Replica Me 262 has flown!!

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Getting back on topic for a mo, (sorry about that!) that ‘262 is a GREAT sight.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

The production line argument is one thing, but there were 5 F3f’s and have been several Fokker DR1 replicas?

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-12-02 AT 07:42 PM (GMT)]I haven’t kept up to date on the 262 project, but my understanding is that the aircraft is constructed along the original design specifications, with modern engines housed in authentic looking nacelles.

I imagine the engines would not be the only modern fixtures, and that the manufacturers would have taken the opportunity to re-design or re-engineer, weaknesses in the original design wherever possible, but retaining the original appearance of each component. The original 262 was not a hasty design, but was hastily constructed, and suffered from unreliable engines and nosegear failures. I would imagine that the overall design was sound, and that any developments in technology over the past 60 years that could be economically applied to this aircraft would have been incorporated in the modern project to improve safety and reliability.

In view of this, it’s reasonable to assume that the new 262’s would be as safe as any other modern aircraft, and probably much safer than restored warbirds which are now 60 years old.

I don’t know what sort of restrictions would apply in Australia, but we seem to be reasonably liberated in the area of warbirds, ultra-lights etc, which other countries frown on. If there’s a problem flying the 262 in the UK, (or anywhere else) send them out here – we’d love to have them.

Regards

Wombat

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Thanks for the info Ant. If I understand the various info on the Flug Werk project, then it seems that the number of fully-assembled aircraft is strictly limited, for the same reasons quoted by the CAA. The remainder are delivered as kits.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Hi Kenneth,
I read not too long ago that the CAA were unlikely to allow a FlugWerke 190 to fly in the UK,although what I read wasn’t too clear on the reasons.Certainly,the CAA have not ‘banned’ them from operating as the proposal to operate one in the UK has not been put to them yet as far as I know.The CAA don’t take decisions at first glance.
I think the main queery the CAA have about the FW190’s is that the CAA have a limit on the number of ‘replicas’ that can be built (I think it is 6).After this,the people making them count as manufacturers of a new type of aircraft,and the aircraft then has to go through the whole testing and certification process as if it were an entirelly new design.This explains why we can have a wooden Spitfire powered by a Jaguar sportscar engine or a Fairey Flycatcher reproduction with a US engine or the Vimy etc etc.Basically,it seems that they are allowed to fly as they are unique and not part of a production line.
Hope this clarifies things a bit,although I admit it’s all pretty murky waters.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Could anyone please point to a source where the CAA actually explicitly states that a Flug Werk FW190 will not be allowed to fly in the UK? Without such a source I am otherwise not very inclined to believe that they would ban it, because:

– at least two other substantial 100% scratch-built replica aircraft have already flown on more than one occasion in the UK, namely a Grumman F3F and the American Vickers Vimy;
– everything seems to run very smoothly between Flugwerk and the Luftfahrtbundesamt (LBA), the German civilian aviation authority, and they are in no way comparable to the CAA in terms of what they grant a Permit to Fly or a CoA (one look at the warbird scene in Germany, a country with a population of 80 million, should tell it all) and the CAA is surely aware of the LBA´s high standards;
– similar warbirds which are or have been on the UK register are for all intents and purposes also replicas (the Spitfire in which Charles Church was killed springs to mind), and because
– I fail to see how an authority which is sufficiently liberal to tolerate non-military organisations operating high-performance ex-military jets (Jet Provosts, Gnats and Hunters) flown amongst others by people with a PPL could have any problems with a replica WW2 fighter aircraft.

Did you know that Lufthansa has had to fit silencers and non-original three-bladed propellers to its Ju 52 to comply with “noise” regulations? Did you know that you have to fit a silencer to a J3 Cub if you want completely restriction free flying with it in Germany? Did you known that ultralight flying is banned completely in Switzerland? Have a look at conditions in other countries and then you will realise how well you are off with the CAA as a vintage aircraft enthusiast in the UK – and hopefully stop the perpetual knocking of them.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Fantastic! It’s the abosolute dogs! We’ve been following this for years and now it’s happened – brilliant.

Can’t wait for the air to airs and DVD footage.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

They have said no way the FW190s (has one flown yet?) but I dont know about their policy regarding the 262s. Besides I would guess the OFMC would be interested in one.

If he wants one, no doubt Stephen Grey will allready have secured one.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

DOGS DANGLIES!!!!

A worthwhile paraffin burner

Moggy

(I’m not sure if under JAR the CAA can stop a legally registered aircraft from a member country visiting here. I’ll check)

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-12-02 AT 08:03 PM (GMT)]Great news,one of the best bits of news this year!She looks awesome!
I’m not so sure the CAA would ‘make sure one never flew in the UK’.I don’t mean to be insulting,but I think it’s far too shallow a view of the CAA.I know we’re all a bit cheesed off with thier approach to the FW190’s,but they have thier reasons,and I don’t think those reasons apply to the 262’s.The CAA are a very openminded bunch who examine each case on it’s own individual merits,and I think it’s a tad on the harsh side to call them an ‘achiles heel’-they are quite the oposite in fact.Here’s to a 262 in the UK! 🙂

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

There is no chance of seeing one at Duxford or anywhere else in the U.K.
A certain achilles heel called the CAA will see to that.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Okay, so will we get to see one at Flying Ledgends?

Now, 262 and Fw190 combo.

Dribble…

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Best news of the year!!!!!

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

I can’t take this suspense…what a amazing device.

RE: Replica Me 262 has flown!!

Magnificent. Absolutely, totally, utterly, magnificent. 🙂 I don’t usually have much time for paraffin burners, but that’s absolutely fantastic. The Stormbirds website is saying that it was a short hop into the air while conducting high speed taxi tests – looks like the temptation was just TOO much… 😉 Either way, congratulations to all who made it possible. I’m off to fill in a Lottery ticket for tomorrow night – I want one of these… 😉