Hi everyone, duderank posting for the first time on the subject of the “Battle of Britain” movie. I understand there exists footage of a novel way of depicting the films Me109s being “shot down” that was tested but not utilised due to very obvious safety issues. It had something to do with a contrivance designed to shoot out flames from beneath the wings of a Buchon. Has anyone seen this footage and can tell me if it was tested air to air as I suspect it might, and are there any photographs of this?

“Aeroplane” Magazine held a convention to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the movie and this was held at Duxford in September 1999. A considerable amount of “behind the scenes” footage was shown at the convention and this included footage taken by the Pinewood Art Dept (colour,probably 16mm) showing a flame generating device fitted to a Buchon.

We saw a Buchon on the ground fitted with a pipe like device under one wing. When it was fired a huge jet of flame shot out behind the pipe.

I don’t know if this device was ever used in the air – perhaps it was too dangerous. Perhaps if you contacted Tony Harmsworth of “Aeroplane” Magazine (who was MC at the event) he might know more about this.

Colin