The May 2021 issue of FlyPast tells the story of a relatively unsung naval jet - the de Havilland Sea Venom, an undeniably distinctive machine that had a significant role to play in the Suez Crisis. Its frontline service in Royal Navy hands was fairly short-lived, but some examples also flew with the Royal Australian Navy and with the French as the licence-built Aquilon. Malcolm V Lowe reflects on the twin-boomed fighter-bomber’s genesis and operations, supported by rarely seen images and exclusive artwork.

Bristol Brabazon
Bristol’s incredible Brabazon was the largest commercial aircraft of its day. Ken Ellis explains why this impressive creation failed to succeed.

Vulcan salute
Steve Beebee remembers Dr Robert Pleming, the man who played an instrumental role in returning an Avro Vulcan to the sky.

Eagles over Britain
More than 200 Messerschmitt Bf 109 pilots became aces during the Battle of Britain. Chris Goss tells two of their stories.

Classic jet school
Eric Dumigan reports from Canada’s International Test Pilots School, where a host of classic jets are used to bring pilots up to speed.

We also bring you news of a two-seat Lockheed Starfighter that has recently flown in the US. It will soon be available for jet training flights to anyone with a PPL or above. Elsewhere, Andrew Arthy relates a perilous day for Allied pilots in World War Two’s North Africa conflict, when Luftwaffe ace Hans-Joachim Marseille was at large. We also present a portfolio of archive images showcasing de Havilland’s DH.86, trace the history of the Noorduyn Norseman prototype and profile a new Italian Harvard display team.