Shuttleworth event heralds the return of Airshows

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.

This 160th edition of our Aerodrome blog has turned into something of a celebration, because after a break of almost eighteen months, I am delighted to report that I have actually attended an Airshow and it was such a treat. To mark this momentous development for all aviation enthusiasts across the UK, we will be devoting the entire blog to a review of the Shuttleworth Collection’s 2021 Season Premier Drive-in Display, the first socially distanced Airshow I have ever attended. Making this already joyous occasion even more significant, I also changed my entire photographic set up at the beginning of 2020 and this was the first time I had used it in anger, which wasn’t without its challenges. Let’s hope that I manage to cobble together enough decent pictures to make this a worthwhile review. It’s time for a little weekend celebration, because our beloved Airshows are back!

Airshow with a difference

As a drive-in, socially distanced Airshow, things were going to be a little different for this years Shuttleworth Season Premier Airshow. Watching the show from your allocated box, take off and taxying shots were going to be something of a challenge

For so many people, the past year or so has been such a worrying and challenging time, where our health and the wellbeing of our loved ones have been the only priorities in each of our lives. The events of the past few months will have caused many people to re-evaluate their lives and think about the real priorities they hold dear, the ramifications of which may take years to show themselves. Whilst many people think our lives may have changed for good, I suspect human resilience will dictate that things will slowly start to return to how they used to be once we are released from this nightmare, even though it might take us several years to get there.

With social distancing restrictions having been an absolute necessity under these extreme circumstances, most of the activities and pastimes we previously took for granted all needed to be put on hold, with this period of enforced reflection giving us the opportunity to appreciate just how important these things actually are to us. Having said that, when we have all been prevented from seeing our own family members for months at a time, not being able to go to a football match or down to the pub did seem to be rather trivial inconveniences, although business owners might see the situation differently. Spending more time at home, it has been a bit like when I was a youngster and back then, when you had time on your hands, you simply had to make your own entertainment and perhaps find a hobby to commit to. Even though we have the TV, Netflix and the internet to keep us occupied, many have also re-discovered the simple pleasures of reading a book, making a model kit or dare I say, actually spending quality time with other members of our family - heaven forbid! For the photographers amongst us, whilst we were unable to add to our burgeoning digital image banks, we did now have the opportunity to do all that sorting, cataloguing and backing up we had been meaning to do for the past few years, adopting some good practices which we will probably all forget once we get back to normal.

Despite making the best of the situation, how we all longed for the return of the simple pleasures we all hold so dear, things we now appreciate that we all probably took a little for granted in the past. For the aviation enthusiasts amongst us, that definitely included Airshows and during two lengthy periods of national lockdown, what we wouldn’t have given to be allowed on an Airfield to watch aeroplanes being displayed for our entertainment. As struggling event organisers tried desperately to negotiate these financially challenging times and assess whether it was legal or indeed sensible to arrange an event which conformed to all current and often fast changing social distancing legislations, most simply took the understandable decision to cancel plans and look forward to better times. The Shuttleworth Collection however, proved to be pioneers in this field and despite having to embrace a multitude of organisational challenges, they were determined that they could safely arrange an Airshow for their loyal band of enthusiasts, albeit an Airshow with a difference. 

It was such a treat to once again be able to get close to a few Airshow favourites

Their ‘Drive-in’ Airshows were an innovative way of safely hosting an event of this kind, with significantly reduced visitor numbers being allocated their own ‘box’ space on the airfield which was large enough to accommodate their vehicle and to allow the occupants enough space to site their chairs and picnic tables, all the home comforts for an enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment. In order to adhere to Government social distancing rules, people would not be permitted to leave their assigned box (other than to use controlled walkways to use the toilets etc) and would be watching the day’s entertainment from this same box. This would not be too much of an issue at Old Warden, as the parking area on this delightful airfield forms something of an aviation amphitheatre, so everyone should have a good view of the flying, which itself is usually a little closer than at most other events. The only real drawback with these events was the understandable restrictions placed on visitor numbers and with so many people desperate to enjoy some aviation action, tickets were snapped up in no time. Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky ones in 2020, however, I was determined to put that right this year.

With the valuable experience of last year behind them, the Shuttleworth Collection announced the next phase of their ‘Drive-in Airshow’ programme earlier this year, with no fewer than six of their planned shows adopting this format, as they attempted to return to some semblance of event normality. Having to make firm decisions at an early stage both to get their plans in place and to provide potential visitors with some clarity, the majority of the early shows would once again be of the box allocation covid secure format, however, as Government restrictions eased, they did reserve the right to return to something like their normal show format later in the year, if at all possible - could we dare to dream?

As this first event of 2021 would be my first Airshow for almost 18 months and the first Drive-in event I had ever attended, I was excited to see how everything worked for myself, so took my usual decision to head for Old Warden very early in the morning, determined that I wasn’t going to miss a thing. This decision did result in me spending quite some time in a traffic holding queue, but did allow me time to quiz some Drive-in show veterans on what I could expect from the coming day and to draw up my plans. With regard to show organisation, I have since seen comments on-line which questioned some of the measures put in place, but from my perspective, these are unusual and challenging times and I was just happy to be at an Airshow once more - as far as I was concerned, I was happy to deal with anything the day threw in my direction.

There is no moving away from the fact that arranging an event of this kind embracing all the necessary current national restrictions can’t be easy and if that meant that I would have to do a little more waiting around than usual and be a little more restricted in my movements, then so be it. That may not be an opinion shared by everyone in the crowd last Sunday, but I was just so happy to be on an active airfield once again. In any case, I was there to sample my first Drive-in Airshow and if everything had been the same as usual, where would the fun have been in that? 

The ‘Lady of the Loch’ returns

One of the main reasons why the Shuttleworth Collection were in a position to host their Drive-in Airshows in the first place was that this beautiful little airfield is home to their world famous collection of classic aeroplanes and if required, these home based aircraft would make for an impressive display line-up in their own right. For this 2021 Season Premier show however, organisers had also arranged for several visiting aircraft to take part in the day’s proceedings, the largest of which was most definitely Plane Sailing’s beautiful Consolidated Catalina ‘Miss Pick Up’, one of the largest aircraft to have ever operated from the hallowed turf of Old Warden’s grass airstrip. This magnificent airborne amphibian had been in the news recently, after she unfortunately suffered engine troubles after landing on Loch Ness and not being able to fly home, was in very real danger of being wrecked.

Accepting an Autumn 2020 booking to fly two celebrities into Loch Ness at the start of a Scottish survival road trip special episode of a popular TV programme, this was supposed to be nothing more than a flying visit, if a rather poignant one, as RAF Catalinas operated from nearby RAF Alness on the Cromarty Firth during WWII. As the celebrities jumped out of the Catalina, the crew prepared for a quick getaway, only to immediately be faced with a significant problem - one of the engines would not start. Try as they might, the engine simply would not fire into life and with darkness fast approaching, there was no other option but to secure the aircraft to a Buoy and accept a lift from the Loch Ness Lifeboat crew.

The next day, they returned to their aircraft and tried to start the engine again, however, it soon became apparent that the problem was a serious one and would actually require an engine change - this also placed their beloved Catalina in real danger of suffering damage, or worse. The waters of Loch Ness can be notoriously rough and if the hull of the aircraft was damaged in any way and started letting in water, it could rather quickly begin to sink, with these deep, unforgiving waters turning into her watery grave.

The team had to get her out of the water as a matter of urgency, or she could be lost. Acting decisively and at great expense, specialist lifting equipment was brought in and the Catalina hoisted onto the quayside, where she would be much safer and the engine could be removed and worked on undercover. It transpired that a new engine had to be sent to Scotland, with parts from both being used to make one complete unit, which was eventually reattached to the aircraft. What should have been nothing more than a flying visit turned into something of a marathon for the aircraft and her maintenance team, as the Catalina rivalled the Loch’s other famous resident for publicity value. After almost six weeks of concerted effort, ‘Miss Pick Up’ was gently craned back onto the waters of Loch Ness, where she immediately underwent engine checks for her intended flight back to Cambridgeshire. With everything now working normally, the aircraft finally broke free from the Loch’s grip and set course for home. On 2nd December 2020, some 44 days after she had left, she landed back at Duxford to the relief of her owners and supporters, with another fascinating chapter in the history of this much loved aircraft now written.

As far as UK based Warbirds are concerned, there can be few aircraft as unique and distinctive as the Consolidated Catalina, an aircraft type which must also qualify as one of the unsung aviation heroes of the Second World War. Always a popular Airshow display item, the Catalina is a surprisingly agile performer for such a large aircraft and the inclusion of the UK’s only airworthy example of this amphibious aircraft at Old Warden was an anticipated highlight for many. Add to this the fact that she would also be one of the largest aircraft to have ever operated from Old Warden’s grass strip and you can see why the Airshow return of this perennial favourite was something enthusiasts were very much looking forward to seeing.

The Catalina was a highly successful US flying boat and amphibious aircraft which served throughout WWII in many theatres of operation. Used by the US Navy, USAAF, Royal and Commonwealth Air Forces, the Catalina proved to be such an effective design that aircraft were still in service around the world many years after the end of the war, with around 3,300 aircraft eventually being built. As a long range maritime patrol aircraft, the Catalina was an essential asset in a number of critical areas, including general naval patrols, anti-submarine operations, night intruder and autonomous shipping raider. Perhaps the Catalina’s most critical role and the one in which it was held in such high regard, was that of rescuing airmen forced to ditch their aircraft in the sea – their saviour from the air. As Allied air operations against Germany and enemy occupied Europe intensified, the potential for large numbers of Allied airmen to be lost in the English Channel, or in the vast expanses of the North Sea greatly intensified.  Although the RAF and Royal Navy provided a highly efficient search and rescue service for Allied airmen, the arrival of large numbers of US aircraft and their crews to UK bases eventually led for calls to equip US units with an autonomous Search and Rescue capability, covering the seas off the east coast of Britain. 

Initially, this essential task was performed by a number of war weary Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, which were adapted to carry dinghy packs and sea marking equipment.  Eventually, these aircraft were replaced by a number of Consolidated OA-10A Catalinas, which were operated by the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron, out of Halesworth in Suffolk. The Halesworth based Catalinas only managed to see service during the final months of WWII, but still managed to see plenty of action in the unforgiving waters of the North Sea. The aircraft which displayed at Old Warden now wears the livery of a famous USAAF 5th ERS Catalina, which was involved in a rescue mission on 30th March 1945, one which would to lead to its destruction at sea.

Operating from its home base at Halesworth, Consolidated OA-10A Catalina 44-33915 ‘Miss Pick Up’ was scrambled to assist another Catalina which had been sent to rescue the crew of a downed B-24 Liberator in the North Sea, an aircraft which itself had not got into difficulties having landed on extremely rough seas. Managing to locate the other Catalina, ‘Miss Pick Up’ flew over the aircraft and provided rescue coordinates, until it could be relieved by other aircraft and was then directed on to look for a P-51D Mustang pilot who had been reported as ditching in the sea off the coast of the Dutch Island of Schiermonnikoog. With light fading and the US airman drifting ever closer to the enemy coastline, the Catalina sighted his distress flares and landed on the still heavy seas, as close to the Mustang pilot as it was safe to do. With daylight now almost gone, the crew lost sight of the downed airmen in the gloom and discovered that they were unable to widen their search for him, as the starboard engine had seized and they were now adrift on heavy seas. They dropped the sea anchor, checked the hull of the aircraft for damage and settled down for an uncomfortable wait. The unfortunate Mustang pilot would later be washed up on a nearby beach, where he was immediately taken into captivity by German troops.

Early the next day, the crew sighted a number of Allied aircraft overhead and launched distress flares to alert them of their predicament and for the rest of the morning, they were reassured by the presence of some friendly fighter protection. At around midday, during a brief period without air cover, the damaged Catalina came under attack from a pair of Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters from Jagdgeschwader 7, fighters which made two devastating strafing passes against the amphibian, using the sun to mask their silhouettes. These attacks inflicting significant damage on the Catalina, which immediately began to take on water and list heavily, however, disaster for the crew was averted as a flight of Mustangs arrived in the nick of time and forced the Messerschmitts to break off their attack, a timely intervention which enabled the crew of ‘Miss Pick Up’ to avoid serious injury. They quickly gathered anything useful they could lay their hands on, before abandoning their fast sinking aircraft and taking to life rafts.

 
The crew reported that they could see a large tower on the land in the distance and felt that they must have been around six, or seven miles from the enemy coastline, from where sporadic flak fire would be sent in their direction. Eventually, a 5th ERS Boeing B-17 managed to drop a Higgins Airborne Lifeboat for the crew clinging to their dinghies, which was much more substantial and allowed them to set a course for home, eventually being picked up by a Royal Navy torpedo boat. Despite the positive outcome for the crew, they had been forced to endure a horrendous experience in the icy waters of the North Sea, having survived a concerted enemy attack by a pair of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. Someone was definitely watching over them on that day.

The current owners of this beautiful Catalina were so taken with this incredible account of a UK based 8th Air Force rescue Catalina and its destruction at the hands of Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters that they embarked on a period of exhaustive research to corroborate the details of this incident. Once they were sure the details were correct, they repainted their aircraft to represent Consolidated OA-10A Catalina 44-33915 ‘Miss Pick Up’ in order to commemorate this fascinating story and to pay tribute to all the men of the USAAF who operated from bases in the UK during WWII. Their Catalina has become one of the most popular Airshow acts across Europe, showing great agility for such a large aeroplane and displaying her unique amphibious qualities by regularly operating from land and on water. 

Her appearance at Shuttleworth’s Season Premier show was her first UK Airshow appearance since her highly publicised problems on Loch Ness, but by the way she performed within the relatively confined display line at Old Warden, I would say that she is none the worse for the experience. Something tells me that after The aircraft’s Scottish adventures and her starring role in a documentary programme covering the story, ‘Miss Pick Up’ is not going to be short of event bookings this year.

New colours for film star Messerschmitt

An aircraft which rivalled ‘Miss Pick Up’ for star billing at this first show of the year, Hispano Buchon ‘Yellow 10’ G-AWHK was a late addition to the flying programme and made the short flight to Old Warden from its base at Duxford in the capable hands of the Aircraft Restoration Company’s John Romain. This fighter’s appearance was all the more noteworthy for two reasons - firstly, despite being a notoriously challenging aircraft to handle on the ground, the Buchon landed at Old Warden’s small grass airfield and would illuminate the static display before thrilling the crowd with its show finale performance. Secondly, the aircraft was wearing a smart new temporary scheme, one which had only been applied over the past few weeks and in support of its latest film appearance. For most people, this would have been the first time they would have seen the Buchon in this scheme and due to the temporary nature of this development, nobody could be sure how long it would be staying like this. For that reason, this diminutive fighter would once again prove to be quite the aviation star!

Whilst not a genuine WWII era aeroplane, the Buchon has long served as the enemy on the UK Airshow circuit and as such, is actually held in high regard amongst aviation enthusiasts. Based on the fuselage of a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2, the Buchon was a licence built Spanish version of this famous fighter, one which may trace its heritage to the Second World War, but one which didn’t take to the air until after the end of hostilities. Looking distinctly different to its Luftwaffe operated forebears, these Spanish Messerschmitts were supplied incomplete, with the original Daimler Benz engines being the most significant omission, however, rather than give up on the deal and source another aircraft type, the Spanish Government simply used a different engine to power their fighters - the Rolls Royce Merlin. Despite this major difference, the Buchon really does play its Luftwaffe role extremely well and as a consequence, has become a hugely popular UK Warbird performer in its own right.

This particular Buchon was one of the aircraft purchased from the Spanish government in 1968 by the production team behind a significant new movie project, the Battle of Britain. Given an authentic new paint scheme, the aircraft would play the part of a Luftwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109E in the film, one of 17 airworthy examples of the Spanish built fighter used during the aerial sequences filmed on location in Spain and in the UK. On completion of the filming work, the aircraft was acquired by a new owner in the US in lieu of payment for piloting services provided during the filming of the Battle of Britain movie, which is where it would stay until arriving back in Britain during the mid 1990s. A concerted effort to restore the aircraft back to flying condition began in 1998 with the Real Aeroplane Company at Breighton, North Yorkshire undertaking the work, which resulted in the Buchon making its first post restoration flight in May 2006. Since that date, this enigmatic fighter has become an extremely popular flying adversary at Airshows all over the UK and has recently increased its ever-expanding film repertoire by featuring in the hugely successful Dunkirk movie, in addition to the as yet unnamed future film release which caused this latest livery change.

In the expert hands of Mr Romain, this stunning aircraft provided a fitting finale to the days flying entertainment, with his usual polished display of graceful sweeping passes and dynamic rolls and loops, illustrating just why this has to be considered one of the most successful fighter aircraft of all time (in its full Messerschmitt guise). Even though the Buchon was sharing the display billing with no fewer than three Spifires, there can be no doubt that this Merlin powered Messerschmitt showed them all a clean pair of heals and in this smart new scheme, cut a particularly dashing profile in Bedfordshire skies.

Graceful Comet a true aviation classic

If the past few months have taught us anything, it’s probably the fact that we have all been a little guilty of taking many things for granted over the years, simple pleasures that we didn’t think for one minute could ever be snatched away, even just for a short while. That is certainly true of Airshows, with the sheer number of events we usually have to choose from here in the UK making us much more fortunate that most countries in the world, but despite this, if we don’t see something new and exotic, we felt a little bit short changed. That could even extend down to individual shows and if attendees don’t get to see aircraft types which are not resident at a particular venue, they think that the organisers haven’t put much effort into that event and they are not usually shy about letting their feelings be known.

As far as the Shuttleworth Collection are concerned, they can boast a unique collection of aircraft which is without doubt the envy of the aviation world, with their shows offering a line up which simply cannot be seen anywhere else. Amongst their collection of aircraft is one which possesses such rich aviation heritage that we should all pinch ourselves every time we are lucky enough to clap eyes on it and the chance to get close to it is worthy of the entrance fee alone. The Collection’s distinctive de Havilland D.H 88 Comet racer is a stunning aeroplane and one which has to be described as Shuttleworth’s ‘Jewel in the crown’, true British aviation royalty and one which is regularly flown for our entertainment. Developed specifically to take part in the 1934 London to Melbourne MacRobertson Air Race, this sleek twin engined aircraft only made its first flight eleven days before the start of the race, but was about to embark on one of the most challenging feats of aviation endurance the world had ever seen. 

Wearing a smart scarlet red and white colour scheme and carrying the name ‘Grosvenor House’ (promoting the aircraft owner’s London hotel) on both sides of its forward fuselage, this was actually one of three D.H 88 Comets which took part in the race. Posting an impressive time of 71 hours and 18 seconds for the epic flight, this very aircraft (G-ACSS) emerged victorious, winning the handsome £10,000 prize and a place in aviation history. For the design engineers at de Havillands, their prowess was now the talk of the aviation world and they must have been bursting with pride.

Although sometimes overlooked by the crowds at Old Warden shows, the beautiful red aircraft which performs at many of their shows is the very same historic machine which won the MacRobertson Trophy back in 1934. After its victory, the aircraft was passed to the RAF for evaluation, during which time it suffered a number of mishaps and was later sold for scrap. Later rescued and restored, it would go on to set more aviation records, before being left abandoned on an airfield, simply left to slowly fall into disrepair. De Havilland D.H 88 Comet G-ACSS finally came into the hands of the Shuttleworth Collection in 1965, after which time it embarked on a period of long term restoration, triumphantly taking to the air once more in 1987. 

She would unfortunately suffer an undercarriage collapse when landing back at Old Warden following an Airshow appearance back in 2002, with the resulting damage requiring another extended period of renovation in their workshops. Whilst these works were ongoing, Shuttleworth’s engineers managed to obtain CAA clearance to incorporate several modifications to the original de Havilland undercarriage design, making the units much more functional for future use. After many years of painstaking work, de Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS made her latest post restoration flight in August 2104, gracing Bedfordshire skies with her iconic shape and stunning good looks, but more importantly, marking another significant aviation achievement for the Shuttleworth Collection. 

An extremely photogenic aeroplane, the Comet has gone on to become one of the real stars of the UK Airshow circuit and although she is always most comfortable when displaying to a home crowd, she will also venture a little further afield when a display organiser wants to add a little aviation culture to their show. One of the most significant British aircraft still flying today, the de Havilland Comet is a real crowd puller and whenever she is listed on a display programme, will always have an army of enthusiasts keen to experience her latest performance.

Britain’s ultimate biplane fighter

Representing the absolute pinnacle of biplane fighter technology, the Gloster Gladiator was something of a revelation when the first aircraft started arriving at RAF stations in early 1937. For the first time, the RAF had a fighter aircraft with a fully enclosed cockpit and many of the cumbersome struts and bracing wires associated with previous biplane designs had been replaced with more modern construction methods.  Fast and an extremely robust, these gleaming new Gladiators were also highly proficient aerobatic performers and pilots loved it. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that the era of the biplane was over, as the age of the fast and heavily armed monoplane fighter had already dawned. In Germany, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was already beginning to enter service and in just 10 months later, No.111 Squadron at RAF Northolt took delivery of their first Hawker Hurricanes.

Another aircraft which has enthusiasts travelling great distances to come and see it, the Shuttleworth Collection’s Gloster Gladiator Mk.I L8032 (G-AMRK) is currently the only airworthy example of this beautiful aircraft to be found anywhere in the world. It is astonishing to think that L8032 has been thrilling UK Airshow audiences for over 65 years now and indeed for the majority of that time, was the only flying example of the ultimate biplane fighter in the world. Constructed as the last Mk.I airframe from the initial RAF order, this particular fighter would not be fully assembled until 1938, which really does highlight the slightly unfortunate story of the Gladiator, from a historic perspective. By the time she was assembled, the new Spitfire and Hurricane monoplane fighters were very much the order of the day and Gladiator airframes were no longer needed for home based Squadrons. Many aircraft would therefore be sent overseas or relegated to secondary support duties at home, with aircraft which suffered damage or were no longer required unceremoniously scrapped or simply left to rot where they stood. As the Gladiator represented older technology and Britain was now very much at war, it’s a wonder any of these magnificent aircraft managed to survive, let alone to have one in flying condition today.

Gladiator Mk.I L8032 arrived at the Shuttleworth Collection for safe keeping in 1960, following the closure of the Gloster Aviation Company. In flying condition at that time, it was thought that the Collection would be the best home for this extremely rare aeroplane, the only flying example of the type in the world. This aircraft has previously been presented in the 1940 camouflage scheme of an RAF No.247 Squadron Gladiator, the only RAF Gladiator unit to take part in the Battle of Britain, as well as in the unusual colours of a Norwegian Air Force fighter. She now wears the colourful markings of an RAF No.73 Squadron Gladiator, one which was flown by future WWII fighter ace ‘Cobber’ Kain at the 1937 Hendon Air Pageant.  

Although The Gladiator is an extremely rare aeroplane, she has the distinction of being one of the longest serving display aircraft on the UK Airshow circuit and is another aircraft worthy of a Shuttleworth entrance fee payment on its own.

Brisfit a multi role marvel

One of the aircraft enthusiasts were certainly looking forward to seeing at this first Shuttleworth Airshow of the year, the Bristol F2b Fighter has not been seen by an Airshow audience since the end of the 2018 season, as it underwent a major overhaul programme early the following year. Another aircraft which has long been a favourite with Old Warden visitors, the Bristol F2b forms part of Shuttleworth’s impressive collection of Great War air power, helping to illustrate the arrival of the aeroplane as a true weapon of war during this conflict in the most effective way possible, by seeing them in the air. 

Although the Bristol F2B Fighter would go on to be regarded as one of the finest fighting aeroplanes of the Great War, its combat introduction on the Western Front was inauspicious to say the least. Intended as a replacement for the much maligned Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, the Bristol Fighter was rushed into service so it could take part in the Second Battle of Arras in April 1917 and to demonstrate the latest advancements in Allied aircraft design. During its first operational sortie on 5th April, six aircraft from No. 48 Squadron RFC, led by famous VC winner William Leefe Robinson, were bounced by Albatros fighters of Jasta 11, led by Manfred von Richthofen, the feared Red Baron. During the ensuing melee, four of the new British fighters, including the one flown by Robinson, were shot down, with another suffering serious damage. Victoria Cross hero Robinson was initially posted as killed in action by officials, however, it was later discovered that he had been taken prisoner by the Germans. 

Despite this uninspiring combat debut, pilots soon learned to embrace the many qualities of this large fighter, specifically its manoeuvrability. Flying it like a fighter as opposed to a reconnaissance aircraft, crews started to be much more aggressive in the air and it didn’t take long before the aircraft showed itself to be more than capable of taking on German fighters. With a fixed forward firing Vickers gun for the pilot and Scarff ring mounted Lewis guns for the observer, the Bristol fighter would enable crews to score victory numbers equivalent to those claimed by single seat fighters. With pilot and observer positioned in close proximity to each other, they worked as a coordinated team in combat, with the pilot positioning the aircraft at the best angle for his gunner to score hits on the enemy aircraft. The Bristol Fighter would prove so important to the RAF, that these aircraft would remain in service long after the end of WWI.

Following the completion of its overhaul and re-covering, the return of the Bristol Fighter was made all the more welcome as she is now wearing a smart new scheme, one which was being debuted at last weekend’s show. She is now presented as B1162/F, an aircraft which was flown by Sgt. Ernest John Elton, the highest scoring British NCO pilot of the Royal Flying Corps during WWI. In Bristol Fighter B1162, he scored 14 out of a total 16 victories during February and March 1918, earning himself a Distinguished Conduct Medal in the process. He would also be awarded the Military Medal for bravely rescuing his injured observer from no-man’s land, having been forced to crash land their damaged aircraft following combat.

Even though we have only featured several of the aircraft which took part in this first Airshow event of the year within this review, each one has a fascinating story to tell and would be Airshow highlight in their own right at any other show. It would be fair to say that the Shuttleworth Collection has got the year off to a great start and left everyone who was in attendance with the feeling that we can now look forward with some optimism towards a brighter future, one which will again include the Airshows we all love to attend.

With reference to the fact that this was my first ever Drive-in Airshow, I would just like to extend my thanks to everyone who made this day possible and for the great lengths they must have gone to in enabling us all to enjoy seeing classic aeroplanes in the air once more. Although things weren’t quite the same as a normal Old Warden show and there were one or two understandable challenges on the day, what they managed to achieve was extremely commendable and should be a pointer for any organisation attempting to hold a successful event of this kind in the future. This was another experience I will be putting in my extensive Airshow memoirs and I am just so thankful that I was finally allowed to get back enjoying aeroplanes once more. With two more Drive-in shows already in my diary, these are important first steps in returning the Airshow industry back to something approaching normality and as a consequence, I am delighted to confirm that our Airshows are back!

Here is a final selection of images taken at the Shuttleworth Season Premier Drive-in Airshow.

In full clandestine configuration, the Westland Lysander is another Shuttleworth favourite and a rather spritely performer for its size

An aircraft which is not only familiar to Shuttleworth fans, but also anyone who has made the new Airfix Tiger Moth kit in 1/48th scale

This Polikarpov Po2 was used by female Russian pilots during night time nuisance raids against the Germans during the Eastern Front campaign - they earned the nickname the ‘Night Witches’

Another training classic, this time in the shape of the magnificent de Havilland Chipmunk

An unusual angle from which to photograph Shuttleworth’s beautiful Supermarine Spitfire Vc

The Great War’s most successful Allied fighter, the thoroughbred Sopwith Camel

We simply had to finish with a final look at ‘Yellow 10’ wearing her attractive JG27 desert scheme

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, please use our aerodrome@airfix.com address, where we will be delighted to hear from you.

In between new editions of our blog, the aviation related conversation continues over on the Airfix Aerodrome Forum and we can also be contacted on either the Airfix or Corgi Facebook pages, in addition to Twitter for both Airfix and Corgi – please do get involved in all the aviation related discussions and let us know what you think about Aerodrome. 

The edition of Aerodrome is scheduled to be published on Friday 4th June, where we will have more aviation content to bring you.

Thank you for supporting our Aerodrome blog over the past 6 years.

Michael

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Airfix

Gloster Gladiator, Supermarine Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109G, de Havilland Chipmunk, de Havilland Tiger Moth, Supermarine Spitfire 1/48th, Supermarine Spitfire Starter, Best of British
        

Corgi

Gloster Gladiator, Supermarine Spitfire, Bristol Fighter, Messerschmitt 109G, Sopwith Camel, Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a