Israeli Air Force Museum

Black Spitfire

Skythe,

My earliest shot of Black 57 is this shot taken on 22 April 1956. Incidentally 20-67, the third in line aircraft, is PT462 that currently flies as a two seater here in the UK.

I cannot be sure that the unmarked IDFAF Black Spitfire that we referred predates this shot or was just part way through re-painting.

I am not totally convinced that Black 57 is actually the original 57. 20-58 would be far more logical. This was an aircraft with special features in the Czech AF used by Karel Posta for display.

Mark

Originally posted by Mark12
An interesting black and white shot on the site you mention – the one without the 57 applied. I have seen it before but do you have any idea of a date for this shot?

Sorry no, but it must be before 1966 because that’s the earliest dated photo I found, and the aircraft already had the 57.

Originally posted by Mark12
It has always been a puzzle to me that we have never seen a shot of 20-57 in the pre black livery.

There aren’t that many photos of IDF/AF Spitfires in service as it is. Some nice ones here, though none of 57.

Reading up on 57, apparently the black livery was adopted from the personal mount of Frank Curry, wing commander at RAF Faid (Egypt) during WWII. Anyone got a photo of that aircraft?
Also, does someone have photos of TE554 during RAF or Czech service?

Skythe,

An interesting black and white shot on the site you mention – the one without the 57 applied. I have seen it before but do you have any idea of a date for this shot?

It has always been a puzzle to me that we have never seen a shot of 20-57 in the pre black livery.

Mark

and the photo, of course …

Black Spitfire

The Black Spit indeed underwent an overhaul at Sde Dov during the summer. The photo attached is dated June 17.

However, upon arrival at the museum it was grounded again. Apparently the staff were dissatisfied with the results, the least of which was mistakes in applying the livery, placing roundels in the wrong place and such. I’m not sure of it’s current status, but it might have gone to back to Sde Dov. There’s a possible sighting from late July.

More photos can also be found at http://idfmodelling.free.fr/spitfire.html . The last three are recent ones, taken at the museum shortly after the overhaul I believe.

“The Black Spit” is the personal Spitfire of the previous president of Israel, Ezer Vietzman (Wiseman). And yes, it’s prevented in a flight condition. He flew in it in the “War of Independance”.

Cargomaster,

Any sign/word of the ‘Black 57’ Spitfire?

It has completed its major overhaul and should be back ‘operational’.

Mark

Originally posted by Ant Harrington
Presumably that’s an ex-Swiss AF Venom?I don’t recall any others having that long ‘beak’ on the nose.

I think this Venom is from Venezuela, as well as one of the two Vampires. The other Vampire and the Hunter are from Chile.

Presumably that’s an ex-Swiss AF Venom?I don’t recall any others having that long ‘beak’ on the nose.
Nice pics CargoM,thanks for sharing.:cool:

and here it is

CargoM

The museum has both, you can catch a glimpse of the Venom behind the Vampire, it wears the colours of the Iraqi Air Force.

Originally posted by Cargomaster
Vampire or Venom??

Vampire.

Flood.

and finally…at least for now

Cargo M

Mig 15

another…

and a happy, healthy, and safe new Year to all

Vampire or Venom??

Cheers,

A few more

Some cracking photos there, any more?

and a Harvard

a Vautour