Duxford Flying Legends Air Show July 2004

An easy 2 hours or less drive from Birmingham is the world famous Duxford Aircraft Museum. In case you don't know about it it is the home to both the Imperial War Museums collection of aircraft as well as being home to the USAF museum collection. The American Air Museum in Britain stands as a memorial to the 30,000 Americans who died flying from the UK in the Second World War. This outstanding example of contemporary British architecture houses Duxford's unique collection of historic American combat aircraft, with many suspended from the ceiling as if in flight.

It is also a fully working airfield that houses some of the worlds most interesting and rare historic (mostly) military aircraft many of which are flown on a regular basis. The airfield itself is steeped in history particularly from the Second World War, with much of it preserved from that time including the control room where much of the action from the Battle of Britain was directed.

Look out for future features that we are planning to do on the many fascinating aspects to this amazing place and their forthcoming events, but in the meantime if you are planning a visit (which is highly recommended for anyone) check out the official website http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/ for all the details on admission and openig times etc.

Below are some photos from the recent Flying Legends air display at Duxford. This featured many extremely rare and in some cases unique aircraft in a breathtaking display. CHECK BACK to the www.Birmingham101.com site for future display coverage.

	The Russian Polikarpov 1-15 fighter seen here with a P51 Mustang flying past, is the only example to exist anywhere in the world.

	Making its UK debut was the extremely rare Lockhead Super Constellation, considered by many to be the most beautiful piston engined airliner ever built

	Now based in Switzerland, this iconic 1950's aircraft recently completed what may well prove to be the last transatlantic crossing by a 4 engined piston powered aircraft.

	Spectators were treated to the incredible sight of 11 Spitfires displaying in the air at the same time.

	The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Pink Lady" taxying out with the triple engined Junkers Ju 52 landing in the background

	The Fighter collections P47D Thunderbolt and Vought Corsair

	Breathtaking display of "synchro" aerobatics by 2 Spitfires

	Another shot of the unique Russian Polikarpov 1-15 fighter

	Another rare, if not unique site - 6 Dragon Rapides in formation together

	Another aircraft making its UK debut was the Fighter Collection's P-39Q Airacobra, one of only two flying examples in the world today.

	The huge AD-4NA Skyraider

	Two beautiful examples of another iconic aircraft of World War 2 vintage, the B-25 Mitchell

	Part of the grand finale, the very evocative sight (and sound) of no less than 26 "Flying Legends" in close formation