Rare and historic aircraft will take to the skies above IWM Duxford this weekend at the 2017 Flying Legends Air Show.
The Flying Legends Air Show, run by The Fighter Collection, returns to IWM Duxford on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 in the airfield’s centenary year.
Work began to build Duxford’s airfield in 1917 and it became pivotal to the air defence of Great Britain throughout the Second World War – particularly during the Dunkirk evacuation, the Battle of Britain and D-Day operations – and into the Cold War era.
Held at this legendary airfield, the Flying Legends Air Show is famous the world over for its unique presentations of historic piston-engined aircraft in rare combinations, and remarkable flying displays.
This year, visitors can see up to 45 glorious historic aircraft in over three hours of unsurpassed flying action, culminating each day in the spectacular Balbo massed flight finale.
Highlights for the Flying Legends Air Show 2017 include:
• Comanche Fighters’ newest P-51B Mustang Berlin Express is being flown from the USA to take part in the Flying Legends Air Show.
Berlin Express is dressed exactly like the 357th Fighter Group Mustang which the legendary American ace Bill Overstreet flew under the Eiffel tower while successfully shooting down a Messerschmitt Me-109 in 1944.
• Classic Formation’s stunning Beechcraft 18 (x2) and Douglas DC-3 aircraft.
• For the first time, on Sunday, July 9 only, the Flying Legends flying display will be opened at 1.20pm by the world-famous Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team.
Visitors will be able to meet the Red Arrows pilots after their display has concluded, at approximately 3.30pm. The renowned flying display of rare historic aircraft commences at 2pm.
• The Bremont Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team make a welcome return to the Flying Legends Air Show, with the UK debut performance of P-51 Mustang Freseni, being shipped from the USA especially for the show.
• Aircraft Restoration Company’s Hispano Ha-1 1 12-MIL Buchon in its new colour scheme representing a Messerschmitt Bf-109 E-7 ‘Black 8’ of Luftwaffe Jagdeschwader JG-27 flown by Leutnant Werner Schroer based at Ain El Gazala, Libya in April 1941. Schroer went on to become one of the Luftwaffe’s highest scoring aces, finishing the war with a total of 114 victories in aerial combat.
• The golden age of air racing is recreated with flying displays from a de Havilland DH-88 Comet, a Percival Mew Gull, Travel Air Type R Mystery Ship and LeVier Cosmic Wind.
• Spitfires galore, with variants including three Mark I Spitfires, up to the mighty Maxi Spitfire.
• A myriad of Hawker Hurricanes, including one which has not previously been seen at the Flying Legends Air Show.
• The world’s only airworthy Bristol Blenheim.
• B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, the last remaining airworthy B-17 bomber in Europe.
• A variety of Curtiss aircraft, including the only airworthy example of the P-36 lineage left anywhere in the world and one of only two airworthy P-40F aircraft in the world.
Across the museum, visitors can enjoy fun activities, including:
• DX17, a contemporary art installation commemorating Duxford’s centenary. DX17 is a dramatic, large-scale sculpture, similar in size to a Spitfire, futuristic and aerodynamic in form. Presented in a dramatic darkened space, it provides an immersive experience for visitors, as they transfer light into sound to hear up to 100 voices from Duxford’s past and present.
• The Vintage Village, featuring New York-based singing trio The Manhattan Dolls, the Umbrella Big Band, ‘Laurel and Hardy’ with their Model T Ford Car and the chance to sit in a replica Spitfire.
• Osprey Publishing launches a landmark new book Storm of Eagles – The Greatest Aviation Photographs of World War II at the Flying Legends Air Show. Renowned photographer John Dibbs embarked on a 10-year project to find, and where necessary restore, previously unseen aviation photographs from the conflict. He teamed up with fellow historian and photograph collector Ken Ramsey and former USAF pilot Robert ‘Cricket’ Renner to produce this beautiful and authentic book. John and Ken will be at the Flying Legends marquee on both days of the air show to sign copies of the book and answer questions.
• Trade stands selling aviation prints and memorabilia plus a themed trader area.
• A wide range of refreshments available across the site from the museum’s permanent cafes and restaurants and also from mobile catering units.
In addition to the action in the sky and fun activities across the museum, visitors can also experience the award-winning exhibitions at IWM Duxford as entrance to the whole museum – including AirSpace, the newly redeveloped American Air Museum and the Battle of Britain exhibition – is included in the price of the ticket.
The Flying Legends Air Show is organised and produced by The Fighter Collection.
• For further information visit www.flyinglegends.com
Tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show must be booked in advance; no on the day tickets are available.
For full details of ticket prices and premium passes for the Flying Legends Air Show, go to https://www.flyinglegends.com/tickets.html
All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.
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