This conversion does raise one interesting question: why, if it is possible to substitute a V-1710 so seamlessly for a DB605 in a Bf109…

…then why does the Merlin-engined Buchon look such an abortion?

CD,

As you are probably aware, the Merlin has an updraft carburettor, whilst the Allison has an downdraft one.

So from that point, it is necessary to have the carb intake at the bottom on the Buchon, hence the large chin intake/cowling that seems to offend so many people!

Whilst I don’t have the dimensions of the Allison & RR Merlin 500 (as fitted to the Buchon) to hand, I’m sure the Merlin is slightly bigger, and certainly seems to take up more room in the 109 airframe with all the associated plumbing and ancillaries fitted to it.

(It would be interesting to know which model of Allison has been fitted to the airframe).

And the Merlin 500 has a single stage/two speed supercharger fitted, whereas the Allison is only fitted with a single speed/single stage one, so the back end is bigger on the 500.

Despite all the naysayers, I think Pacific Fighters have done a great job using the Allison as a substitute for either a Merlin or a DB605, and should be proud of what they achieved.

A clever, practical, and cost effective solution that puts another 109 type back in the air.

It will be interesting to see a video of it flying, and hear how it compares to the Buchon and DB powered airframes from the pilot’s point of view.

Cheers

Paul

Nice to hear some wise and thoughtful words for a change, after all of the “We’ll break your legs if you leave” rhetoric from the likes of Junker & co. : –

Cheers

Paul

Moggy,

Whilst it may appear from the radar/Google Earth plot that it did, it didn’t.

From the report: –

5. The accident manoeuvre started and finished outside the aerodrome
boundary, over an area not controlled by the organisers of the flying
display.

8. The manoeuvre started approximately 900 m from the display line at a
height of 185 ±25ft agl.

And as the numerous videos of the accident clearly show.

Cheers

Paul

Some interesting and qualified words from Hunter owner and highly experienced display and aerobatic pilot, Jonathan Whaley, in response to comments about the report and accident on his Miss Demeanour FB page: –

Please take all conversations about the Shoreham crash somewhere else.
I cannot go in to details due to ongoing involvement but many of you are misinterpreting the information in the AAIB’s report, making assumptions that are simply incorrect because you are unfamiliar with the aircraft, its instruments, the feel when flying, experience in display flying, in fact are totally unqualified to make any analysis whatsoever.
Pages 195-203 are all you need to read and even then some of the conclusions are at best, clutching at straws.

https://www.facebook.com/MissDemeanourOfficial/?ref=page_internal

I think he makes a very good point that some of the conclusions “are at best, clutching at straws”.

And the fact that some (and that would include the press) are misinterpreting the information in the report.

Cheers

Paul

One thing I do hope the report does mention or discusses is as to the reason that the accident maneuver was done outside the airfield boundary, something that I don’t recall ever being mentioned in the AAIB interim bulletins.

This is a very important point, as the same sequence was flown in the same Hunter by Andy Hill at the previous years show, but with the looping/rolling maneuver conducted over the airfield, where, afterall, you would expect it to be.

Perhaps then we can put pay to the myth that it is normal for display aircraft to do aerobatic maneuvers over main roads or built up areas etc., as the press, and various members of the public would have you believe!

Cheers

Paul

Propstrike, the 1980’s Warbirds of Great Britain have called and wondered when you’ll be going back?
Flying Legends is a little more inclusive, not just warbirds. Now where did I put my Lockheed 12, Jungmann, Constellation, DC-3, Staggerwing, etc etc….

I believe it was Stephen Grey who once said something along the lines of “People confuse this (Flying Legends) with a Warbird show. It’s not. It’s a piston-era show”.

Looking forward to this year’s as always!

Cheers

Paul

Saw the first episode and agree the Spitfire CGI sequence was pants.

I thought the dialog issue might have been me, but it seems it wasn’t!

If James Cosmo, with his Scottish twang, had played Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer I could have understood him better than this Sam Riley/Christian Bale-wannabe chappie…

James Cosmo played Jamie in the Battle of Britain film btw.

Cheers

Paul