Or BBMF for short…

As the UK airshow season is drawing to a close, let’s look at a firm favourite amongst spotters and enthusiasts.

Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the Flight operates 5 Spitfires, 2 Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota and 2 Chipmunks (primarily for training). Regular RAF crew flies the aircraft. As a regular RAF unit, it is manned by service personnel and funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Regularly seen in the skies over the UK from May to September every year, they are flown to commemorate public and military events, from State occasions such as Trooping the Colour to major airshows and flypasts.

BBMF’s mission is to maintain the priceless artifacts of the UK’s national heritage in airworthy condition, to remember those who have fallen in the service of this country. It also serves to promote the modern-day Air Force and to inspire future generations.

Now for the history. The BBMF was inaugurated on 11 July 1957 at RAF Biggin Hill. Initially called the RAF Historic Aircraft Fight, it consisted of 3 PR Mk XIX Spitfires and the RAF’s last airworthy Hurricane LF363. Then renamed the Battle of Britan Flight, before a final renaming in 1969 to BBMF.

Between 1859 and 1965, it had 1 Spitfire (PM631) and 1 Hurricane (LF363). Now as a “museum without walls”, it maintains 11 historic and irreplaceable aircraft. The motto “Lest We Forget” reflects their mission and honours the thousands of men and women, in the air and on the ground, that gave their lives for this country in the noble pursuit of freedom (direct quote from RAF’s BBMF website).

More about the fleet, starting with the Spitfire. More were built than any other British combat aircraft before or since WW2, a total of 20,341. Considered iconic, the Supermarine Spitfire was critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Moving on to the Hurricane. With only 12 airworthy examples left in the world, BBMF operates the last to enter RAF service, LF363 and the final one built, PZ865.

The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of WW2. Of 7,377 built, only 2 remain airworthy worldwide. Lancaster PA474 was built at Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield on 31 May 1945, just before VE Day. Just before the war in the Far East ended, she was deployed but did not take part in any hostilities. Due to the need for heavy maintenance, it’s reported that she will not appear in displays after the recent Eastbourne Airshow.

The Douglas C47 Dakota is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history and was widely used by the Allies during WW2. BBMF’s example, ZA947, conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, also missions to evacuate casualties and re-supplying forces. Displayed on her own and in formations, she is also used for training pilots and aircrew for the Lancaster.

Finally, the Chipmunk. The least displayed, WG486 and WK518 are used year-round for training BBMF’s pilots on tailwheel aircraft, reconnaissance of new venues, delivery and collection of pilots and spare parts.

Moving on to the people involved. There are only 3 aircrew permanently serving on the Flight. The other Pilots, Navigators, Air Engineers and Air Loadmasters come from 7 different RAF stations. They fly 5 different types in their primary role. Spitfires and Hurricanes flown by modern fighter pilots, the Dakota and Lancaster by bomber pilots with a background on heavy multi-engine aircraft. Normally there are 3 Lancaster/Dakota pilots and 2 co-pilots. The volunteer Navigators, Flight Engineers and Air Loadmasters are all essential to the Lancaster and Dakota safety and efficient operation. BBMF Engineering team has 40 Technicians. All volunteers, with avionics or mechanical experience, they generally serve a 3-5 year tour of duty. There’s also support staff for survival equipment, logistics, training, quality assurance, health and safety, IT, infrastructure and fire/medic crash rescue training. Last but not least, there’s an Admin team. They manage visits, VIP tours, sponsorship, events management, PR and flying programme planning.

Support from the general public is always appreciated. Memberships are available at a reasonable cost. Videos are available on YouTube showing recent Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire appearances at SEN, alongside 2 Tornadoes (©SDTV Live).

In other news –

Air Niugini – Papua New Guinea carrier recently announced order for 2 more A220-100.

And finally –

GOH – flights at Greenland’s main airport descended into chaos recently when the Security team skipped work to go hunting. United’s GOH-EWR flight was delayed for 3 hours. To locals, the disruption makes perfect sense. Not to bewildered passengers who were faced with unmanned scanners. Hunting and fishing are essential parts of life here; therefore it takes precedence over almost everything so visitors, airlines and travel agents should take this into account according to one local!

Information courtesy of RAF BBMF, AeroXplorer

Images courtesy of RAF Memorial Flight Club, Visit Nuuk

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers