The possibility exists soon to have a big classic jet foursome….

Sea Vixen, Vulcan, Buccaneer, Canberra! 😎

Hi Peter

There are probably several factors:

I guess the “easier types” (and I use this term with all the respect it deserves) to rebuild to flying condition, such as the merlin powered Buchon fighter, and CASA 111 bombers have been to a certain extent.

The next level of complexity comes with restoring the german engined originals. There are a lot less engines and spares around for starters, compared with merlins and allisons for example. Craig Charleston for example has managed to produce some exceptional BF.109’s so far, and two other teams are progressing on Fw.190’s. An Fw189 and ME.262 are progressing also.

The bigger types like the Me.110, JU88, He111, and Stuka have always lacked in having minimal “starter” airframes to begin with. Some exceptional statics have been assembled, but maybe it is their missing systems or scarce original engines are the key factors, notwithstanding the cost involved.

Flug Werk have done a good line in reproduction FW.190’s, with similar engines, and maybe this is the way forward for other types, but it always comes down to cost and small production runs to make them more affordable. Would you be able to sell 5 JU88’s?

Maybe we can look forward to a resurgence of sea plane and flying boat displays in the UK? 😀 They like the wet weather….

…. I’ll get my coat.

prototype sea vampire at yeovilton LZ551

Hi Bruce

The significant expertise the British designers “learned” from the Germans was using Hydrogen Peroxide rocket technology.

While everyone else carried on developing complicated liquid oxygen powered rockets, de Havilland for one perfected this particular German development.

Yes, I can see the scene before me:

A rag-tag group of bunker-entusiasts looking skyward in anticipation of the arrival of the Nazibunkeren.

…. the story of the Jet propelled guided NAFFI comes to mind! Complete with a semi-circular seat for a semi-circular vice consulate! (or words to that effect). 😀

Hi Elliott

You could try the Bolton Paul association. They put the Defiant full scale reproduction together recently, and to me it looks fairly accurate, so maybe they had some good original drawings to work from. I’d guess they are the best people to approach for accurate references, like manufacturers photos.

So could the MB.5 be seen as the EAP of its day?

i.e. a technology demonstrator?