Volume 23 #5, Issue 108

DESERT HAWK DRAMA

The convoluted story regarding one of the most remarkable aircraft wreck discoveries in modern times has come to a conclusion, and sadly that story has not seen a fairy tale finish. With appropriate urgency and no effort spared, the Royal Air Force Museum dispatched a recovery team to save a P-40 Kittyhawk which was, ironically, frozen in time upon the Sahara’s scorching sands. The wreck was under direct threat from vandalism, damage already inflicted within weeks of the discovery. Recovered, the aircraft became the focus of ongoing negotiations, the goal to return the fighter to the UK and display it as found in an appropriate diorama. This was to pay silent tribute to its lost pilot and a poignant reminder of the thousands of servicemen who have been swallowed up by the shifting sands. It was not to be. In this article, which has been on hold for six years due to the ongoing efforts to secure the aircraft, we look at the saga of this P-40 up until its controversial display at the El Alamein museum, in consultation with those who were directly involved and feature never before seen recovery photos.

Our Last Mystery Aircraft was a...Siebel Si 204

With the success of the Klemm designed five-seat, twin-engine Siebel Fh 104 ‘Hallore,’ an order for a larger machine of similar characteristics was placed by the Reich Air Ministry, initially to equip the national carrier Deutsche Luft Hansa, but with an eye to future military use. The Luftwaffe used the versatile aircraft in several roles – communications, liaison and VIP transport, however they were for the most part employed as an aircrew trainer with the advanced flying schools. Pressure on Germany’s factories for combat types meant the production would be farmed out to facilities in France and Czechoslovakia, both continuing production post war. In this, the first of two articles, we take a look at the type’s development and history. We will look at the few remaining survivors in the next issue.

THAT BULLDOG SPIRIT

Bristol’s Bulldog was one of the most iconic of the RAF’s interwar fighters, demonstrating superb manoeuvrability, but requiring some skill should the aircraft enter a spin. Despite equipping some 70 percent of the RAF’s fighter force during this period, the Bulldogs service was somewhat fleeting, it a victim of rapidly changing technology. In this article we cover the aircraft’s development and history and take an in depth look at the two remaining examples. There is hope that a reproduction will take to the skies in the not too distant future as well and this project will be the subject of a follow up piece.

SPORT FLYING THE PILOT MAKER

In the second instalment of our T-6 / Harvard Renaissance series Rick Volker describes pushing the aircraft in a competitive environment, with a description of a flight through the manoeuvres that challenge the Harvard the most. The results are perhaps somewhat surprising. The Sportsman Category is a perfect starting point for aerobatic pilots with higher goals. It is also a great playground for those who want to have fun with less competitive aircraft. This is an excellent read - amusing and informative all at the same time.

AIRSHOWS

Some spectacular action and beautiful imagery featuring the Planes of Fame and a roundup of the Australian air show season.