NEW 1:72 SCALE Airfix congratulates the Spitfire Society on their 20th Anniversary

3 COMPLETELY NEW HIGHLY DETAILED 1:72 SCALE MODELS FROM ALL-NEW MOULD TOOLS A02065 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE Mk IXc In 1941 the Luftwaffe introduced the Fw 190 providing a formidable foe to the RAF’s fighters. The Mk IX was a significant improvement on the Mk V. It had a top speed of 409 mph at 28,000 feet, an increase of 40 mph. Its service ceiling rose from 36,2000 feet to 43,000 feet.

A02017 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE PR XIX The reconnaisance Spitfire PR XIX was unarmed but could fly at 370 mph at 40,000 feet and had a range of 1500 miles. Mk XIX Spitfires represent the ‘top end’ of development of the Spitfire.

A02029 MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109 G-6 Over 12,000 of the ‘Gustav’ G-6 were built from 1943 to 1944 and were armed with two formidable 13mm machine guns, enabling the top Luftwaffe aces to record in some cases hundreds of ‘kills’. AIRFIX catalogue out now!

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Join the AIRFIX Club EDITOR’S COMMENT

❝The whole Vickers Vimy story epitomises the great themes of historic aviation: technical brilliance, bravery, romance, victory over adversity . . .

❞

OF ALL THE historic aircraft projects I have encountered during 26 years working on Aeroplane, Vickers Vimy replica NX71MY and its exploits is, for me, Number One. This month’s issue, then, with its celebration of the 90th anniversary of Alcock and Brown’s pioneering transatlantic Vimy fl ight, has special signifi cance.

What is it about the Vimy that appeals so much? In my case, my rides in NX71MY around the Pyramids and up the River Nile in Egypt almost ten years ago (Ten! Where has the time gone?) have something to do with it. Also the unforgettable moment in July 2005 when, standing with other eager spectators on Ballyconneely golfcourse near Clifden in Ireland, I fi rst spotted the replica as it neared the end of its amazing re-enactment of Alcock and Brown’s 1919 fl ight across 1,890 miles of unforgiving ocean.

Because it encapsulates human endeavour, a Vimy can fi re you up even in the comfort of your armchair or sofa — which is where I hope you will enjoy this issue, with its Vimy Database and Aircrew features in addition to our usual wide-ranging coverage of aviation history and preservation.

Michael Oakey – EDITOR PS — Please take the time to complete and return our Reader Survey in the centre pages of this issue. I welcome your feedback and opinions, which help me and my crew to make Aeroplane unmissable every month.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

EDITOR’S CHOICE

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How a bomber became a trailblazer We’ve told you about replica NX71MY’s adventures over the years — now the Vickers Vimy and its descendants get the full historic Database treatment.

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A day in the life . . . Find out exactly what was involved in fl ying a long-distance Spitfi re photo-reconnaissance sortie during the darkest days of World War Two.

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I C H A E L O A K E Y

Vimy replica NX71MY soon after completing its transatlantic re-enactment fl ight in 2005. M

Fearful asymmetry Many of us recall the Blohm und Voss Bv 141 as the oddest Airfi x kit ever. Indeed, the real aircraft looked as if it was put together all wrong . . .

Editorial contacts

Editor Michael OakeyTel (020) 3148 4100 e-mail editoraero@ipcmedia.com

HERE’S HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US . . . Aeroplane, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark St, London SE1 0SUWebsite: www.aeroplanemonthly.com

Deputy Editor Nick Stroud Tel (020) 3148 4105 e-mail featuresaero@ipcmedia.com

Assistant Editor Tony Harmsworth Tel (020) 3148 4104 e-mail newsaero@ipcmedia.com

Art Editor Tanya Caffrey Tel (020) 3148 4107 e-mail designaero@ipcmedia.com

Production Editor Amanda Lock Tel (020) 3148 4102 e-mail productionaero@ipcmedia.com

Editorial assistance Philip Jarrett, Mike Hooks, John Donaldson e-mail infoaero@ipcmedia.com Webmaster David Siddall e-mail aeroplanemonthly@davidsiddall.com

SERVICES Back issues Jessica Marenghi T: (020) 3148 4327 Subscription enquiries T: +44 (0) 845676 7778, E: ipcsubs@qss-uk.com For Publishing, Advertising, Marketing and other contacts see page 103