BBMF - fantasy aircraft acquisition - what would you choose?
Red On, Green On
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BBMF - fantasy aircraft acquisition - what would you choose?
The BBMF only operate a Lanc, a Dak, Hurris and Spits, yet plenty more types were operated by the RAF from 1939-45, many with distinction.
You have unlimited budget, but can only choose one type.
What would you choose and why?
The only limitation is that it must have flown in RAF colours in WWII.
You have unlimited budget, but can only choose one type.
What would you choose and why?
The only limitation is that it must have flown in RAF colours in WWII.
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No question, it's got to be a Bristol Beaufighter (especially if it could have the invasion stripes paint job). Not the best looking of aircraft, but one that did so much and is oft overlooked in the history books.
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Sabre powered Tempest or Tiffie... I would that Kermit's Tempest V would do the airshow rounds in the UK when the rebuild's finished but I 've heard it might not fly...
Given that BBMF is the RAF's only historic flight, I'd say the two greatest fighters of WW1 - the Sopwith Camel and SE5a.
Choosing between the two - the Camel, because Biggles flew one.
G
Choosing between the two - the Camel, because Biggles flew one.
G
Spoon PPRuNerist & Mad Inistrator
Short Sunderland, because it helped to win the battle of the Atlantic.
Otherwise the Fairey Battle, as it epitomises the incredible bravery of the pilots who flew it in 1940 against insurmountable odds.
I was going to say the Stringbag, but there is one flying.
SD
Otherwise the Fairey Battle, as it epitomises the incredible bravery of the pilots who flew it in 1940 against insurmountable odds.
I was going to say the Stringbag, but there is one flying.
SD
Gnome de PPRuNe
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Think the RNHF's got three airworthy Stringbags now. think of it: a vic of upstanding, outstanding, saluting crew!
Are the BBMF's fighters really grounded VVG?
Are the BBMF's fighters really grounded VVG?
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Are the BBMF's fighters really grounded VVG?
The IIa, 9 and both 19's as well as the 'other' Hurricane all have engine problems.
In addition the damage to '363' is a lot worse than first thought (damage to the wing apparently).
The mk 19 which had the oil leak looks to be out for sometime as they don't have a spare engine. There is one in the 'shop' which hasn't been started I understand.
(Sorry to hijack the thread, maybe start a separate one?)
Red On, Green On
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Mosquitoes, six of 'em
Very sadthat 7,500 plus were built and we haven't got one flying in the UK.
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Free Man
You can vote for a Mossie if you think it merits the slot - it's not first come gets the only vote.
I think six is a little OTT, but I agree entirely with the sentiment - after all it's less than 0.1% of the number built.
Noisy, what mark of Mossie had you in mind?
As an aside a friend video'd the sadly lamented RR Mossie as it flew very low several times over Salisbury Hall - you can hear squealing brakes from amazed drivers on the M25!
You can vote for a Mossie if you think it merits the slot - it's not first come gets the only vote.
I think six is a little OTT, but I agree entirely with the sentiment - after all it's less than 0.1% of the number built.
Noisy, what mark of Mossie had you in mind?
As an aside a friend video'd the sadly lamented RR Mossie as it flew very low several times over Salisbury Hall - you can hear squealing brakes from amazed drivers on the M25!
Last edited by airborne_artist; 11th Jun 2004 at 17:58.
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It would have to be a bomber (or two)
Stirling, Halifax and Wellington please
Spitfire, Hurricane etc are great to see, but just imagine the above formating with the BBMF Lancaster!
Ah well, back to reality
Temps
Stirling, Halifax and Wellington please
Spitfire, Hurricane etc are great to see, but just imagine the above formating with the BBMF Lancaster!
Ah well, back to reality
Temps
Visited Hendon this week as part of a "VIP" Test Pilots outing. Found myself standing next to Duncan Simpson looking at the Hawker Hind, who decided to spend 10 minutes talking about what it was like to fly (not the type, the specific airframe
). Another of our number recognised the Sunderland as one that his Dad had in his wartime logbook, and Jimmy Doolittle III (a 3rd generation TP, is that unique I wonder?) found his Grandad's uniform in a display case.
Not really on topic, but what the hell. Could we make a case for putting a runway back in at Hendon and starting to fly these beasts again do you think, I'm sure we could find one or two volunteers to fly them - I'd love to have a go at the Sopwith Camel.
G
). Another of our number recognised the Sunderland as one that his Dad had in his wartime logbook, and Jimmy Doolittle III (a 3rd generation TP, is that unique I wonder?) found his Grandad's uniform in a display case.Not really on topic, but what the hell. Could we make a case for putting a runway back in at Hendon and starting to fly these beasts again do you think, I'm sure we could find one or two volunteers to fly them - I'd love to have a go at the Sopwith Camel.
G
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Saab.
Fairey Battle.............brave pilots...................insurmountable odds. You must mean that the aircraft was a death trap and few pilots came home after a raid. Garland VC was an exception I fancy but the RAF soon relegated it - to where I don't know. I know it did a bit of target towing.
Genghis. They would have to knock down a lot of the new buildings to put a runway back! But I did fly out of Hendon in 1952/3 in Auster 7's as part of 1953 Flight / 661 AOP Squadron based at Kenley.
You probably would have enjoyed the Camel. I flew the replica which is now installed at the FAA museum as I think you know.
Fairey Battle.............brave pilots...................insurmountable odds. You must mean that the aircraft was a death trap and few pilots came home after a raid. Garland VC was an exception I fancy but the RAF soon relegated it - to where I don't know. I know it did a bit of target towing.
Genghis. They would have to knock down a lot of the new buildings to put a runway back! But I did fly out of Hendon in 1952/3 in Auster 7's as part of 1953 Flight / 661 AOP Squadron based at Kenley.
You probably would have enjoyed the Camel. I flew the replica which is now installed at the FAA museum as I think you know.
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I understand the BAe Mosquito was due to be donated to the BBMF at the end of it's final, and sadly fatal, season...
BBMF is probably now a misnomer; Royal Air Force Historic Flight would probably be more accurate. In which case, I'd suggest the Flight currently homours the following:
Fighter Command - Spitfires and Hurricanes
Bomber Command - Lancaster
Transport Command - Dakota
Training Command - Chipmunks (okay, they're post war, but still fit)
Coastal Command - nothing...
I'd certainly be tempted to go for the Beaufighter, as my PPRuNe name dictates...
But then we must also not forget the purpose of the Flight is to remember ALL who served - Lest We Forget.
BBMF is probably now a misnomer; Royal Air Force Historic Flight would probably be more accurate. In which case, I'd suggest the Flight currently homours the following:
Fighter Command - Spitfires and Hurricanes
Bomber Command - Lancaster
Transport Command - Dakota
Training Command - Chipmunks (okay, they're post war, but still fit)
Coastal Command - nothing...
I'd certainly be tempted to go for the Beaufighter, as my PPRuNe name dictates...
But then we must also not forget the purpose of the Flight is to remember ALL who served - Lest We Forget.
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Well said Beauman
The name BBMF currently limits the a/c in to types operated in the Battle of Britain only. RAF Historic Flight is more apt.
It is a shame that we did not follow the example of the USA where they did put at least one aside of the major types operated. It would have saved the effort of having to scour Lakes, Lochs, Fjords and Scrap Yards and also to build hybrids to allow us in the UK to glimpse a lost part of our Aviation Heritage.
And by the way I have the greatest respect for those who do recreate our Aviation Heritage.
Perhaps we should start now. We could have had Phantom, Brick, etc. still flying. I accept that costs are high and skills are required, but unless we adopt an attitude of saving at least one of each type, (two would be good, one for the RAF Museum and one to fly), in twenty years time people will be asking the same questions as we are now. Finally, a lot of lists supplied for a/c for the BBMF end at WW2. With the RAF Historic Flight, that limitation would be lifted.
Just a thought
Gets quietly off soap box
Temps
The name BBMF currently limits the a/c in to types operated in the Battle of Britain only. RAF Historic Flight is more apt.
It is a shame that we did not follow the example of the USA where they did put at least one aside of the major types operated. It would have saved the effort of having to scour Lakes, Lochs, Fjords and Scrap Yards and also to build hybrids to allow us in the UK to glimpse a lost part of our Aviation Heritage.
And by the way I have the greatest respect for those who do recreate our Aviation Heritage.
Perhaps we should start now. We could have had Phantom, Brick, etc. still flying. I accept that costs are high and skills are required, but unless we adopt an attitude of saving at least one of each type, (two would be good, one for the RAF Museum and one to fly), in twenty years time people will be asking the same questions as we are now. Finally, a lot of lists supplied for a/c for the BBMF end at WW2. With the RAF Historic Flight, that limitation would be lifted.
Just a thought
Gets quietly off soap box
Temps