Aircraft Time Again

I know I have a small readership that likes to see the odd aircraft feature I include in this slightly unlikely location, so here's the next item in this occasional series.

I have so far neglected the less glamorous aircraft, but many did do sterling work and deserve a mention. The subject this time is the Bristol Beaufighter. Described as a "heavy fighter" the "Beau" as it was popularly known was developed very quickly from the previous Bristol Beaufort. This rapid gestation was valuable at the time: the Beau first flew in 1939. Despite being powered by two Bristol Hercules radial engines of 1600hp each it could manage only 335mph maximum speed, so it was presumably rather inefficient aerodynamically. [edit: very inefficient!] Equipped with four Hispano 20mm cannon it packed a real punch. Some examples were fitted instead with a total of six .303 machine guns for pure fighter service, whilst others carried torpedoes or rockets as may be seen in the film.

Not one of the "stars" of the time, nevertheless the film I include here shows that they could still present an impressive spectacle.

À bientôt

Monte Carlo or Bust! (Who'd be a Gendarme?)

Further to my piece last week about the Rallye Monte Carlo, I have been sent a clip by an English friend, which clearly demonstrates:

1. Sebastien Loeb drives bloody fast

2. Being a Gendarme is very dangerous

Enjoy it!




À bientôt

The Merlin Fights Back

Quite recently I featured in several articles, the wonderful Napier Sabre engine and also the Hawker Tempest aircraft to which it was fitted. I note from statistics that these articles were quite popular and so, knowing as I do that many classic car enthusiasts have an interest in historic aircraft I have decided to add now and then, additional features on the subject.

The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was an extraordinary success: its use in the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mosquito, Lancaster and in the superb P-51 Mustang is very well known. At 27 litres, it was of relatively small capacity for an aero-engine of its epoch, but the aircraft which used it were feared and respected.

Here is a short piece of film with some very nice sounds - and shots - showing Mosquitos and Spitfires flying together. Enjoy it.

À bientôt

Isn't it Great When Things just DON'T Work?*

*Thanks VW

People have laughed at me when I have finally lost it with some piece of rubbish that is supposed to work but doesn't; they think that my reaction is illogical or even childish. I have mentioned this sort of thing hereabouts before: the printer that never worked (I jumped up and down on it); the second printer that worked for three months (I threw it across the room - it disintegrated beautifully) the new VCR that refused to play videotapes that played everywhere else (a 4lb club hammer dealt with that one most satisfyingly) the later VCRs that had the same problem (down the rubbish chute with a satisfying crash at the bottom).

Surely some of you when working on a car have felt the strongest desire to put a hammer through the windscreen? No? OK watch the video - no not me, just another bloke who has obviously "had it"! Thanks to CM who found this gem.

Edit: I found a YouTube response to the video:





À bientôt

More "Tempestuous" Stuff

The Tempest has taken me over.

As I said, it is one of my favourite aircraft. My excuse for including the clip (from You Tube) is the glorious sound of the 24-cylinder, 2000+ HP, sleeve-valved, supercharged, 150-octane-guzzling Napier Sabre engine.