FlyPast Magazine January 2016 Back Issue

The bumper, extended January 2016 issue of FlyPast pays tribute to one of the greatest British warplanes, the four-engined Avro Lancaster bomber. Developed from the unpromising Manchester, the Lancaster went on to become a major contributor in winning the air war. We present a series of features and images, examining the famous aircraft’s history, including a look at those that survive today.

INVADER SPOTLIGHT
This month, our special Spotlight section shines on the Douglas A-26 Invader, a long-lived light bomber and attack aircraft that saw service in World War Two and the Cold War. A fast aircraft capable of carrying a variety of bombs and defensive armament, it was still operational with some air arms in the 1970s. We scrutinize this versatile warrior.

LONE STAR SPITFIRE
A Supermarine Spitfire IX is now flying in Texas. Moose Peterson captured its debut.

SHUTTLEWORTH STARS
The Shuttleworth Collection’s DH.88 Comet featured at a night photography event at Old Warden. Darren Harbar was there.

AMERICAN HUSTLE
Futuristic and fast, the B-58 Hustler inspired a generation of pilots – Robert F Dorr explains why.

BEAUFIGHTER HERO
Barry M Marsden concludes his tribute to the exploits of Harold Hunt, master of the Bristol Beaufighter.

We also visit a fast-rising warbird collection in Nevada, and recount the exploits of a crew that flew C-46 Commandos, an often overlooked type. There’s news from Biggin Hill about three Spitfire restorations, and we say a sad farewell to Avro Vulcan XH558 as it finally bows out of flying service. Appropriately enough, Ken Ellis previews the new museum at Woodford, Avro’s spiritual home, and we also present a portfolio of rarely seen images depicting the de Havilland Sea Hornet.