REVIEW: Duxford Flying Finale 2024
The Duxford Flying Finale of 2024 was a breathtaking spectacle that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of aviation and history. As the final event of the flying season at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, it delivered a stunning display of aerial prowess and historical significance. Held on October 5th, the event was blessed with clear skies and a warm autumn sun, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.
The crowd was treated to a variety of aircraft displays that showcased everything from vintage warbirds to modern aerobatic teams. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the two special flypasts commemorating significant anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the 60th anniversary of the Red Arrows. These flypasts were not just a feast for the eyes but also a poignant reminder of the bravery and skill of those who have flown before.
The grounds of IWM Duxford were buzzing with excitement, offering visitors a chance to explore not just the airshow but also the rich history housed within the museum’s hangars. The Plane Sailing Canadian Vickers PBY-5A Catalina flying boat and the Aircraft Restoration Company Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF were particular crowd-pleasers, pulled out for close-up static displays that allowed enthusiasts to appreciate their historical significance and engineering marvel.
Despite the dazzling lineup, not all planned participants made it to the skies. Team Raven, initially slated to perform, was removed from the lineup early on, much to the disappointment of their fans. Similarly, the Lockheed 12A Electra was absent, and the Cambridge Gliding Centre’s Perkoz glider remained on static display. The tricky crosswinds also grounded the World War I aircraft, the Fokker DR1 replica and the Airco DH.9, underscoring the challenges pilots faced in the early days of aviation.
The Duxford Flying Finale of 2024 was a grand celebration of aviation history, with significant contributions from the Royal Air Force, making it an even more memorable event. The presence of the Red Arrows was a highlight, as they had just returned from their North American Tour, marking their final display of the season. The year 2024 was particularly special for the Red Arrows as they celebrated their 60th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, they performed a joint flypast with the iconic Spitfire IX MH434, an aircraft with a storied past closely linked to Squadron Leader Ray Hanna.
The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, have been a symbol of British excellence in aviation since their formation in 1964. Known for their precision flying and breathtaking aerobatic displays, the team has become a beloved fixture at airshows worldwide. Their distinctive white and red BAE Systems Hawk jets are instantly recognizable, and their displays are a testament to the skill and dedication of the pilots and support crew.
Spitfire MH434, on the other hand, is one of the most famous surviving Spitfires. Built in 1943, it saw combat during World War II and has since become a beloved symbol of British aviation heritage. It was once owned by Squadron Leader Ray Hanna, a legendary figure in the world of aerobatics and historic aircraft. Hanna, a former leader of the Red Arrows himself, was instrumental in preserving and showcasing historic aircraft, and his connection to MH434 adds an extra layer of history to this remarkable aircraft.
Another standout from the RAF was the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, piloted by Flight Lieutenant David “Turbo” Turnbull. This display marked both the end of the season for the RAF Typhoon Display Team and Turnbull’s final performance. The Typhoon FGR4 ZJ913, with its striking D-Day-inspired design, paid homage to the Royal Air Force Hawker Typhoons that played a crucial role during the Normandy landings. The aircraft’s camouflage pattern and invasion stripes made it a visually stunning centrepiece of the show. The Typhoon’s performance included formation flypasts with the Aircraft Restoration Company’s Spitfire PR XI, piloted by John Romain, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Both aircraft later performed solo displays.
The Avro Lancaster bomber from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was another star attraction. The Lancaster, one of only two airworthy examples in the world, is a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the crews who flew them during World War II. The BBMF faced a challenging year in 2024, with the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Mark Long in a Spitfire crash in May, which led to the grounding of all single-engine Merlin-powered aircraft. However, the Lancaster, with its four Merlin engines, was deemed safe to fly and returned to the skies mid-season after extensive maintenance. Its appearance at Duxford was its final display of the year, offering a fitting tribute to those who served.
“The Last Dogfight” routine is known very well to the Duxford audience having been performed multiple times before at Duxford, this unique display brought together the L-4 Grasshopper, Aeronca L-3 Defender, and Fi-156 Storch.
The Piper L-4 Grasshopper, flown by Anthony Bendowski, is a military variant of the Piper J-3 Cub, known for its versatility and reliability during World War II. Used primarily for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and liaison duties, the L-4 played a crucial role in providing ground troops with valuable intelligence. The Aeronca L-3 Defender, piloted by Paul Ford, made its first public flying display at Duxford. This aircraft, used by the U.S. Army Air Corps, served similar roles to the L-4, offering excellent visibility and maneuverability. The Slepcev Storch, flown by Sam Whatmough, is a Serbian ultralight STOL aircraft, it is the ultralight version of a 3/4 scale replica of the Fieseler Fi 156 Storch of the Second World War which was renowned for its remarkable short takeoff and landing capabilities, making it a favorite for reconnaissance and liaison missions in the German Luftwaffe.
“The Last Dogfight” routine was a creative reenactment that paid homage to the lighter, slower aircraft that often played unsung roles in wartime aviation. The performance highlighted the agility and versatility of these aircraft, showcasing their ability to perform in tight spaces and low altitudes, much like they would have during reconnaissance missions or last-ditch defensive maneuvers.
Adding to the spectacle, the Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd P-51D Mustang ‘Jersey Jerk’, piloted by Dave Puleston, and the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt ‘Nellie B’, flown by Mark Levy, delivered a mesmerizing two-ship routine. These iconic American fighters of World War II were celebrated for their power and range, with the Mustang renowned for its role in escorting bombers deep into enemy territory and the Thunderbolt known for its ruggedness and ground-attack capabilities. Their synchronized maneuvers and subsequent solo displays highlighted the distinct characteristics and historical significance of these legendary aircraft.
In another thrilling segment, Steve Jones and Stu Goldspink showcased the prowess of piston-engine fighters with a formation display featuring the Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd’s Hawker Fury ISS and the Fighter Collection’s Grumman F8F Bearcat. The Hawker Fury ISS was the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy and one of the fastest production single piston-engined aircraft ever built. Developed during the Second World War, the Fury entered service two years after the war ended. The Grumman F8F Bearcat was the U.S. Navy’s last piston-engine fighter and was designed to outperform its predecessors with its exceptional climb rate and speed. Their formation display was a testament to the evolution of fighter aircraft, demonstrating the raw power and agility of these machines.
The Duxford Flying Finale of 2024 continued to dazzle with a rich variety of aircraft, each with its own unique story and significance. Among the performers was the LeVier Cosmic Wind, piloted by Pete Kynsey. This sleek, single-seat racing aircraft was originally designed and built in the late 1940s by Lockheed test pilot Tony LeVier and engineer Herman “Fish” Salmon. The Cosmic Wind was created for air racing, showcasing a streamlined design and exceptional speed. Its participation in the Duxford display highlighted the thrill and innovation of post-war air racing, captivating audiences with its nimble performance.
Danny Williams added to the excitement with his graceful aerobatics in the classic Pitts S-1D Special once flown by the Trig aerobatic team. The Pitts Special is an iconic biplane known for its agility and precision, making it a favourite among aerobatic pilots worldwide. Designed by Curtis Pitts in the 1940s, the S-1D variant is a single-seat model that has become synonymous with competitive aerobatics. Williams’ display demonstrated the Pitts’ ability to execute tight loops, rolls, and other classic aerobatic manoeuvres, providing a thrilling spectacle for the crowd.
Another highlight of the show was the P-51D Mustang “Marinell,” flown beautifully by Isobel Rutland who delivered a stunning solo performance. “Marinell” has a storied history, having been based in the UK from 2008 to 2016 before moving to Italy and returning in 2023. Now owned by Isobel Rutland and Marinell Ltd, the aircraft is maintained by The Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford. This event marked the UK display debut for “Marinell” since it’s return to the UK. However, the display was not without incident, as the Mustang lost two starboard exhaust stubs during the flight, nearly losing a third. Despite this, Rutland managed a safe landing, parking up and shutting the engine down early, demonstrating her skill and composure.
Representing the photo-reconnaissance theme were two remarkable aircraft: the Beech D17S Staggerwing and the Spitfire FR Mk XIV. The Beech D17S Staggerwing, flown by Peter Kypers, is a classic American biplane known for its luxurious design and impressive performance. Originally developed in the 1930s, the Staggerwing was used during World War II for various roles, including reconnaissance, thanks to its speed and range. Its elegant lines and distinctive staggered wings made it a standout both in the air and on the ground.
The Spitfire FR Mk XIV, piloted by Alex Smee, is a photo reconnaissance variant of the iconic Spitfire. Equipped with cameras instead of guns, the FR Mk XIV played a crucial role in gathering intelligence during World War II. Its powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon engine and advanced design allowed it to fly fast and high, making it ideal for reconnaissance missions. Smee’s display highlighted the aircraft’s agility and historical significance, providing a poignant reminder of the vital role reconnaissance played in wartime strategy.
Both aircraft arrived together, performing a formation flypast before breaking off into their solo displays. This segment of the show celebrated the technological advancements and strategic importance of aerial reconnaissance, offering a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of aviation history.
Another special formation was the trainer’s formation, featuring Phil Hardisty, Pete Kynsey, and Alex Lewton, who showcased the versatility and historical significance of three different trainer aircraft: the de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T10, Yakovlev Yak-52, and Bücker Jungmann.
The de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T10, piloted by Phil Hardisty, is a post-war primary trainer that served as the RAF’s standard trainer aircraft from the late 1940s through the 1990s. Known for its excellent handling characteristics, the Chipmunk was instrumental in training generations of pilots. Alex Lewton flew the Yakovlev Yak-52, a Soviet-era trainer designed in the 1970s. With its robust design and aerobatic capabilities, the Yak-52 has been a popular choice for both military and civilian flight training. Pete Kynsey piloted the Bücker Jungmann, a classic German biplane trainer from the 1930s. Renowned for its agility and responsiveness, the Jungmann was used extensively for pilot training before and during World War II.
The trainers performed a series of flypasts in formation, demonstrating the evolution of training aircraft over the decades. Each then broke off for short solo displays, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to pilot training.
Quite possibly the highlight for everyone was the joint display by five Spitfires and two Hurricanes. This formation was a breathtaking tribute to the iconic fighters that played pivotal roles during the Battle of Britain and throughout World War II. Leading the formation was the Imperial War Museum’s own Spitfire Mk.I N3200, flown by Jon Gowdy. This historic aircraft was joined by Anna Walker and Rolf Meum in the Comanche Fighters Spitfire Mk.Is AR213 and X4650, Ben Cox in the Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd Spitfire Mk.V EE602, Paul Bonhomme flying the Old Flying Machine Company’s Spitfire Mk.IX MH434, Trevor Dugan in the Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd Hurricane Mk.I P2902, and Stu Goldspink in the Hurricane501’s Hurricane Mk.I V7497.
The Spitfire, with its distinctive elliptical wings and powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, became a symbol of British resilience and ingenuity. Its exceptional speed and manoeuvrability made it a formidable opponent in dogfights, earning it legendary status. The Hawker Hurricane, while often overshadowed by the Spitfire, was the workhorse of the Battle of Britain, responsible for the majority of RAF victories. Its rugged design and reliability made it a favourite among pilots.
The formation performed a series of awe-inspiring flypasts before breaking up into tail chases, a thrilling display of agility and precision that left the audience in awe. The sight of these historic aircraft flying together was a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the skies.
As the Duxford Flying Finale of 2024 came to a close, it left behind a sense of wonder and appreciation for the rich history of aviation. The event brought together enthusiasts, families, and veterans, fostering a community spirit that celebrated not only the machines but the stories and people behind them. It was a fitting conclusion to the flying season, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the legacy of flight.
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