Aircraft and events featured in this edition include:
√ B17s of the 381st Bomber Group position themselves to make their final turns on the approach for their base at Ridgewell in East Anglia. Fine weather welcomes the returning crews at the conclusion of another day’s operations during World War II. There will be some time to relax, just a little, after about eight hours of combat flying.
√ The Hawker Hunter is a truly worthy successor of the fighter icons of the Royal Air Force in WW II. The airplane served in all areas of the world in a variety of roles. Some 2,000 examples of this elegant aircraft were built and supplied to no less than 13 different air forces throughout the world. This still operational example is in the livery of the RAF Farnborough detachment.
√ Designed in the early 1950s as a universal military transport, the Hercules C130 has proven to be a quite remarkable “jack of all trades.” Operated by more than 70 different countries’ air arms and still in production after 60 years, the Hercules is the most widely used military aircraft in history. Of particular value in limited war situations such as Vietnam and Afghanistan, the C130 is one of the first aircraft to appear in any conflict situation. It is seen here in typical “in trail” mode as flown by U.S. forces in recent conflicts.
√ The T33, shown here, was part of the United States air show team during the mid- to late- 1950s when it was deployed as a VIP and press aircraft. Although now retired from the team, this T33, resplendent in the 1950s team colours, was seen a few years ago at several American air shows.
√ Fortunately for the Allied war effort the Messerschmitt Me262 was late in arriving at Luftwaffe squadrons. In the latter stages of WW II, however, the jet fighter proved a powerful adversary with much superior speed and the considerable striking power of four 30mm cannons. Seen here punching up through the cloud layer attempting to gain the “perch” position —above, behind and up-sun— on the B17 formation about to arrive. The perfect position for interception.
√ The realities of jet air combat became very apparent during the Korean War when U.S. Air Force planes tangled with equivalent adversaries in Soviet Mig-series warplanes. Reacting to this challenge, the U.S.A.F. set up an intensive and aggressive training routine at Ellis Air Force Base. The F86 was at the early forefront of this training and this pair in formation is an example of the professional airmanship achieved.
√ The appearance of the Focke Wulf FW 190 in the summer of 1941 came as a considerable surprise to RAF fighter squadrons. Since their success in the Battle of Britain in September 1940, the Spitfire had enjoyed a fair measure of air superiority in the skies over northern France. With greater speed, maneuverability, and much heavier firing punch—two 23mm and two 20mm cannons— the FW 190 easily outclassed the current Spitfire Marks and turned the tables with a vengeance. In early 1942 a somewhat confused Luftwaffe pilot landed the latest version of the FW 190 at a southern England base, having mistaken it for Holland. The design secrets thus revealed, the later Spitfire Marks began to challenge the FW 190.
√ Celebrating the service of Polish World War II ace Ludwik Paszkiewicz, this Mig29 is an outstanding example of ‘nose’ art. Paszkiewicz made his way to the United Kingdom in June 1940 and became part of the Polish Squadron (330) which gave such sterling service at that time and was immortalised in the Battle of Britain film. Falling in combat on September 27, 1940, it is fitting that there is currently such an elegant memorial to his service.
√ Originally destined for the Chinese Air Force, this P40 Warhawk was diverted to the U.S. 5th Air Force in the Pacific and assigned to the 7th Fighter Squadron. After retiring, the plane passed through several hands in Australia and was eventually restored to flying condition in 2002. Now owned by a French group, the P40 has appeared at various air shows since 2008. Immaculately finished in the colours of the 7th Fighter Squadron of the WW II period, the P40 is a magnificent reminder of the iconic P40 series. The 7th Fighter Squadron is still in service flying F22 Raptors— just a wee bit different! The image shows a group of 7th Squadron P40s on patrol in the Pacific area.
√ The 57th Fighter Group was stationed in Italy from 1944 to 1945. The 57th’s P47 Thunderbolts covered Alpine passes to ensure that the 20divisions of Axis troops in Italy could not make their way to fight in Europe. As the bar room song of the day had it, they were ”…skimmin’ the ridges to plaster the bridges,” and they did so most effectively. With virtually no air opposition, the 57th flew more than 38,000 air-to-ground sorties. including the Battle of the Brenner Pass – the source for this image. Intense flak from supporting German ground forces, however, inflicted significant losses on the 57th. The unsung heroes of the 64th, 65th and 66th Fighter Squadrons comprised the 57th Fighter Group.
√ A Royal Air Force Tornado flies through the Welsh low-level training area, known as the Mach loop. The area is used by all types of aircraft from many nations and affords superlative views of real low-level flying. The photographers are well known to the aircrew and are often recognised by a wave salute as they sweep past. Where low is low.
√ Developed from the Su17, the Russian Su22 is the export version of this formidable ground attack aircraft that carries the NATO code-name Fitter. An early example of swing-wing technology, the Su22 served with many air forces and is still current with the Polish Air Force. Lately Poland decided to retain the Su22 for at least a further three years as it is easier to maintain than their Mig29s and F16s. With more than 2,800 of the various types built, the SU22 is a real Cold War survivor.
About the Creators
The calendar images are taken from the portfolio of a family group of aviation and photographic enthusiasts. With three generations (father, two sons, and one grandson) contributing airshow imagery from bases in Canada and the UK, most of the vintage WWII along with contemporary jet aircraft are covered. Pat, the father, collates all the aircraft and background images into the digital art prints shown in the calendar — 17 years as an RAF aircrew navigator experience is a great help in this task. Jim, Duncan, and Connor, first-class photographers, all contribute and the full portfolio can be seen at — https://pat-speirs.pixels.com — where framed prints and many other products are available.
—Pat Speirs, Clan Photography