Flying Legends is a show with a reputation of attracting the cream of the warbirds world from around Europe and beyond. After being fortunate enough to benefit from the outcome of the clash with RIAT in 2008 it was time to see whether this famous show would be a success once again. Steven Hadlow was in Cambridgeshire to take a look at this years event.

The signs were not good for the event in the lead-up as reports indicated that much of the fleet from the residents The Fighter Collection, who organise the event were set to be grounded as CAA paperwork issues meant that permits to fly for the collection were temporarily suspended. Also grounded for the event was B17 'Sally B' as she continues to suffer from engine troubles. Regular French visitor 'Pink Lady' at least ensured we had still got to see the American bomber in the air.

However this loss of several Duxford regulars, such as the Corsair and 'Cat fleet didn't deter as a line-up was put together with gems from across Europe all pitching in. B-17 'Liberty Belle' was the star of 2008 and undoubtedly taking that title for 2009 was the very welcome inclusion of a Focke Wulf 190 owned by well known French warbird collector Christophe Jacquard.

This FW-190 was not technically 'real' as such but was rather a new build 'copy' built by a German company called Flugwerks. This modern build is constructed by this company from original aircraft plans and uses reconstructions of many of the original parts of the aircraft. The basis for these new builds use the A-8 version of the aircraft as their basis. This particular aircraft carries striking markings based on those of a Focke Wulf 190A-4 flown by Oberleutnant Horst Hannig of JG.2.

The Fw-190 was designed by prolific German designer Kurt Tank in the late 1930s. The aircraft entered service in 1941 and quickly earned it's distinctive nickname the 'Butcher Bird'. At the time of it's introduction the 190 outclassed the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V and the then new Mustang IA which were the top of the line for the Allied air forces and the discovery of this prompted development of a new mark of Spitfire.

The Fw-190 continued to serve right up until the end of the war on several fronts and was continually updated and even became a very different aircraft altogether with the late war development of the Focke Wulf Ta-152. A rare photo opportunity was provided along the flight-line as Black 1 was parked alongside the example currently based at Duxford. Unfortunately this aircraft continues to be grounded so we didn't get to see the sight of two 190s over Duxford. However the Luftwaffe still managed to mount an effective attack on Duxford as she strafed the field with the resident Bf109!

Worthy of special mention is the opening thirty minutes of the display programme. The display on each day opened with the usual Spitfire tail-chase however this year it also came with a twist. As the Allied aircraft flew neatly around the sky they were suddenly jumped by a pair of Luftwaffe aircraft. Fortunately however, this is 2009 not 1942 and the Buchon and Bf109 performed a series of powerful flypasts leaving the crowd wondering where to look. The Fw190 was particularly impressive as it's French pilot really showed the performance of the aircraft.

Elsewhere there were many other aircraft from Europe adding their weight to the programme. As well as his Fw-190 Christophe Jacquard also brought his Spitfire XIX PS890 back to the show once again. However notably it no longer is equipped with the contra-rotating prop and also carries new Burmese RAF markings. Also of note was a rare chance to see three B-25 Mitchell's together in formation as the currently Duxford based example 'Grumpy' formed up with 'Sarinah' and 'Russels Raiders' from the Duke of Brabant Air Force and Jet Alpine Fighter based in Switzerland respectively.

Making the long trip across the Atlantic were The Horsemen Aerobatic Team (otherwise known as The Three Horsemen). Rather strangely, however, they didn't bring any aircraft with them! The team consists of three pilots who are renowned in the USA for their warbird flying, Ed Shipley, Dan Friedkin and Jim Beasley. Their display consists of a number of manoeuvres as a three ship P-51D Mustang formation. For the show at Duxford they used three borrowed Mustangs 'Ferocious Frankie', 'Big Beautiful Doll' and 'Miss Velma' to carry out their routine. It was a little more sedate than the old Breitling Fighters routine but still a well flown formation display of this famous fighter.

Also direct from the across the pond was Sea Fury T.20 WG655. This particular example is a former steed of the Royal Navy Historic Flight. Specially shipped over from the USA in the weeks before the show it was a delight that the aircraft was reconstructed and ready to display for the weekend. Stephen Greys closing act during the final balbo particularly showcasing the aircrafts power. It wasn't alone, however. Also joining it in the air was the seldom seen Fury Mk11 G-CBEL from John Bradshaw.

Thankfully despite a rather wet spell of weather in the morning on Saturday the weather was generally favourable over the weekend. Despite the loss of much of the TFC fleet the team at Duxford still managed to put together a superb show with a line-up of warbirds simply unmatched by any other show around the Europe if not the world.

Airshow Website - duxford.iwm.org.uk/

Aircraft In Action 2009