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A nice study of the Corsairs in tight formation with a pair of Rafale M naval fighters. The French Navy flew F4Us from their aircraft carriers until 1967, so it was interesting to see the type perform a Heritage Flight with its modern-day replacement - albeit a couple of generations later. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Paris-Villaroche Air Legend air show has been running since 2018, and the third iteration of this superb event took place over the weekend of September 11th/12th, 2021 at the historic Melun Villaroche Aerodrome near the town of Melun, just southeast of Paris, France. This site is steeped in aviation lore, first emerging as a civilian airfield prior to WWII. During the German occupation, the Luftwaffe stationed squadrons of Junkers Ju 88s and Heinkel He 111s here, but of course the airfield changed hands again following the Allied liberation in September 1944. After that, the U.S. Army Air Forces called the base home, first fielding Douglas A-20s and A-26s at the site and then, later, C-47s. The U.S. forces moved out by the early 1950s, after which the airfield became a flight test center for Avions Marcel Dassault (now Dassault Aviation) and the engine manufacturer SNECMA (now Safran). Presently, the airfield is primarily a bastion for general aviation, although a government flying school and several vintage aircraft collections are also on site. Safran still has a big presence just south of the main runway, within the airfield’s historical boundaries, but not its present-day incarnation. They operate a massive factory producing the CFM56, the world’s best-selling jet engine, and its successor the LEAP. These high-bypass turbofans power the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737. Interestingly, Safran also maintains an excellent aero-engine & space museum on site, which is well worth a visit.
But I digress… The air show had plenty to see on the ground as well as in the air. The aircraft parking area was open to the public during the mornings, so getting a close look at the aircraft was quite easy. There were several other aircraft on static display too, including a former Swiss Air Force de Havilland Vampire FB.6 (J-1115).
Former Swiss Air Force de Havilland Vampire FB.6 (J-1115) in French Air Force markings. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A C-47 peering from one of the hangars at Melun-Villaroche. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Former Royal Air Force Douglas Dakota Mk.IV KN655 (F-AZOX) dressed up in a pseudo-U.S. Army Air Force’s scheme. This aircraft was built to a U.S. Army contract as C-47B-35-DK 44-77020. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A beautiful Morane Saulnier MS 733. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A French Navy Dassault Falcon. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
French Air Force Mirage 2000s on the ramp with the Canadair Sabre at the far left. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
French military jets – Mirage 2000s to the left, Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France, and a Rafale B. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Patrouille de France – tails on. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
WWII fighter lineup. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Two Rafales coming in to land while a Yak starts its engine in the foreground. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A lineup of some of the WWII fighters at the show. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Mauboussin Corsaire Type 125 (F-PCES). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Frederick Akary’s superb Canadair Sabre Mk.6 (ex-Luftwaffe KE+104) painted to represent an F-86 Sabre of the 461st Fighter Squadron when based in Germany. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull P-38 parked next to one of the Patrouille de France Alpha Jets. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Spitfire Mk.XVI SL721. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A Stampe SV4C (F-AYGG) in French Navy markings. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
For aviation enthusiasts, perhaps the most interesting airfield location to visit during normal operation is the hangar for the Association des Mécaniciens Pilotes d’Avions Anciens (AMPAA), an organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft. Unfortunately, during the show, the hangar was not open to the public, but they did have four of their pioneering aircraft displayed just inside the main doors. This included a WWI-era SPAD VII biplane fighter. It is complete, with an engine that runs, but does not fly. Also on view was a newly-built (to original plans) “Channel crossing” Blériot XI (F-AZQB) with an original 25hp Anzani engine. This aircraft performed its first engine run on Saturday evening. The other two aircraft in front of the AAPAA hangar were a replica Fokker A.I monoplane (F-AYAI) with a 80hp Gnome rotary engine in place of the original Oberursel and a replica Blériot XI-2 (F-AZNP) which was under rebuild following an accident at Vichy in 2016. Both of these aircraft were under restoration at Compiegne on behalf of their Austrian owner.
An as-yet unidentified Westland Lysander under restoration within the AMPAA hangar. B-25J 45-8811 is visible in the background – this aircraft hasn’t flown since an engine fire/forced landing in 2011. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
An as-yet unidentified Westland Lysander under restoration within the AMPAA hangar. B-25J 45-8811 is visible in the background – this aircraft hasn’t flown since an engine fire/forced landing in 2011. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Inside the AMPAA hangar. The unusual twin engined transport beyond the B-25 is the Hurel-Dubois H.34. The Institut Geographique National (IGN) used this type in small numbers for aerial survey work. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Some of the fascinating airframes within the AMPAA hangar. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A Nord 1002 Pingouin (F-AZMR) masquerading as a Messerschmitt Bf 108. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The SPAD S.VII. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A magnificent representation of a WWI-era SPAD VII biplane fighter at the entrance to the AMPAA hangar. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Another view of the SPAD S.VII. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A nice shot of the SPAD S.VII. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A beautiful replica Fokker A.I monoplane fighter sporting an 80hp Gnome rotary engine of roughly the same time period in place of the Oberursel unit they type actually used. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Another nice study of the Fokker A.I from underneath the wing of a Blériot XI. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Fokker A.I monoplane replica. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A replica Blériot XI-2 (F-AZNP) which was under rebuild following an accident at Vichy in 2016.. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The replica Blériot XI-2 (F-AZNP). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A replica Blériot XI (F-AZQB) inside the AMPAA hangar. This aircraft is more or less authentic to the set up which Louis Bleriot had when he made the first flight across the English Channel in 1908. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The “Channel crossing” Blériot XI (F-AZQB) operating its original 25hp Anzani engine for the first time on the Saturday evening. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Tweaking the Blériot’s Anzani engine during the first run-up exercise. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A proud team standing in front of the Blériot following its succesful, first engine run. It’s amazing to think that just seven decades separates the technology of the Mirage 2000 (in its first form) and the fragile Blériot. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Blériot as evening approaches. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
This year’s Air Legend display featured mostly warbirds in the air, but with a sprinkling of modern military aircraft too. It is a truly European event, with warbirds arriving from England, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium, to join the many French-based examples. This year opened with an excellent flypast by two French Navy Dassault Rafales together with two Vought Corsairs, these being the Salis Collection’s F4U-5 BuNo.124724 and Red Bull’s F4U-4 BuNo.96995 in the slot. This then lead to an excellent pairs display from the two Rafales.
The two Rafales in formation with the F4U-4 and F4U-5 Corsairs. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
This legacy flight of Corsairs and French Navy Rafale Ms opened the show. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A nice study of the Corsairs in tight formation with a pair of Rafale M naval fighters. The French Navy flew F4Us from their aircraft carriers until 1967, so it was interesting to see the type perform a Heritage Flight with its modern-day replacement – albeit a couple of generations later. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Another nice shot of the opening formation flight. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Rafales pull away on full reheat. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A Rafale M hits the burners. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A nice shot of a Rafale M with its burner lit. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Things then slowed down a little with a Fieseler Storch (actually a French-built Morane M.S.505 F-BEJF) and Piper L-4 Cub F-GHIP re-creating one of the most bizarre air battles of WWII, when pilots in the two aircraft shot at each other with their pistols!
A Fieseler Storch (actually a French-built Morane M.S.505 F-BEJF) and Piper L-4 Cub F-GHIP re-creating one of the most bizarre air battles of WWII, when pilots in the two aircraft shot at each other with their pistols! (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Piper L-4 Cub F-GHIP. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Piper L-4 Cub F-GHIP. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Storch vs. Cub combat revisited. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
We then had the beautiful Douglas Dakota Mk.III (WZ984) painted to represent one of Air France’s first Douglas DC-3s (F-BBBE) leading the newest French Air Force heavy-lift transport, the massive Airbus A400M. A few nice sedate passes from the DC3 lead to an exciting aerial demonstration of the A400M’s capabilities, which showed the types very impressive roll rate, slow and fast passes and tactical landing demonstrations (although it didn’t actually touch down).
Douglas Dakota Mk.III (WZ984) painted to represent one of Air France’s first Douglas DC-3s (F-BBBE). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The A400M and DC-3. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Douglas Dakota Mk.III (WZ984) painted to represent one of Air France’s first Douglas DC-3s (F-BBBE). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A French Air Force A-400M, still bearing its 75th Anniversary unit markings from 2019. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Showing off it’s rolling ability, the A-400M makes quite a sight! (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The A400M performing some unusually dramatic aerobatic maneuvers for such a large airframe. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Douglas Dakota Mk.III (WZ984) coming in to land. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The tempo and noise level then increased with the “Patrouille Gusto tactical display” featuring two Mirage 2000Cs in another fast-paced and dynamic display. We then returned to the early days of WWII, with a performance from the sole airworthy EKW D.3801 HB-RCF (a Swiss-built variant of the Morane Saulnier M.S.406) and the unique sound of its license-built Hispano-Suiza 12Y engine. The M.S.406 was the most numerous fighter aircraft in the French Air Force at the start of WWII, but was no match for the Messerschmitt Bf 109s they faced during the Battle of France in May, 1940.
A Mirage 2000 on full burner. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Mirage 2000s of Patrouille Gusto being photographed air-to-air from a U.S.-registered Beech Baron (N450LH). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Two French Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000s. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
the sole airworthy EKW D.3801 HB-RCF (a Swiss-built variant of the M.S.406). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The D.3801 coming in to land following its display. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The next performance in the show featured a dogfight demonstration between two unusual “adversaries” a Soviet Air Force Yak-3U replica F-AZZK (which started life as one of the many ex-Egyptian Air Force Yak-11s brought to La Ferte Alais in the 80s) and a replica of the Australian CAC Boomerang (N32CS) which Sanders Aviation built up from T-6 parts in the US a couple of decades ago. Of course Yak-3s and Boomerangs were on the same side in WWII, albeit in entirely different theaters of operation!
A former Egyptian Air Force Yak-11 trainer (F-AZZF) modified to represent a Yak-3U fighter. This aircraft sports a Pratt&Whitney R-2000 up front in place of the much smaller radial engine it would have fielded. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A replica CAC Boomerang (N32CS). While this airframe was put together by Sanders Aviation using a North American T-6 Texan as its base, the Boomerang itself derived from the T-6’s older brother, the NA-16, so this adaptation was a good representation of the type, and it was the first Boomerang of any kind to fly since shortly after WWII. The type has, of course, been experiencing a renaissance in recent years with a number of original Boomerangs now airworthy or on their way to being so. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A replica of the Australian CAC Boomerang (N32CS). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Next came another highlight of the day, with the Sywell/Duxford based Ultimate Fighters fabulous four-ship aerobatic display featuring John Gowdy in Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 45-49192 Nellie B, Dave Puleston in Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc EE602, Richard Grace in Hispano HA1112-M1L Buchon G-AWHH (Luftwaffe white 9) and Andy Durston in North American P-51D Mustang 44-84847 Contrary Mary. There were an amazing sight to see – performing formation loops and barrel rolls before splitting up into pairs, with the Spitfire shooting down the Buchon, and the Thunderbolt and Mustang demonstrating more tightly flown aerobatics.
John Gowdy in Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 45-49192 Nellie B and Andy Durston in North American P-51D Mustang 44-84847 Contrary Mary. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
John Gowdy in Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 45-49192 Nellie B. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Andy Durston in North American P-51D Mustang 44-84847 Contrary Mary. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Richard Grace in Hispano HA1112-M1L Buchon G-AWHH. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Dave Puleston in Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc EE602. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Richard Grace in Hispano HA1112-M1L Buchon G-AWHH. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Ultimate Fighters entering a formation loop. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Ultimate Fighters formation team strutting their stuff. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Another great shot of the Ultimate Fighters after coming out of a vertical loop. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Ultimate Fighters Buchon and Spitfire Mk.Vc. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Spitfire dispatching the “Messerschmit”. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Ultimate Fighters in formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Ultimate Fighters. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Ultimate Fighters formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Ultimate Fighters formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Formation break for the Ultimate Fighters team. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A Pearl Harbor-themed display came next, featuring Plane Sailing’s Canadian-Vickers Canso A, RCAF 11005, (a Canadian-built variant of the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina) taking to the skies for some nice fly-bys representing those returning from patrol missions and then a Stearman trainer doing some gentle maneuvers, before the attack from the “Imperial Japanese Navy” represented by six North American T-6/Harvards, who carried out a lively airfield attack. Following the ‘Japanese attack’, a lone Curtiss P-40N Warhawk (42-105915) took off to try chasing away the aggressors. We were then treated to a superb aerobatic display flown by Sonoma, California-based pilot, Chris Prevost; for me, this was probably the best individual display of the day!
A moody shot of Plane Sailing’s Canadian Vickers Canso A (PBY-5A). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Plane Sailing’s magnificent Canadian Vickers Canso A. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Another nice study of Plane Sailing’s Canso A. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Canso A in waterlanding guise, with a formation of T-6/Harvards to the rear. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Canso A coming in to land. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
T-6 formation break – simulating the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Curtiss P-40N Warhawk 42-105915 (F-AZKU), with Chris Prevost at the controls, launches to take on the enemy. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Chris Prevost in Curtiss P-40N Warhawk (42-105915). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Prevost put on a superlative display in the P-40N. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Pacific Theatre of Operations theme then continued with a tribute to U.S. Marine Corps ace, Pappy Boyington and the TV series featuring his “exploits”, Baa Baa Black Sheep. A lone Stinson L-5 (42-99107) took to the skies on a reconnaissance mission and was then followed by Red Bull’s North American B-25J Mitchell 44-86893 bombing a ‘Japanese’ position, but soon after the Mitchell was chased away by two Japanese ‘Zeros’ (modified T-6s/Harvards) F-AZRO and F-AZZM, which were soon hotly pursued by three Corsairs, these being the afore-mentioned F4U-5 and F4U-4 along with The Fighter Collection’s FG-1D BuNo.88297 (marked as Royal Navy Corsair Mk.IV KD345). It would have been nice to see these three Corsairs make several passes together, but sadly they split up almost immediately – that being said, we were treated to some great formation aerobatics from the F4U-4 and FG-1D, while the F4U-5 flew some solo aerobatic flypasts.
Corsair flight under sullen skies. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull B-25J Mitchell in a dynamic pass with smoke billowing from the simulated bomb strikes exploding on the ground below. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Stinson L-5 (42-99107). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Stinson L-5 (42-99107) with the Red Bull Mitchell to the rear. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Red Bull’s B-25J. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull Mitchell endering the storm. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Japanese ‘Zero’ F-AZRO (modified from a T-6/Harvards). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull F4U-4 taking off to take on the ‘Zeros’. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Corsair flight. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The victorious Corsairs. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Corsairs made a brief three-ship formation appearance as they came in to intercept the ‘Zeros’. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Corsairs whistle on by in formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A gorgeous, moody shot of the Corsair three-ship formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Corsair flight. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull F4U-4 and TFC FG-1D in tight formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Corsairs take out the ‘Zeros’. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Zeros smoking. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Splash two ‘Zeros’. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
TFC’s FG-1D Corsair leading the Red Bull F4U-4. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull F4U-4 and TFC FG-1D made a fantastic formation aerobatics display. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Salis Collection F4U-5. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
TFC’s FG-1D in tight formation with the Red Bull F4U-4 Corsair. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
TFC’s FG-1D in tight formation with the Red Bull F4U-4 Corsair. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Fighter Collection’s FG-1D Corsair, marked as an example which served in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm aboard the carrier HMS Vengeance at the tail end of WWII. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Salis Collection’s F4U-5 on rollout. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Red Bull’s F4U-4 taxiing in after her display. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A civilian interlude came next, with Sébastien Mazzuchetti’s superb Spartan 7W Executive (N47W) followed by the Swiss-basedClassic Formation Teamand their unique formation display featuring their highly-polished DC-3 N431HM (C-47A-45-DL 42-24133) and three Beech Expeditors N223CM (blue ex-RCAF 2344), N21FS (red – ex-RCAF 1538) and N184KP (yellow – ex-RCAF 1530), all owned by Hugo Mathys who flew one of the Expeditors during this show.
The Classic Formation Team breaking formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Classic Formation Team ‘in formation’. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Classic Formation Team formation break. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Classic Formation Team breaking ranks following their performance. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Sébastien Mazzuchetti’s superb Spartan 7W Executive (N47W) coming in to land. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Spartan 7W Executive (N47W) during roll-out. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The lovely Spartan Executive. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Classic Formation Team’s aircraft coming in to land. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Hugo Mathys former RCAF Beech Expeditor coming in to land, one of three examples he had at the show. This is N184KP (ex-RCAF 1530). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Hugo Mathys former RCAF Beech Expeditor coming in to land, one of three examples he had at the show. This is N21FS (ex-RCAF 1538). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Hugo Mathys former RCAF Beech Expeditor coming in to land, one of three examples he had at the show. This is N223CM (ex-RCAF 2344). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Classic Formation Team’s magnificently polished DC-3 N431HM (C-47A-45-DL 42-24133). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
DC-3 N431HM (C-47A-45-DL 42-24133) on rollout. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A French Air Force Dassault Rafale then gave a great aerobatic demonstration, which culminated in a reverse half Cuban 8, extending the undercarriage while inverted as the aircraft began the half loop to land.
A Dassault Rafale pulling vapor during its spirited performance. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A Dassault Reafale in a photo-pass. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
There was also a Vietnam War-themed display, although it was smaller than usual, with only one Douglas AD-4N Skyraider (BuNo.125716) joined by two North American Trojans, T-28A/Fenec (51-7545/TL-206) and T-28C (BuNo.146287), attacking the ground base while T-28B BuNo.138360 flew a separate routine as Forward Air Controller. Despite the small showing in this sequence, we were treated to some nice aerobatics from the Skyraider, and a pairs formation display from two T28s (which you could later buy rides in along with a T-6, Stearman and Travel Air 4000).
The Trojans flew a really tight formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Douglas AD-4N Skyraider (BuNo.125716). (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Vietnam War was represented by a brace of T-28 Trojans and an AD-4N Skyraider. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The ‘Vietnam War formation’ of Skyraider and Trojans. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The two North American Trojans. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Skyraider going vertical. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A nice photo-pass from the AD-4N Skyraider. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Skyraider on roll-out. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Korean War era was represented by Frederick Akary’s superb Canadair Sabre Mk.6 (ex-Luftwaffe KE+104) painted to represent an F-86 Sabre of the 461st Fighter Squadron when based in Germany.
The Sabre during a photo-pass. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Canadair Sabre Mk.6 dressed in USAF markings. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Sabre going inverted. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Normandie-Nieman Squadron of French pilots serving in the Soviet Air Force during WWII was commemorated by the Yak-11 F-AZNN (converted to a single seater) and Yak-9P F-AZOS. The latter aircraft was originally a Czech-built Yak-11 tandem-seat trainer. Obtained from the Egyptian Air Force and taken to La Ferte Alais, it was later restored as a single seater in the US, and modified with the Allison V-1710 engine to represent a Yak-9P. The aircraft came back to France in the mid 2000s and has recently undergone a second restoration, with its first flight taking place last year at La Ferte Alais.
Yak-11 single-seat conversion getting airborne. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Yak-11 single-seat conversion coming in to land. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Yak-9U (a modified Yak-11) coming in to land. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Three Supermarine Spitfires attended the air show. In addition to Ultimate Fighters Mk.Vc, Christoph Jaquard’s PR.XIX (PS890) and Fast Aero’s Belgian-based Mk.XVI (SL721) were on hand. SL721 is a well-travelled Spitfire – she was restored for Bill Ross in Atlanta during the late 60s as N8R and then later moved to England as G-BAUP with the legendary Doug Arnold. She returned to the US in 1977 with Woodson K. Woods as N8WK and then N721WK. Restored again, she joined Mike Potter’s then-nascent Vintage Wings of Canada in 2000 as C-GVZB, where the aircraft gained her current paint scheme representing 421 Squadron (RCAF). She moved to Belgium in 2018 as OO-XVI, although she now sports a modified paint scheme and different side-codes to her previous Canadian livery.
A magnificent study of Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX PS980. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The magnificent Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX PS890. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Spitfire PR Mk.XIX PS890. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The former Vintage Wings of Canada Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI SL721. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI SL721 retains much of its Vintage Wings of Canada paint scheme, but now with invasion stripes and a different side code. The VWoC tribute to 421 Squadron pilot William Harper remains on the cockpit side, however. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Spitfire Mk.XVI SL721 leading Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX PS980 in formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Spitfires in formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Two Spitfires with the Saint Exupery formation behind them. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The show’s finale and major highlight featured Red Bull’s Lockheed P-38L Lightning 44-53254 flying with the Patrouille de France, the French Air Force’s aerial demonstration team. The reason for this unusual formation involved a celebration for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous book The Little Prince. This year marks the 75th anniversary of its publication in France, (following its 1943 issue in the United States). Although he is now most famous for writing TheLittle Prince (the world’s most translated novella, and still a best seller) Saint-Exupéry initially became famous for his pre-war exploits as an airmail pilot. Almost 40 when he joined the French Air Force at the beginning of WWII as a reconnaissance pilot, he was a determined aviator. After the fall of France, and his subsequent demobilization from the military, Saint-Exupéry ventured to the USA in an endeavor to persuade the nation to fight the Nazis and free France. He stayed in America for 28 months, during which time he wrote The Little Prince. Following the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1943, he travelled to that continent aboard an American troop ship to join the Free French forces there, wangling a position as a reconnaissance pilot. Sadly, he disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea on 31 July 1944, while flying a Lockheed F-5B, a photo-reconnaissance variant of the P-38 Lightning (hence the connection to the Red Bull P-38). Interestingly, Red Bull’s Lightning was also once modified as an F-5G.
A gorgeous shot of the Red Bull P-38 Lightning. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Saturday’s Saint-Exupéry formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Saturday’s Saint-Exupéry formation. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
A beautiful shot showing the tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry featuring the Red Bull P-38L in formation with the Patrouille de France. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Sunday’s formation flight tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry had the P-38 leading the Patrouille de France. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull P-38 Lightning. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull P-38 during its solo routine. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull P-38 during its solo routine. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Red Bull P-38L performed a spirited solo routine. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Patrouille de Franec during their routine. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Patrouille de Franec during their routine. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Patroille do France in action. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Red Bull’s P-38 about to touch down. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Patrouille de France overflying The Fighter Collection’s FG-1D. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Patrouille de France cutting a glorious image above the Salis Collection’s F4U-5. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
The Patrouille de France flying above Red Bull’s magnificent P-38L Lightning. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)
Saturday’s Saint-Exupéry formation was somewhat problematic, as the Patrouille de France were in the lead and mostly obscured the trailing P-38 in their red, white, and blue smoke trails. Therefore, on Sunday, they reversed the aircraft order so that the P-38 lead the formation with much better viewing results! The Lightning then flew a superb aerobatic display before the Patrouille de France concluded the show with their famous routine.
Many thanks indeed to Nigel Hitchman for this entertaining air show report and lovely images!
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.