FlyPast August 2025

VICTORY IN JAPAN 80 YEARS ON
The cover of FlyPast August 2025 features the Commemorative Air Force’s famous Boeing B-29 Superfortress ‘FiFi’ – one of only two to remain airworthy. The Superfortress is often remembered for dropping war-ending atomic bombs on Japan, but in this edition we aim to shed light on some of the type’s other roles, both during and after World War Two.

AIR-TO-AIR WITH AIRACOBRA
The Military Aviation Museum’s Bell P-39 Airacobra is one of only four flying survivors of the type. Uwe Glaser tells this unusual warbird’s story.

FORMIDABLE HEROES
In the first of four features this issue, Andrew Thomas documents the last days of the war, exploring the actions of British fighters from HMS Formidable.

POTTERIES SPITFIRE
In the heart of Stoke-on-Trent where old kilns once smoked there now resides a very different type of craft. Jamie Ewan profiles the Stoke Spitfire.

MITCHELL FINALE
Malcolm V Lowe recounts the B-25 Mitchell’s combat activities against Japanese forces up to the end of World War Two.

JET AGE MUSEUM
The latest news from Gloucestershire’s superb Jet Age Museum, where several aircraft restorations are afoot.