 52 and the obscure EKW C-35. The former has an interesting history and is flying happily in France today, although needing much TLC - as any lady of advanced age expects! The latter, one of the last of the military biplanes, spent most of its career keeping a watch on neutral borders. Beijing has unveiled a spectacular new exhibition so we visit that and finally there was a rather good air show which took place at Edinburgh Australia. Despite being low key it displayed some wonderful aircraft and drew a large crowd.:: More about this issue » |
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