Below is a link to the Channel 4 documentary “The Great Escape: The Reckoning” first broadcast in November last year.

http://www.youtube.com/show/thegreatescape

Yes, ofcourse BBMF do a great job, but as I see things it’s a case of the more the merrier. It’s a special scheme to mark a special year, that’s the main point.

Simply jettisoning the canopy would affect the airflow and possibly result in the recovery from the spin.
The hood on the Meteor T7 and the NF series was reputed to give sufficient lift as to keep the aircraft airborn at speeds in excess of 350 knots. This was to ensure that the hood lifted cleanly off the fuselage when jettisoned. (Being hopeful as always).
Certainly the hood was the first thing to stall and the back seater could plainly hear the airflow breaking away over his head, particularly in high G turns.

Along similar lines, I was also thinking that perhaps the firing of the ejector seat would have given the nose a downward shove, helping the recovery?

Watched its filming & shuddered!!

= Tim

Hello Tim,

I’m wondering if you’d be kind enough to give us your impressions of the book and TV series, I think everyone here would value your opinion on them. I know there was a hell of a storm generated by veterans when the series was first broadcast, would you be among them?

I don’t quite understand the negative comment about this special scheme, surely any publicity for the Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary is good publicity?? Add to this the fact that the aircraft will come from a squadron with the BofB in its Battle Honours, and you have a double commemoration. It seems like a great idea to me, it’s an example of pride and prestige within the modern RAF, a service with a long and distinguished history that it deserves to be proud of. It’s often the case that when the RAF do an anniversary scheme, it’s often just a bit of extra insignia on the fin, and an extra flash of colour somewhere. Welcome though that is, it isn’t quite the same as the kind of schemes some of our European neighbours manage. Just look at the schemes that have appeared on Luftwaffe Phantoms and Tornado’s in recent years, for example. In short it’s great to see such lengths being taken to represent the RAF’s heritage and a slice of British history.

The two Hawk display aircraft have a cracking scheme for this season too, I look forward to seeing both types this coming season. 🙂

Sounds the business Dave, thanks. I look forward to seeing how things progress, she’s a beaut already.

Looks great Dave, very well done mate. Do let us know how things progress! Out of interest, what type of engines will you be using?