Spitfire 70th Anniversary Air Show, Duxford 2nd/3rd September 2006

Dismal weather was predicted for the weekend, and although there was low cloud and rain early Saturday morning the weather stayed dry for the flying. There were some weather casualties though with the RNHF staying at Yeovilton on Saturday, and the BBMF prevented from attending the show due to high winds at Coningsby. Sunday was certainly the better day weather wise, though on both days the high winds caused the cancellation of some items, as well as causing chaos with the many traders attending the event!

Despite the usual weather gremlins, the flying was superb with many of the items listed taking to the air to perform for the crowds. The show opened with the usual two F-15E's from Lakenheath making two fly pasts. The Canberra B2 operated Air Atlantique was a real crowd pleaser with the aircraft making a number of passes and showing just how manoeuverable this venerable machine really is.

Whether you're a fan of historic aircraft or not, the RAF's Chinook HC.2 is always a delight to watch, showing that despite its size it's very spritely. There was a few years where the Chinook was not displayed to the public, how since it's return a couple of years ago it has wowed the crowds at air shows all over the country winning numerous trophies to boot!

The show was attended by the Aerostars team with their Yak's, a show certainly more in keeping with their aerobatic routine than their previous display at Flying Legends! They put on a very polished performance on both days, despite one aircraft going tech, and the high winds.

The show was attended by a number of former Polish Air Force pilots one of which was re-united with Spitfire Vb BM597, the very machine he flew on combat operations during his time with 317 (City of Wilno) Sqn during WWII. As you would expect, these men were very modest about about their contribution to the war effort, but it was a real privalige to meet and talk to these men.

The show saw the first appearances by three "new" spitfires, the Mk Vc JG891,Mk IX MH424, and Mk XVIe RW686. JG891 is marked in her former desert colours, and unlike any other Spitfire it sports a Vokes desert filter under the nose as well as armed with four 20mm cannon! The aircraft has a new owner, so it's hoped that this rare machine will stay in the UK.

MH424 has recently arrived from the famous Aviodrome Museum in the Netherlands where she was a static exhibit. This Spitfire will now spend time in the workshops of Historic Flying Ltd, and be restored back to flying condition.

Sadly the planned Spitfire flypast was cancelled on Saturday due to high cross winds, however the Sunday saw eight Spitfires of various marks flown in celebration of the 70th anniversary of this iconic aeroplane.

We should say well done to all concerned, and thank those pilots who despite the high winds, still gave the public a first class performance.

Click the images below for a larger image.

Thanks as always to the marketing team at Duxford for their assistance.

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