The P-47D ( or the Jug as it was affectionately known ) was one of the heaviest fighters of World War 2 with a fully laden P-47 topping the scales at a portly 8 tonnes. This weight required a very powerful engine. The same engine that powered the F6F Hellcat and the Vought Corsair, the Pratt and Whitney R2800. Coupled with an impressive load out capability and very capable 50 Calibre machine guns the Thunderbolt resulted in a very capable medium range escort fighter and excellent ground attack fighter.

Designed by R.S.Johnson in 1940, the Swift’s birth is not without its complexities. With the intervention of WW2, the design did not actually reach certification until May, 1946 when it had been the subject of several design modifications carried out by K.H. “Bud” Knox. In the late 40’s Globe was to become insolvent and Temco acquired the type certificate and went on to build further aircraft. Full production ceased in 1951 but spare parts and service items continued to be produced by Universal Aircraft Industries until 1979.

This model is based on the original “A” version.

The DHC-1 was developed to replace the legendary but ageing DH Tiger Moth as a principal military air force two-seat trainer. The prototype first flew on 22nd. May 1946 and the design remained largely unchanged right through to its withdrawal from general service as late as 1996.
A "bubble" canopy version, DHC-1B-2-S3 (Chipmunk T.2), was developed for use by the Royal Canadian Air Force as fighters such as the P51d Mustang and North American Sabre jets of the period were employing such canopies.
The most common variant,was the British-built T.10.

This highly capable fighter was instrumental during WW2 in gaining and maintaining air superiority. The P-51 D, saw a number of roles during the second world war and in fact well into the 50’s and the advent of the jet age.

Powered by a supercharged Packard built merlin one of the more important roles assumed by the P-51D was bomber excort often proving to be superior over their German counterparts.

Affectionately nick-named "The Flying Barrel", pilots enjoyed the F3F-2 immensely reporting it as a 'joy to fly' being fast, immensely strong and an agile performer. Snap rolls, tight turns and loops were carried out with ease and the aeroplane could be put down in a perfect three pointer at varying speeds and weight configurations.

One intrepid test-pilot dived an F3F to 400 mph and reported that 'the wings didn’t come off'. The tough little Grummans became the mainstay fighters in all front-line squadrons of the US NAVY and MARINE CORPS throughout 1939 and on to the early days of the Second World War.

Another twin-engined classic and an American legend. The Electra was Lockheed's first twin engine, all-metal design which first felt the air under its wings in 1935. A highly modified Model 10 E was made famous by Amelia Earhart who tragically disappered during a round-the-world record attempt. The Electra is so evocative of the 30's and 40's and appeared in many movies, carrying Humphry Bogart to some distant Pacific island or later battling valiantly pressed into military service during WW2.

Spitfires fought from the earliest days of the War right through to its close in both the European and Pacific theatres and continued to serve with distinction through more conflicts to come all the way to the 1960s. But it was in the darkest days of 1940, when Britain was on the back foot following a disastrous campaign in France, the following evacuations from Dunkirk and the consequential “Battle of Britain” that this graceful little fighter really proved its mettle.

The Cessna 140 was introduced in 1949, following on from the 120. Uprated engines and improved landing gear were among the changes and provided the aviation public with an aeroplane that was comfortable and easy to fly.

The 140 stands out from other Cessnas with its unique "art deco", automotive style instrument panels. The interior layout is simply but comfortably furnished and everything is to hand. This made the aeroplane the ideal trainer and its near vice-less behaviour and inherent strength made it popular with flying clubs and flight schools everywhere.