Classic Wings Edition · Volume 27
 |
EAGLE OVER GERMANY
MYSTERY AIRCRAFT - HAWKER TOMTIT
POLIKARPOV'S BATTLING BIPANE
NAKAJIMA'S NIMBLE NATE
THE WARBIRD MARKET |
Some rarities in this issue with a look at the first Bf109E to fly in
Germany since the end of WWII which has been decades in the making
following the recovery of a wreck in far north Russia. The wait has been
worth it and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Even rarer is
the small and exceptionally agile 1930s Japanese monoplane, the Nakajima
Ki-27 (Allied code name, Nate). The story of the only known intact
survivor is an interesting one; it caught up in the death throes of the
Imperial Japanese Empire. Another which is the last of its type is the
elegant Hawker Tomtit, the aircraft having been owned and flown by a
couple of legendary pilots during its lifetime, test pilots Alex Henshaw
and Neville Duke. The aircraft continues to delight the public at Old
Warden. Another biplane, one which was built in huge numbers, features -
Polikarpov's Po-2. This multi role machine went from agricultural work
to primary trainer to being the mount of the brave women who became the
stuff of nightmares for German troops during the hours of darkness.
:: More about this issue » |
 |
MUSTANG TWO-THREE
GIANTS OF THE SKY - THE CAPRONI BOMBERS
MYSTERY AIRCRAFT - Curtiss/ Felixstowe Flying Boat
SALT AIR SUPER WIDGEON
Airshow Roundup |
In this edition we follow the remarkable journey of Harry Whereatt and his Hurricane, looking at the history of the
fighter during the latter part of WWII and the series of events which saw it return to the air, firstly with Harry and
then again some years later under new ownership. The spectacular markings are explained, as is the fate of the young
pilot who flew a Hurricane wearing them. Prior to going to fighters, budding pilots had to hone their skills in
trainers. The precursor for many Allied pilots was often the venerable T-6/ Harvard, and it was with this in mind that
Bevan Dewes decided to purchase a Harvard project, his goal to move on to high performance fighters. Bevan describes
how this came about and the decision to finish the aircraft in a wartime camouflage scheme, one of which led to some
questioning of his sanity. However, given the result we are glad that he did! Our mystery machine is the smart and
rather sporty Potez 53, built in just a few months to compete in a 1933 air race, taking line honors. Rounding out the
main features is a look at two of the major air shows in both the UK and US, along with a relaxed event in Australia.:: More about this issue » |
 |
HARRY'S HURRICANE -RETURN OF THE REAPER
HARVARD IN THE HOOD
MUMA – MEXICO’S NEW AIR MUSEUM
Our last Mystery Aircraft was a...POTEZ 53
Airshows: Flying Legends, EAA AirVenture & the Caboolture Fly-in |
In this edition we follow the remarkable journey of Harry Whereatt and his Hurricane, looking at the history of the fighter during the latter part of WWII and the series of events which saw it return to the air, firstly with Harry and then again some years later under new ownership. The spectacular markings are explained, as is the fate of the young pilot who flew a Hurricane wearing them. Prior to going to fighters, budding pilots had to hone their skills in trainers. The precursor for many Allied pilots was often the venerable T-6/ Harvard, and it was with this in mind that Bevan Dewes decided to purchase a Harvard project, his goal to move on to high performance fighters. Bevan describes how this came about and the decision to finish the aircraft in a wartime camouflage scheme, one of which lead to some questioning of his sanity. However given the result we are glad that he did! Our mystery machine is the smart and rather sporty Potez 53, built in just a few months to compete in a 1933 air race, it taking line honours. Rounding out the main features is a look at two of the major air shows in both the UK and US, along with a relaxed event in Australia.:: More about this issue » |
 |
SWIBLO STUNNER!
WACO RETURNS HOME
SPAD FIGHTER SURVIVORS – FINAL
Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a...LWF Model V Tractor
Airshow – Classic Fighters 2023 |
In this issue we feature the rebirth of one of the world’s best known fighter aircraft, Willy Messerschmitt’s Bf109. This particular aircraft was one of the earliest wreck recoveries to come out of the former Soviet Union, but has had to endure one of the longest waits to be rebuilt. Here we follow the fighter’s ups and downs which finally saw it fly again in 2022, almost 80 years after it last stalked the enemy in hostile skies. The difficulties in bringing the aircraft back to airworthy condition are described in detail, whilst the stunning air to air photography is complemented by recovery and rebuild photos. Fighters from an earlier era feature in the last of our series on the Great War SPADS. Following a look at Europe’s surviving machines in our previous issue we now focus on the single example in NZ and those that remain in the USA. At the other end of the familiarity spectrum, our Mystery Aircraft is the not so well known LWF Model V, a US built trainer that saw its only military action in far way Russia in what was a vain attempt to stop that nations descent into Communism.:: More about this issue » |
 |
ANSONS DOWNUNDER
SPAD S.VII & S.XIII SURVIVORS – Pt.1
T-6 /HARVARD RESTORATIONS
Our Mystery Aircraft was a ....BLACKBURN RIPON
Airshows: Wings over Illawarra, Australia. |
This issue sees an extended news section with a good number of exciting announcements and several first flights being made over the past few months. Major features focus on the Anson, which, Bill Reid’s magnificent machine aside, are making somewhat of a comeback Downunder with more resourced being expended on the type both at a national level and by the numerous teams of volunteers at local museums spread across both NZ and OZ. Of a similar era but still clinging to the biplane doctrine is the Blackburn Ripon, for its day adequate enough in its intended role of fleet torpedo bomber. Sadly only one of these big biplanes has survived, in less than ideal condition. Our regular survivor features continue with a look at the impressive Great War SPAD fighters, a number of European examples having impressive combat histories. The venerable Pilot Maker is still as popular as ever, with a number of T-6 / Harvard restorations underway either side of the Tasman. We check in on progress as a return to the air is within sight of some, but a way off for others.:: More about this issue » |
|
|
Classic Wings
0 Items
