Volume 28 #4, Issue 132

A MESSERSCHMITT & A DEFECTOR

Most of the surviving aircraft from the Second World War have little or no back story, or if they have, it has been lost in the mists of time. However once and a while the story is revealed, and once and a while it reads like a Hollywood film script. The Smithsonian’s Messerschmitt Bf109 spent decades as a rather anonymous machine, restored in the generic scheme of fighter operating in the Mediterranean Theatre.  In this article we take a look at the journey of this aircraft, its first restoration and display, the discovery of its identity.

RAF STATION CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Based at Podhorany Airfield in the Czech Republic, this organisation, founded by Richard Santus, has become a growing presence in the European heritage aviation scene, taking its fleet to events around the Continent, along with offering services for visitors throughout the year. These include scenic / adventure flights in all of the aircraft of the fleet, extending to aerobatic flights and also to dual instruction and even local aircraft hire for suitably qualified pilots.

The SOPWITH CAMEL- A DEADLY BEAST!

In the early summer of 1917 the twin-gun Sopwith F.1 Camel was introduced, replacing the Sopwith Triplane. The stubby fighter took its name from the humped fairing which covered the Vickers machine guns mounted on the forward cowling - this armament finally matching the firepower of its rivals. Serving with both the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the fighter went on to become the stuff of legend.

Mystery Aircraft...

The late 1920s and early 1930s saw a number of giant aircraft developed. The long range heavy bomber designed by Tupolev was one of the most outstanding for its time and sent shock waves through the military high commands of the Western powers as the Soviets demonstrated that they had implemented what was the first strategic bomber fleet. Seeing action in the Sino – Japanese war, the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland, the Winter War against Finland and finally the Great Patriotic War, the aircraft proved its durability and versatility.

 

CHILE’S COOL COLLECTION

Dave Soderstrom takes us on a visit to the National Museum of Aeronautics & Space of Chile. The museum tells the story of aviation in the country from its earliest days of flight in 1910 through to today’s modern and space aviation. A wide range of aircraft and other interesting exhibits are on display comprising of replicas of the S.E.5a, Avro 504 and Bristol Scout, through to the original DH.60, PT-16, DC-3s, P-47, Catalina, and the very rare Sikorsky Kingfisher. Largely a pictorial spread, the article focuses on the classic and warbird highlights.