FlyPast March 2021

The March 2021 issue of FlyPast features a dramatic representation of Pierre Clostermann’s Hawker Tempest in wartime action by artist Antonis Karidis. Our accompanying cover story relays the details of the famous French ace. Before going on to become an acclaimed author and politician, Pierre was a courageous flyer, earning the accolade ‘France's First Fighter’ from Gen Charles de Gaulle. On the centenary of his birth, we reflect on Clostermann’s valiant service.

Classics – Hawker Fury
Among a range of distinctive looking warplanes produced by Hawker in the 1930s, the Fury was a quick and manoeuvrable fighter. A counterpart to the larger but outwardly similar Hart, its streamlined design clearly set a precedent for the later Hurricane monoplane. Malcolm V Lowe details the biplane’s history, alongside exclusive artwork by Andy Hay.

Atomic delta
Dassault’s Mirage IVA made its nuclear alert debut with the French Air Force 56 years ago. Former pilot Claude Michel discusses his experiences with Frédéric Lert.

Prototypes – Vickers Windsor
Tony Buttler profiles the Windsor, its company's last wartime effort to get back on equal terms with Avro and Handley Page.

Chuck Yeager
The late Chuck Yeager was a determined and skilled aviator with a record-setting career. Kathleen Hanser reflects on the American legend’s life and legacy.

Southend Vulcan
Avro Vulcan B.2 XL426 recently moved under its own power at its Essex home. Assistant editor Jamie Ewan captured the action.

We also celebrate the arrival of a P-40 Warhawk to a new home, the successful restoration of a Canadian Harvard and a rare Mitsubishi Zero in the US. Former FlyPast editor Ken Ellis takes us on a trip across Kent, analysing many of the county’s key historical airfields, while Jan Forsgren documents two Swedish Air Force aerobatic teams, the ACRO Hunters and ACRO Deltas.