LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Pictures (many) of the August-Euler-Flugplatz Centenary Airshow
Micha has already shown a series of wonderful pictures of the airshow at the August-Euler-Flugplatz in Darmstadt/Griesheim on 30 and 31 August 2008.
While I neither can hope nor do I intend to rival Micha's skills as a photographer, let me add a few pictures of my own. (I apologize in advance for the less than satisfactory quality of my photographs, skills and equipment.)
Two of the three Bf 108 Taifun present and flying at the airshow and that's all the Bf 108s in flying condition in Germany. One is owned by the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Stiftung, one by the EADS Heritage Flight (EADS being the successor to the Messerschmitt company), and the third one is privately owned.
Original Argus AS 10 engine of a Bf 108 Taifun (the same engine was used in the Fieser Storch)
Fieseler Storch, recently restored, on static display
and about to touch down
Ju 52/3m of the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Stiftung
During the 1930s and in WWII, Darmstadt was the location of the DFS and the center of sailplane design in Germany:
Replica of an experimental rocket-powered sailplane of the 1920s which made the first rocket-powered airplane flight.
Vintage DFS sailplane
Historic sailplane being towed to height
Two historic sailplanes tended to by the ground crew after their flight performance
A modern battery-powered (!) advanced motor glider
And some more modern representatives of aviatic research: two test planes of the DLR
The airshow kicked off with a display of eight or nine biplanes in the air at the same time.
Two biplanes
One more biplane (a Bόcker?)
Focke-Wulf FW 44 Stieglitz, almost unavoidable at airshows
Tiger Moth
One of the most impressive sights: the replica of a Bleriot XI, the first airplane to cross the Channel. The pilot more or less sits on top of the plane a very windshaken and flimsy affair, but a most impressive sight
Messerschmitt M 17, one of Willy Messerschmitt's earliest successful designs, also a replica of the EADS Heritage Flight
Helicopters were not forgotten:
Sikorsky S-58, very impressive sound from the piston-engine and a stately appearance
A Hesse state police helicopter (Bo 105) dropped by to visit its ancestor
For those not content watching historical planes fly by, there was also some airshow action:
Two North American AT-6 Texans taking off for an impressive piece of flying
and on collision course
and in a chase:
The Me 163, originally a rocket-powered interceptor in the final days of WWII, was present as an engine-less replica (probably a good idea given the high percentage of rocket motor explosions suffered by the original planes). As it was designed to gain height quickly and then continue to glide back home, the plane has excellent sailplane qualities which were demonstrated in the airshow.
Me 163 on static display
Me 163 manhandled for the tow to the end of the runway
Me 163 full frontal, with an auxiliary wheel fitted under the wing for towing
Me 163 hooked up for towing
Me 163 full speed, wrong direction
Me 163 being towed (by a Do 27)
Me 163 released from the tow
The Me 163's agility in sailing mode was the biggest surprise for me
Me 163 rolling back on the ground after the touch down
I hope you enjoyed the pictures!
Reply With Quote
