Volume 27 #5, Issue 128

                   

EAGLE OVER GERMANY

                   

Messerschmitt Bf109s were once a common sight over the Fatherland and despite their limited reappearance in the hands of warbird owners in recent decades they remain a rarity. A handful of rebuilt aircraft or re-engined fighters with Spanish DNA are occasionally displayed at air shows in Germany, a treat for all of those who witness the spectacle. All of these machines represent the most produced variant, the Bf109G - the ‘Gustav,’ which began to enter Luftwaffe service in mid 1942. What has never been seen in German skies since 1945 is the early war Bf109E – the ‘Emil,’ made famous during the Battle of Britain – that is until now! This article covers this fighter’s known history and the marathon three decade stop / start  rebuild which culminated in a first flight in mid 2023, complemented by some stunning air to air photography.
                   

MYSTERY AIRCRAFT – HAWKER TOMTIT

                                       

This aircraft was designed by Sydney Camm for an Air Ministry competition in 1927, they were looking for a training aircraft to replace the aging Avro 504N for the Royal Air Force. Specifically tailored for instrument flying, the new Reid & Sigrist Blind Flying Panel was fitted which included special Reid turn indicators making the machine suitable for teaching pupils to fly in darkness or cloud. To facilitate this a special retractable blind flying hood was provided..... Here we look at the aircraft’s development and its use in both the military and civilian sectors and detail the storied history of the surviving aircraft which is operated by the Shuttleworth Collection.

                   
                   

POLIKARPOV’S BATTLING BIPANE

                   

The most produced biplane in history, the U-2 / Po-2 was in constant production from 1928 through to 1953. Some sources state that up to 43,000 were produced, although the exact number will perhaps never be known. Initially designed as a primary civilian trainer, the aircraft was ideally suited, being forgiving and easy to fly.... Here we take a look at the type's history, with special emphasis on the operations of the latter.
                   

                   
                   

NAKAJIMA’S NIMBLE NATE

                   

  Japanese fighter pilots believed the maneuverability of their mount was of overriding importance, close combat in an aircraft a modern extension of the Samurai’s sword. However this came at the expense of heavier armament and armour protection. Nakajima’s new monoplane retained the agility possessed by the advanced Ki-10 biplane it was intended to replace, yet offered major advances in speed and climb performance. The fighter made its combat debut in China.... Here we cover the type’s development, combat operations and delve into the history, recovery and rebuild of the example on display in Japan.
                   

THE WARBIRD MARKET

                   

The Editor gives his views on the current state of the vintage & warbird market worldwide and discusses whether such investment continues to be a solid and profitable exercise. There is a look at the recent high profile movements, with a noticeable upturn in sales over the past few months, which looks set to continue despite the current climate of uncertainty.