Spitfire NH799

Another day at the (Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre) office:

Facebook video, but no account required.
https://www.facebook.com/198301010253555/videos/915744948509154/

By the way, the area between the camera and the fence is available before and during the show (or any time at all actually) for good viewing of aircraft activity. The hangar containing the black triplane replica is the first of four immediately behind the OAHC, and doors for the flyable aircraft in the OAHC are to the left also. Access to the runways is to the right. Most joyrides (e.g. in the Stearman just visible in the video) depart from this area.

Loved John’s display at Omaka…….. for me (perhaps I am strange) the Mk.V sporting that huge Vokes filter and the Mk.24

to a certain extent I agree but would rather it was another Hurricane.

We sent ‘ours’ over your way, not our fault it pranged! 😉
And we’ve started on your Mozzie.

Mike, I used to feel the same way. Having seen NH799 perform I can now see the appeal of the Griffon-powered machines, but I doubt anything will change my mind as to the Mk.Vb being my favourite. But the Griffon’s sound really makes for a different kind of display.

We don’t have any Hurricane flying in NZ so, for us at least, that’s a moot point 😉

It was great to see her on the flightline – and taxiing by (I was close to Errol for that shot) – at Ardmore last weekend although I was disheartened to hear of the engine issues. It looks like those issues have been resolved as there are photos on Facebook of it home at Omaka (home of the owner’s FW190, Sopwith Pup and Fokker E.V project) posted yesterday. Wonderful to see!

I can’t embed so, from Marty Nicoll:

“Another new kid on the block”

And from James Orphan:

“Running out of hangar space”.

No need to apologise! But I’m sure you’ll understand that if you are going to be blessed with a third Spitfire to be available for you to see on a semi-regular basis, then one that isn’t another Mk IX is a bonus!

to a certain extent I agree but would rather it was another Hurricane.

Sorry but I still prefer the Merlin engined variants with the narrow chord rudder. The Griffon and broad chord rudder seem to detract from the purity of line.

…and those awful 12″ wheels. 😉

Mark

No need to apologise! But I’m sure you’ll understand that if you are going to be blessed with a third Spitfire to be available for you to see on a semi-regular basis, then one that isn’t another Mk IX is a bonus!

Sorry but I still prefer the Merlin engined variants with the narrow chord rudder. The Griffon and broad chord rudder seem to detract from the purity of line.

It was hoped to display NH799 at the NZ Warbirds Open Day at Ardmore on May 31st, but it was not to be. Engine boost issues meant it was only available on the flightline, but we at least got to see it taxy-ing, and with engine covers off!

RR Griffon, not running so well at the mo. by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

At least we saw the MkXIV move! by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

It has now returned to its base at Omaka.
http://rnzaf.proboards.com/post/228001/thread

The final part of the scheme will be applied at Omaka. I’m not sure exactly what it is but it is artwork as carried by the XIV in Burma.

Hi All,
Many thanks to all who have posted the news and Videos in this thread great viewing. :applause:

Geoff.

And a brief video of her running up and taxiing:

The NZ Warbirds Association have an open day/mini-show at the end of the month, I’m crossing my fingers that NH799 will fly again.

Nice!

The markings on NH799 are now complete.

I am indebted to John Mounce for these shots just in, taken at Ardmore NZ today, 9 May 2015.

Mark

Image:- John Mounce

Image:- John Mounce

Many thanks to ErrolC & K054NZ for their pictures of NH799 at Omaka.

I think Mark Hanna’s display in NH799 shows to good effect that despite being heavier and having more power than the earlier Marks, it still had good maneuverability, performance, and handling. (I know the airworthy examples fly at a lighter weight than when in service, and for a display, they are normally using only max continuous power!)

I seem to recall Stephen Grey mentioning in an article in one of the Flying Legends programs, that if, God forbid, WWII was to happen again, then the MK XIV would be his weapon of choice!

I seem to recall a thread on here a long time ago mentioned that not long after it flew again for the first time, Stephen took the power up to the full +18lbs boost in MV293 one occasion. 😀

Cheers

Paul

I never saw Mark display her – or anything, sadly – in person but I’m looking forward to video of John Lamont’s display on Saturday being made available. I finally see the appeal of the Griffon Spits – watching his low and fast passes you wouldn’t think you were watching something with 2hr on the clock. Stunning.

Re- the videos, thanks Bradburger, Mark Hanna wringing out a griffon powered spitfire at low level , it doesn’t get much better than that does it ?
Much missed .

Nice!

Thanks for the earlier-era links

My Flickr set:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/errolgc/sets/72157651809346145

Omaka, new home of Spitfire XIV NH799 by errolgc, on Flickr

Spitfire trio in NZ! by errolgc, on Flickr

Excellent stuff.