Chipmunk 75 and RAF Coningsby retrospective

Welcome to this latest edition of Aerodrome and our regular look at the fascinating world of aeroplanes and the historic aviation scene in the UK.

Can you believe that we already find ourselves at the midway point of another year? Unfortunately, just as everything appeared to be getting nicely back on track for us aviation enthusiasts, we received the distressing news last week that this year’s Flying Legends Airshow, the first one planned to take place at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire, has fallen victim to the continuing national uncertainties. With the logistics of running any Airshow being a truly mind boggling exercise and the team behind this Warbird extravaganza also having to contend with a relocation of this huge event, I am assuming that crowd number and aircraft operator uncertainties meant that there were just too many ‘unknowns’ to contend with and with the show only six weeks away, they had to act. It is such a shame for them and for their loyal army of followers, but when the show returns next year, we will all be back in our thousands, looking forward to marking a new chapter in the history of this world famous Airshow.

In order to blow away the Airshow blues, we have a slightly different format for this latest edition of Aerodrome, with the first feature marking a significant anniversary for a magnificent little training aircraft, with pictures supplied by one of our readers. A budding aviation photographer, he kindly sent us a selection of his photographs from a recent anniversary event held at Old Warden airfield and in an attempt to keep our readers right up to date with aviation developments, this will be our lead feature. We will be following this with a review of a visit I made to RAF Coningsby in the late summer of 2012, partly to bring readers a little bit of fast jet action, but also because I am suffering from airbase withdrawal syndrome. Hopefully, the sight of Typhoons and Tornados will bring us all a little bit of aviation light relief for this first weekend in June. Onwards with the aviation entertainment.

An anniversary gathering of Chipmunks

All the magnificent images used to illustrate this Chipmunk feature were taken by and kindly supplied to us by Aerodrome reader and budding aviation photographer Jack Smith, who attended the 75th Anniversary event at Old Warden on Saturday 22nd May

Despite Airshow events being very different for enthusiasts again this year, with our attendance options once again being much more limited than in years past, there is one aircraft type whose owners and operators have been determined that they were going to commemorate the anniversary of its first flight in some style, an aircraft which may well have its roots in North America, but has been embraced wholeheartedly by people and manufacturing plants in the UK. 

On the morning of 22nd May 1946, employees at de Havilland Canada’s Downsview factory airfield site in Toronto were gathered in excited anticipation, as hopefully on this historic day, they would be bearing witness to the maiden flight of the Company’s first indigenously designed aircraft. Designed by talented Polish aeronautical engineer Wsiewolod Jakimiuk, the new aircraft was intended to be the modern replacement for the venerable old Tiger Moth, an aircraft which had earned significant aviation credentials during its service career and one which would undoubtedly prove to be a tough act to follow. This maiden flight was of such importance to the company that their hugely experienced test pilot Pat Fillingham had been flown over from the UK to put the new aircraft through its paces and although this was a training aeroplane, it held the potential of attracting many military orders should the flight prove a success.

The de Havilland Chipmunk had actually been developed as something of a private venture by DHA Canada, incorporating many parts taken straight from existing Tiger Moth stocks during its construction. Serving as something of a ‘proof of concept’ aircraft, when CF-DIO-X took to the air on that historic day, she actually had no brakes, no electrical system and was fitted with only basic instrumentation. Indeed, if you were used to flying a Tiger Moth, you would have felt right at home in this new aircraft, as many of its controls and cockpit components were the same as those found on its biplane forebear. Despite this, the maiden flight proved to be a huge success and the team behind the new aircraft were confident that they had a winner on their hands. From these relatively humble beginnings, de Havillands would fully develop the Tiger Moth replacement they were so desperate to create and whilst it would not go on to match its predecessor on the number of aircraft eventually produced, it would certainly qualify as an aviation classic in its own right.

With no fewer than 34 Chipmunks in attendance, the event showcased quite a number of the different schemes this accomplished training aeroplane had worn during its military and civilian careers

One of two beautifully presented aircraft operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, WK518 is resplendent in the colours of the University of London Air Squadron and marks the work this aircraft did it training cadets and offering air experience flights

Rhapsody in red, white and grey - the Chipmunk in classic RAF training colours

An aircraft which is close to Jack’s heart - he had previously enjoyed a flight in this beautifully presented aircraft

A proud achievement for the Canadian aviation industry, it would not be long before the new trainer began to attract the attention of the Canadian military and by April 1948, the Royal Canadian Air Force had taken delivery of their first Chipmunk. Clearly delighted with their latest aviation acquisition, they would not be the only ones admiring the qualities of this extremely capable new aeroplane. The vast majority of the 1,283 de Havilland Chipmunks eventually produced would be manufactured under licence in Britain, at factories located at Hatfield and Chester, with around 735 of these machines going on to see service with the Royal Air Force, again as the direct replacement for the venerable old Tiger Moth. In RAF service, the British built machines were known as the de Havilland Chipmunk Mk.10 and they would provide basic flight training support for many thousands of future military aviators, in addition to providing air experience opportunities for many more as part of the University Air Squadron organisation.

Despite being a Canadian design, the Chipmunk has become one of the most recognisable Royal Air Force aircraft of the post war era and has enjoyed a military career which began in the early 1950s and continues to this day. It can lead to some confusion when British enthusiasts refer to the aircraft simply as the de Havilland Chipmunk, only to be pulled up by others who like to stick steadfastly to the aircraft’s official De Havilland Canada title. In truth, both are actually correct, however, you have to have some sympathy for those who choose not to use the ‘Canada’ title, as not only were the majority of the 1,284 aircraft built manufactured here in the UK, but they were also effectively re-designed to British military requirements. Rather than using American grade aluminium and aero components during manufacture, the British built Chipmunk T.10s used readily available (and cheaper) British aluminium, in addition to hardware which was available ‘off the shelf’ in the UK supply network. This would also include wheels and brakes produced by Dunlop, in addition to instrumentation, propellers and any number of other components which were all manufactured by British companies.

Time for a celebration

Chipmunks at play. What a magnificent aviation spectacle to mark the 75th anniversary of the DHC-1 Chipmunk’s first flight back in 1946

With a flying career which now spans 75 years, the Chipmunk enjoyed a lengthy career training military pilots across the world, before relinquishing service formalities and entering the civilian aviation world. By the nature of the flying role it fulfilled, many tens of thousands of people either learned to fly or came into contact with the de Havilland Chipmunk over the years, an aircraft which is regarded as one of the best handling light aircraft ever produced and as such, making it an excellent choice for pilots of all abilities. From a flying characteristics perspective, the aircraft’s designers knew that students would often make mistakes, but whilst the Chipmunk would usually be quick to forgive them, it would definitely let them know that they needed to do it better next time, such a valuable asset in a training aircraft. 

With so many of these aircraft making the transition to civilian aviation and either private or group ownership, the Chipmunk has attracted a nickname which could be viewed as being slightly disrespectful or quite a complement, depending on how you wish to take it, having been described as the ‘Poor man’s Spitfire’ for many years now. For those who have a love of this aircraft and certainly for anyone fortunate enough to own one, they like to fire this title back at you, describing the Spitfire as a ‘Rich man’s Chipmunk’ and one which is usually only configured for one! The Spitfire might be arguably the most famous aircraft in the history of flight, however, there are more Chipmunks currently in airworthy condition today and this aircraft is certainly much more attainable for anyone looking to get into the world of historic aviation. 

Exactly 75 years to the day since the Chipmunk prototype took to the air at Downsview in Canada, de Havilland Chipmunk owners and enthusiasts arranged for a celebration fly-in event to take place at Old Warden Airfield, home of the world famous Shuttleworth Collection. The event was intended to gather a large number of DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft together in the same place to mark this auspicious occasion and in the end, no fewer than 34 aircraft answered the call. Smaller gatherings took place right across the world, as this important little aeroplane spent some well-earned time enjoying being well and truly in the aviation spotlight, with more of the same to come in just a few weeks’ time. For Chipmunk devotees in the UK, Old Warden will once again be the centre of the aviation universe, as their ‘Scurry of Chipmunks’ evening Drive-in Airshow is scheduled to take place on Saturday 19th June, when all in attendance will be hoping for another impressive turn out from this classic training aeroplane. If the weather is kind, the soft evening light could make for some truly memorable imagery. 

Heading home. The two Chipmunks operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight leave the celebrations at Old Warden and head back to RAF Coningsby

A beautiful study of Chipmunk WK522 in its later style RAF training markings, as it leaves Old Warden at the end of this memorable event. We are extremely grateful to Jack Smith for sharing these stunning images with us, which have allowed us all the chance to see how memorable an occasion this must have been

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make the event on 22nd May, but as luck would have it, I was fortunate enough to receive an email from young photographer Jack Smith in the week following the show, which included an impressive selection of Chipmunk images. In fact, all the images used in this section of the blog have been taken by Jack and he has kindly allowed us to share them with fellow Aerodrome readers, so we can all have a record of the day. Jack’s father is a photographer of some note, with a particular flair for capturing aircraft imagery and it’s already clear that his son is following in his footsteps, as this image set from Old Warden is absolutely fantastic. Using much loved equipment passed down from his father, Jack told us that he just loves taking pictures, improving his skills and always challenging himself. He also has a love of flying and when funds permit, likes to take experience flights from airfields up and down the country. He was proud to tell me that he already has three flights in North American Harvards to his name and one in a Chipmunk - in fact, the Chipmunk he flew in (WK635) turned up to the event, which made the day all the more special for him. 

Other notable Chipmunks Jack photographed during the Old Warden event were the British Airways Flying Club’s G-BXGL with its Speedbird tail and the two aircraft operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, both of which are now presented in University Air Squadron schemes in commemoration of the Chipmunk’s links to the Cadet Force. On behalf of all Aerodrome readers, I would like to thank Jack for sharing these pictures with us and allowing us all to enjoy this photographic record of a very special day for the de Havilland Canada Chipmunk. 

Typhoon warning in Lincolnshire

We are really lucky to be in a position to bring you this stunning picture of the recently decorated 2021 RAF display Typhoon ‘Anarchy 1’. Wearing what is described as its Union Design scheme, this aircraft has only been seen wearing these spectacular markings for around a week or so and it has been captured in all its glory by Lincolnshire based aviation photographer Mark Richardson. We contacted Mark to ask if he would allow us to show this fantastic image to the worldwide Aerodrome readership and he kindly agreed, sending this awesome shot for the blog. Our thanks again go to Mark, who has managed to captured the display Typhoon in all its glory!

As far as the aviation enthusiast is concerned, there is nothing quite like spending a day around the perimeter fence of one of Britain’s active military airfields, hoping that you will be rewarded with a busy day of flying activity and perhaps even the appearance of a few exotic visitors. One airfield which has regularly been a source of effective aviation related ‘battery recharging’ for me over the years is RAF Coningsby, one of the RAF’s most active stations and one which is only 21/2 hours travel time from my home in the North West of England. Although the national situation is now thankfully slowly easing from a social restrictions perspective, it has been several years since I have visited the airfield, however, some recent news emanating from Coningsby has had me thinking that I really need to address this situation in the very near future. With Flight Lieutenant James Sainty being unveiled as the 2021 Typhoon display pilot earlier in the year, he has been spending the past few months perfecting his display routine at the airfield, with the activity attracting plenty of enthusiast attention. This situation gained even more momentum just last week, when his display jet emerged from the Coningsby paint shop wearing a spectacular new scheme, a livery which will surely see this aircraft becoming one of the most popular of recent years - I won’t be on my own in planning a trip to see this stunner at the earliest possible opportunity.

In years past, RAF Coningsby has been described by many as Fighter Town UK, but in recent times, this description doesn’t seem to be quite as appropriate as it used to be. It is still true that the base remains one of two QRA bases in the UK, sharing this responsibility with RAF Lossiemouth, but this Scottish base is now probably even more active than Coningsby and the Typhoon itself has become more of a multi-role platform that a dedicated air superiority fighter. Throughout its service career, the Typhoon has been continually developed by British Aerospace, upgrading its already impressive list of capabilities and helping the Typhoon to mature into a true multi-role combat aircraft, one which is likely to be in RAF service for at least another 20 years. By then, this magnificent aircraft would have been wearing the famous roundel of the Royal Air Force for almost 40 years and will have certainly lived up to expectations when the first aircraft arrived at Coningsby back in early 2006.

At a time when the country’s army of aviation enthusiasts have to work a little harder to find a military venue which should support an impromptu visit with the prospect of seeing some flying activity, RAF Coningsby may still be Typhoon central, but there is always the chance that you might see a wider variety of aircraft types here than possibly at any other UK military airfield. Home to two front line combat ready Squadrons, both Nos 3 and XI Squadrons fly the magnificent Eurofighter Typhoon in an air defence role, performing the vital QRA role which Coningsby has fulfilled for many years now. A total of three other Squadrons also call the airfield home, with each one performing the vital roles of training and test and evaluation. RAF No.29(R) Squadron is charged with training pilots to fly the multi-role capable Eurofighter Typhoon, whilst No.41(R) Test and Evaluation Squadron operate the Typhoon in a truly fascinating role. Part of the RAF’s Air & Space Welfare Centre, this unit works closely with front line squadrons, defence manufacturers and research institutions to develop and evaluate the next generation of aircraft technology, weapons and avionics, flying their aircraft regularly in support of this role.

Typhoon force Lincolnshire - any visit to RAF Coningsby should result in the sight of plenty of Typhoon action from the home based squadrons

The same, but different. Single and two seat Typhoons share the skies around Coningsby, even though they could both be being used in a training role

Although the difference is clearly visible, the twin seat T3 trainer is fully combat capable and just as agile as its single seat relative

A sight sorely missed at Coningsby, back in 2012, the Tornados of No.41 Squadron were regularly flown in support of their Test and Evaluation duties 

Such a beautiful aeroplane, RAF Panavia Tornados can now only be seen in museums and most definitely not on final approach to Coningsby 

This RAF 29(R) Squadron jet features 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force artwork and an impressive array of mission markings  

As of the summer of 2018, Coningsby is now also home to No.12(B) Squadron and a unique aviation collaboration between the UK and the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Providing air and ground training for Qatari personnel in the operation of the Typhoon FGR4 multi role aircraft, this initiative is in support of Qatar’s decision to purchase 24 of these awesomely capable jets, helping to establish them as an effective fighting force, in advance of their deployment back to home airspace. With many of the unit’s aircraft featuring a modified version of the Squadron’s famous badge and their flight training operations regularly taking place from the airfield, this is just another of many reasons why this Lincolnshire airfield can always count on the attendance of a great many visitors who are looking for a little aviation fix.  

Although flight operations at Coningsby are clearly at the cutting edge of a modern Royal Air Force, the airfield also provides a unique link to the glorious history of the force, as it is also home to some of the oldest aircraft in current RAF service, machines which can trace their lineage back to the dark days of the Second World War. Since 1976, Coningsby has been home to the hugely popular and much loved Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and their enigmatic collection of historic Spitfires, Hurricanes and one of only two Avro Lancasters still flying in the world today. Occupying their own section of this busy airfield, the BBMF have their own large hangar and separate visitors centre, so on any given day, anyone heading for RAF Coningsby will have the opportunity to see a classic Supermarine Spitfire sharing the same airfield with its latest, modern day equivalent. Usually with a busy programme of Airshows and commemorative flypasts to fulfil, these commitments often dictate that there will always be a high possibility of seeing some flying action at Coningsby, be that historic, or current air power.

QRA - Always ready for action 

A Typhoon QRA scramble will usually result in a performance take off and the use of the aircraft’s maximum afterburner setting

One of the most important duties performed by the aircraft and pilots based at RAF Coningsby is to protect British airspace against unauthorised airborne incursions by potentially hostile aircraft. This is achieved by maintaining a constant state of air defence readiness around the clock at two RAF stations, one being RAF Coningsby who provide Southern QRA, whilst the Northern sector is covered by aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth. Both bases use the Eurofighter Typhoon in this crucial air defence role, with two aircraft maintained at a constant state of readiness and housed in specially adapted shelters (known as Q-sheds), manned, fuelled and armed ready for immediate take-off in the event of a QRA scramble.  

In a world where speed of response is critical and getting to the right piece of sky in the shortest time possible could make the difference between an international incident or all-out war, both Coningsby and Leuchars devote a section of their base to this crucial task, with crews assigned to this duty on rolling rotas throughout each 24 hour period, every single day of the year. At each location, two Typhoons are kept at a state of constant readiness, with their pilots remaining in full flying gear for the duration of their shift. Knowing they could be called upon at any moment, they try to relax in an aircrew ready room which is adjacent to the aircraft Q-sheds, whilst at the same time always staying focussed on the potential task at hand. If they receive a scramble alert, they will immediately sprint to their aircraft, which are already being prepared for flight and in a matter of just a few short minutes, the aircraft will be blasting into the air and heading towards the reported threat at full speed and with missiles armed.

Although many of the QRA scrambles conducted by RAF Typhoons have historically been as a result of a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 Bear turboprop strategic bombers probing UK airspace for potential signs of weakness, the aircraft can actually be called upon in a wide variety of situations. These may include unexpected aircraft movements, a civilian aircraft not responding to air traffic control requests, an aircraft appearing to be flying erratically, or one transmitting a distress signal through its transponder - in most situations like this, Typhoon’s from Lossiemouth or Coningsby would be dispatched to investigate the situation at high speed. Once the aircraft has been intercepted and identified, the Typhoon pilots will be in a position to either confirm the status of the aircraft and escort it safely to its destination or escalate the situation with this highly visible show of force. In every QRA contact scenario, Typhoon crews have the option to warn and potentially destroy any aircraft which continues to pose a threat by ignoring their requests for compliance.

For most of us, it is difficult to imagine a more exhilarating and adrenalin charged position to find yourself in than to be tasked with protecting your nation’s airspace with one of the most advanced fighting machines in the world, a situation which is straight out of the pages of a Boy’s Own Stuff magazine. Maintaining a tradition which dates back to the days prior to the Battle of Britain, Quick Reaction Alert pilots have been defending British airspace against aerial threats, using the most potent air defence fighters of the day in pursuit of this task. Over the years, such famous aircraft types as the incomparable Supermarine Spitfire and the incredible English Electric Lightning have been used in this crucial role, as the RAF stood ready to protect its airspace and the population below. Interestingly, any visit to RAF Coningsby also offers the opportunity of witnessing a truly fascinating aviation dichotomy, as this most modern of military bases is home to QRA aircraft types from over eighty years apart. As well as the awesome Eurofighter Typhoon which could be called upon at any moment, one of the BBMF’s airworthy Spitfires may also take to the runway, as it heads off to perform its latest ceremonial flypast duty, or to provide its pilot with some currency training.

Typhoon trainer coming in low over the boundary fence

Another sign of the times, my visit saw the arrival of a Short Tucano T.1, with the instructor possibly dropping in to show his student what they should be aiming for. Another RAF aircraft type which is now consigned to the aviation history books

We have got Tornado fever now and simply had to include another picture of this RAF classic

The next three images all feature a much loved special scheme Typhoon, one which was presented in this manner to commemorate the centenary of No.3 Squadron. For obvious reasons, she was referred to as the Larkhill jet

The end of another busy day of flying activity at RAF Coningsby and another visit over for your blog writer - I can’t wait to go back again!  

The pictures I have used to illustrate this feature were all taken during a visit to Coningsby I made back in September 2012, where I was fortunate enough to be blessed with extremely fine weather and a good day of flying activity. Of course, back in those days, the Panavia Tornado GR4 was still in RAF service and being operated by No.41 Squadron at Coningsby, so just for a little bit of nostalgia, I have included a couple of these images for your perusal. Indeed, whilst these images may not be from a recent visit to the base, they do provide an interesting snapshot in time from one of the UK’s most active military airfields and one which continues to be a popular destination for UK aviation enthusiasts. I have to say that putting this feature together has left me desperate to get back there again - I wonder if the weather will be so kind during my next visit?

I am afraid that is all we have for you in this latest edition of Aerodrome, but we will be back with more aviation related content for your enjoyment in four weeks’ time. If you would like to send us a selection of your own pictures, or suggest an aviation related subject you would like to see covered in a future edition of the blog, please use our aerodrome@airfix.com address to drop us a line -  we will be delighted to hear from you.

Between new editions of our blog, the aviation related conversation is always continuing over on the Airfix Aerodrome Forum and if social media is your thing, there is always interesting content and discussion taking place on our Official Airfix Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, not forgetting our Official Corgi Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites too. We would be delighted if you took part in all the aviation related discussions going on there and please don’t forget to let us know what you think about Aerodrome and any suggestions you may have. 

The next edition of Aerodrome is scheduled to be published on Friday 2nd July, where we will have more interesting aviation content to bring you.

Thank you for your loyal support of our Aerodrome blog over the past 6 years.

Michael

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Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado F3, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, de Havilland Chipmunk and Avro Lancaster 
        
Corgi

Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado GR4, Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane and Avro Lancaster