Warbirds to wow at Wings
At no time in history did aviation advance like it did during the great wars, and punters will soon get the chance to see the world’s most extensive fleet of WWI aircraft ever assembled.
These extremely rare classic fighters belonging to Peter Jackson’s The Vintage Aviator Ltd (TVAL) will be a highlight of the biennial Wings Over Wairarapa air festival later this month.
The show will include two aircraft that have never before appeared in a public air show – the British single-seater BE12 and the two-seater biplane bomber DH4.
Display co-ordinator John Lanham said there was nowhere else in the world where this variety of aircraft from the dawn of air combat can be seen in such numbers and unique combinations.
‘‘They all look incredibly different from each other.
‘‘There are monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, sesquiplanes and so on,’’ he said.
‘‘These magnificent aircraft on display in our flying programme will be a visual spectacle, a salute to the courage and sacrifice of the early aviators and a timely commemoration of the centennial of Armistice Day in November 2018.’’
The reason the airshow is able to bring together such a collection of aircraft is because of the unique production capabilities of The Vintage Aviator.
The company’s facilities in Kilbirnie, Wellington and at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton are capable of every aspect of early aircraft and engine construction.
TVAL builds exact recreations of WWI aircraft, engines and propellers as they were made over a century ago, going to great pains to maintain authenticity to the original design.
‘‘They are stunningly authentic recreations of the real thing. They are built with original specifications, original materials and often with original engines. They actually are the real thing, it’s just that they’re brand new, not 100 years old,’’ Lanham said.
This is the first time since WWI that these aircraft are being produced in a factory setting, although the most modern technology is utilised to increase accuracy and reduce labour costs.
The team of skilled craftsmen – specialised woodworkers, fabric workers, welders and machinists – are experienced in the complexities of these wood and fabric-covered aircraft.
As the largest aviation event in the North Island, enthusiasts will have plenty to enjoy at the Wings over Wairarapa Air Festival between February 22 and 24.