Category: British Aircraft

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Considered by many as one of the worst aircraft designs of all time, the “strut-less, wings like a bird” Christmas Bullet had (surprise!) an annoying habit of shedding those unsupported wings immediately after takeoff. Two were built, both lost their visible means of support. Note: Dr. William Christmas designed the aircraft with an idea in mind that it could be used to fly over to Germany and kidnap Kaiser Wilhelm II during WW1. No, I did not make that up.
The artist might have sketched a hard-working engineer that did not look like a mad scientist in his laboratory.

The Vickers Valiant

The third Valiant built, WP201 was used for training missions and testing with No. 1321 Bomber (Defence) Training Flight at RAF Wittering.
On the ground, the Valiant could be an ungainly-looking beast. Looks are deceiving things though – the Valiant was a highly respected aircraft and marked the RAF’s commitment to nuclear defense.

The R.34 comes to America

 

When the British airship R.34 crossed the Atlantic in 1919, she and her crew became instant celebrities. Taking off from Britain on July 2, the crew battled winds, storms, freezing conditions and a rapidly dwindling fuel supply before arriving 108 flying hours later. Hovering over a field in Mineola, NY, the airship discharged its first cargo – Major John Pritchard – who parachuted down in order to organize the landing party below. This was necessary due to the fact there was no one in the United States who had any experience in handling such a craft. As the photos illustrate, obviously Pritchard was successful. He also became the first man to arrive in America by air (and parachute).

The first photo shows R.34 resting after its journey. Scattered and stacked all around are hundreds of hydrogen cylinders to provide gas for the trip home. Why the whole place wasn’t blown to kingdom come is probably a miracle in itself.

Photo #2 is interesting in that the men of the 278th Aero Squadron decided to use the R.34 as a backdrop for their group photo. At this time, the 278th was being disbanded at Mineola, and the arrival of R.34 was obviously inspiring. This is the only explanation because the 278th certainly had nothing whatsoever to do with airships (other than trying to shoot them down, should the opportunity present itself.).

The last photo is an example of how the R.34 compared to the Woolworth Building in New York City. It being, in 1919, the tallest building in the world Woolworth’s was always a handy prop for comparison (ocean liners, airships, etc.).

Oddball Aircraft

 

The Westland-Hill Pterodactyl was one of a number of tailless aircraft designed by that firm in the 1920s. A revolutionary idea, but I have to say that in looking at this photo one would be excused for thinking it was the result of some dire mishap.
Due to its flying characteristics (to say nothing of its appearance), the Vickers Vulcan carried the nickname “Flying Pig”.
The YC-123 was fitted with skis, wing floats, and a host of other devices with the idea of having an aircraft that could fly (and land) just about anywhere.
VB-17G (44-83259) was a VIP transport for General Carl Spaatz during the time he was the Air Force’s first Chief of Staff. The aircraft was nicknamed “Boops” after his daughter.
Boeing’s XAT-15 was a promising trainer but was elbowed aside in favor of other designs. Somewhat of a throwback in construction (it used a lot of wood), the aircraft is seen here at Boeing’s Wichita plant (note the Stearmans in the background).
The XB-24N (44-48753) was another one-off Liberator, but not too bad an idea. It did illustrate that a B-24 was doable with only a single horizontal stabilizer.
The Vultee Vulture in its original configuration. With the snug-fitting engine cowl and nacelle, one could easily mistake the aircraft for having a liquid-cooled engine. It did not, but the engine didn’t like it so Vultee eventually opted for a more conventional open cowl.
The XB-24J (42-73130) was a one of a kind aircraft that incorporated the nose of a B-17G. (Translation: Okay, maybe that wasn’t such a hot idea after all.) Due to the numerous “Frankenstein” versions of highly modified B-24s, there must have been something about its design that caused engineers to have fantasies about modifying the aircraft into something it was never intended to be.

 

The RAAF in the Philippines, 1945

Spitfire (A58-635) of No. 457 Squadron
Lineup of No. 457 Sqn aircraft. A58-642 is second from left.
“Grey Nurses” in the Philippines. Aircraft here include 626 and 634
RAAF Spitfires were more than a match for most Japanese aircraft.
No. 457 Sqn Spitfire coasts down for landing. B-24 Liberator in the background.
No. 31 Squadron Beaufighter.
Beaufighter A8-15 (“Holbrook”) of No. 31 Sqn. The cigar-chomping kid is the source of these photos; Dan Esterly, my next door neighbor.
A8-14 is prepped for another mission.
Beaufighter of No. 31 Sqn roars past USMC Corsairs, Zamboanga, Philippines.

Friends in a friendly land

 

Found this last week on ebay listed as a 1930’s RAF photo. After receiving said picture, a closer examination showed it to be yes, RAF, but it was taken in America during World War II (Note the “USA” titles worn by some of the men). Most who know a thing or two about WWII aviation also know that the airmen of many Allied nations trained in the United States during that time. With wide-open spaces, fair weather, and, most importantly, a noticeable lack of Luftwaffe fighters to distract you, the US was the logical place to learn the fundamentals of flight.

 Men of Britain and other nations were welcomed, and by the time the program ended thousands of airmen had been trained in what was obviously a very successful idea. To those who may disagree I offer this: Name one man in the RAF who was shot down in American skies by Luftwaffe fighters.

I rest my case.

Avro Vulcan, XM652

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 Based at RAF Waddington with 50 Squadron, XM652 was nearing the end of its days when photographed by yours truly at Decimomonnu Air Base on Sardinia in 1983. The first Vulcan I ever saw, the howl it made on take off impressed me for all time. (I didn’t know at the time that this “howl” was a signature of the mighty Vulcan.) I understand that XM652 was to be preserved, but the civilians who bought it screwed that up, and sadly the aircraft was subsequently scrapped. The nose section survives.

Vickers Varsity crash, 1963

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When a Vickers Varsity ended up on the roof of a Gloucester home in March, 1963, it made headlines around the world – including the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in my home town.  Despite the appearance of the seemingly comical resting place of the Varsity, it was in fact a tragedy in that both pilots lost their life.  The only good news was the occupants of the home escaping relatively unscathed.