I really like RAF/RAAF/RCAF schemed Mustangs (I wish someone painted theirs as Dooleybird), but Sharkmouth looks utterly bereft of stuff under the hood. It’s very bright, no armour plate or radio set, it just looks empty. I know it has a pax seat, it’s just a shame there’s nothing as simple as a bit of protection for the pilot should it go over onto its back.
By: hampden98
- 3rd May 2019 at 13:46Permalink- Edited 3rd May 2019 at 13:47
Do P51's go over on their back though?
While I agree it's probably better to have some protection the Sea Fury was definitely going over on it's back in certain circumstances. I don't recall a P51 doing so except in a major, probably non-survivable accident?
I wonder if the Mk1 Spitfires have had modifications to prevent the pilot being injured if they turn turtle? Didn't the radio mast and seatbelt configuration pose a problem?
The prototype, K5054, turned over on her final flight, and the pilot did suffer a fatal injury due to the way the aerial mast pushed down onto the harness (if I remember right), but I believe that was modified on subsequent aircraft.
I have to agree. One only has to remember the late Paul Morgan’s accident to realise why these types had pilot protection in the first place.
No amount of armour plate would have helped in Paul's accident, the fin and rudder went into the soft ground by nearly two feet, the armour plate would have done the same sadly :(
The armour plate was designed to protect against bullets, not against turning over !!!
Miss Pick Up obviously enjoyed using the Old Warden grass yesterday, here she is today about to win the spot landing competition on 24 grass at Duxford:
Spitfire PR.XI PL983 was also out for some exercise this afternoon:
Since her return to Duxford last week, Hurricane V7497 has resumed residence in Hangar 4, and hopefully will be seen in the area very soon.
The 'Hurricane 501' website has some very detailed history and plenty of pictures at: https://www.hurricane501.co.uk/
Great shots as always, though I think that this is the first time that I've seen the rear seat of the Lysander, occupied!
I think I'm right in saying that the crewman in this case was none other than metal-bashing legend John "Smudge" Smith, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. As he has spent 40 years plus working on ARC Blenheims and the Lysander (and much more of course!) it seems only fair!
Posts: 2,454
By: DCW - 29th April 2019 at 21:33 Permalink
Duxford Monday 29th April:
Magister G-AKPF / N3788 called in from Old Warden for training and display practice today:
The BBMF Dakota returned to Airspace this afternoon:
Posts: 2,454
By: DCW - 30th April 2019 at 21:47 Permalink
Duxford Tuesday 30th April:
Hurricane V7497 returned from Elmsett this afternoon:
Lysander V9312 was also flying today:
Posts: 956
By: Duxman - 30th April 2019 at 22:29 Permalink
A few more pictures from today at Duxford
Duxman --
Flikr -- https://www.flickr.com/photos/64209520@N05/
Posts: 956
By: Duxman - 1st May 2019 at 16:13 Permalink
Pictures of some of the activity at Duxford this morning in somewhat hazy conditions.
Duxman
flikr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/64209520@N05/
Posts: 168
By: KurtB - 2nd May 2019 at 18:29 Permalink
I really like RAF/RAAF/RCAF schemed Mustangs (I wish someone painted theirs as Dooleybird), but Sharkmouth looks utterly bereft of stuff under the hood. It’s very bright, no armour plate or radio set, it just looks empty. I know it has a pax seat, it’s just a shame there’s nothing as simple as a bit of protection for the pilot should it go over onto its back.
Posts: 6,001
By: Wyvernfan - 2nd May 2019 at 19:06 Permalink
I have to agree. One only has to remember the late Paul Morgan’s accident to realise why these types had pilot protection in the first place.
Posts: 2,536
By: hampden98 - 3rd May 2019 at 13:46 Permalink - Edited 3rd May 2019 at 13:47
Do P51's go over on their back though?
While I agree it's probably better to have some protection the Sea Fury was definitely going over on it's back in certain circumstances. I don't recall a P51 doing so except in a major, probably non-survivable accident?
I wonder if the Mk1 Spitfires have had modifications to prevent the pilot being injured if they turn turtle? Didn't the radio mast and seatbelt configuration pose a problem?
Posts: 18,353
By: DazDaMan - 3rd May 2019 at 13:54 Permalink
The prototype, K5054, turned over on her final flight, and the pilot did suffer a fatal injury due to the way the aerial mast pushed down onto the harness (if I remember right), but I believe that was modified on subsequent aircraft.
Posts: 2,106
By: The Blue Max - 3rd May 2019 at 20:16 Permalink
No amount of armour plate would have helped in Paul's accident, the fin and rudder went into the soft ground by nearly two feet, the armour plate would have done the same sadly :(
The armour plate was designed to protect against bullets, not against turning over !!!
Posts: 6,001
By: Wyvernfan - 3rd May 2019 at 20:18 Permalink
Fair point but I’d argue it’s still better than nothing.
Posts: 2,454
By: DCW - 4th May 2019 at 17:59 Permalink
Duxford Saturday 4th May:
The Bronco Demo Team's OV-10B G-ONAA arrived yesterday for some display practice and departed today for Old Warden, where she will perform tomorrow.
The aircraft is being presented this year as the 'Bucking Bronco' with a Wild West theme. Look out for the cowboy cheerleaders tomorrow.....
Looks like there's a new team member this year:
Duxford's Catalina will also be at Old Warden tomorrow (weather permitting):
Also today, between hail storms:
Daks over Duxford is just a month away, and retail opportunities are emerging. If you have to ask, you can't afford one:
Posts: 378
By: Tony C - 4th May 2019 at 22:32 Permalink
Great shots as always, though I think that this is the first time that I've seen the rear seat of the Lysander, occupied!
Posts: 3,193
By: adrian_gray - 5th May 2019 at 09:08 Permalink
I can't help thinking that the Bronco is a bit like the Storch - it doesn't actually fly, it's just so ugly that the ground repels it!
Adrian
Posts: 1,891
By: Black Knight - 5th May 2019 at 12:48 Permalink
I always thought that was just the rule for helicopters :highly_amused:
Posts: 427
By: R4118 - 5th May 2019 at 13:49 Permalink
Anyone know why the lysander isn't attending shuttleworth this afternoon?
Posts: 2,454
By: DCW - 6th May 2019 at 20:23 Permalink
Duxford Monday 6th May:
Miss Pick Up obviously enjoyed using the Old Warden grass yesterday, here she is today about to win the spot landing competition on 24 grass at Duxford:
Spitfire PR.XI PL983 was also out for some exercise this afternoon:
Since her return to Duxford last week, Hurricane V7497 has resumed residence in Hangar 4, and hopefully will be seen in the area very soon.
The 'Hurricane 501' website has some very detailed history and plenty of pictures at:
https://www.hurricane501.co.uk/
Many thanks to AG for access and info.
Posts: 1,011
By: DragonRapide - 7th May 2019 at 11:42 Permalink
I think I'm right in saying that the crewman in this case was none other than metal-bashing legend John "Smudge" Smith, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. As he has spent 40 years plus working on ARC Blenheims and the Lysander (and much more of course!) it seems only fair!
His grin is visible in at last one of the images!
Posts: 2,454
By: DCW - 7th May 2019 at 20:15 Permalink
Duxford Tuesday 7th May:
DH.9 E8894 was out again for some engine runs and fast taxy trials this afternoon. First flight can't be far away:
Replica Fokker Dr.1 G-FOKK arrived today. It will be based on static display and available for airshows. It is presently in Airspace:
Crew ferry was Tiger Moth G-ADPC:
Chipmunk WB569 was training today:
Posts: 956
By: Duxman - 7th May 2019 at 22:13 Permalink
A few additional pictures of the DH.9 at DX today.
Duxman
flikr -- https://www.flickr.com/photos/64209520@N05/
Posts: 585
By: DH82EH - 8th May 2019 at 00:19 Permalink
I don't imagine that DH9 will stray too far from home but I'm definitely OK with that.
Well done to the whole team.
Andy