FlyPast Magazine June 2015 Back Issue

It’s more than likely that 2015 will be a very important year for the UK’s most popular airshow attraction. Our cover star is Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558, an iconic jet that may well have just commenced its final flying season. In an exclusive interview, Steve Beebee speaks to the Vulcan’s owners about their plans for the Cold War warrior’s retirement, and we look back on the aircraft’s post-restoration history.

METEOR SPOTLIGHT
Our latest issue features an in-depth Spotlight section on the famous Gloster Meteor, the RAF’s first jet. Featuring exclusive artwork, we compare this important machine to its contemporaries, and reflect on its various roles in World War Two and beyond.

SPITFIRE ROYALTY
HRH Prince Harry recently flew in the back of a Spitfire and met the winners of the Spitfire Scholarship for wounded service personnel. Our exclusive feature includes air-to-air photography by John Dibbs.

TEMPEST WORKSHOP
Legendary warbird collector Kermit Weeks speaks to Darren Harbar about progress on his long-term Hawker Tempest restoration.

JAVELIN DUTIES
Tom Docherty describes the challenges often faced by the Gloster Javelin’s air and ground crews.

‘REBEL’ MUSTANG
Mustang owner Doug Matthews has painted his P-51 in the colours of World War Two veteran Joe Joiner.

We also describe the return to the air of the Commemorative Air Force’s Bell P-39Q Airacobra, one of only two of the ‘breed’ still flying, while Philip Chinnery pays tribute to the AC-47 ‘Spooky’ gunships that saved many American lives in the Vietnam War. We go back in time to look at how Mosquitos were used for low-level attacks in the war and –returning to the present – visit the Los Angeles County Air Show. Also look out for news on a South African Spitfire restoration and a new arrival at RAF Cosford.