FlyPast April 2017

The brand new issue of FlyPast features an update from Duxford’s Aircraft Restoration Company, as the well known company works on several significant warbird projects – including the return to flight of a Westland Lysander and Fairey Firefly. Their workshops are not normally open to the public, and it’s never less than fascinating to hear the latest from John Romain and his hard-working team.

Messerschmitt Spotlight
We recount the troubled history of the Messerschmitt Me 210 and Me 410. Designed as a successor to the same company’s Bf 110, the twin-engined fighter was initially troublesome, and although it was much improved later in the war, its advent came too late to make a significant difference for the beleaguered Luftwaffe.

Little Friends
Three fighter pilots who flew with the US Eighth Air Force describe to Warren E Thompson the challenges of escorting World War Two bombers on daylight raids.

Listening In
As a tribute to the late Robert F Dorr, we publish an article by the esteemed US historian about the underrated Martin P4M Mercator, and the type’s transformation into a signals intelligence aircraft.

Hurricane Hero
Ace photographer John Dibbs goes air-to-air with one of Britain’s best loved warbirds – Hawker Hurricane Mk.I R4118.

Ride The Lightning
Chris Gibson explains how the English Electric Lightning’s weaponry developed as the supersonic fighters encountered Soviet intruders.

We also take a visit to Spain’s national aeronautical museum, and in the company of RAF historian Andrew Thomas take a look at the role of Bristol Blenheims in long range shipping protection duties. Ken Ellis examines the legacy of two famous aircraft manufacturers, de Havilland and Handley Page, and we bring you news of a Concorde being moved into a new aerospace centre, and good news for the future of the Wellesbourne Vulcan.

Click here to view the contents page.