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Aviation History
1952
1952 - 0416.PDF
188 FLIGHT FARNBOROUGH ON FILM THE introduction of the Shell Film Unit's record of the S.B.A.C. Display has become one of the most eagerly awaited "first nights" in the aeronautical calendar. Titled Highlights of Farnborough, 1951, the newest of the series is, like all the Shell productions, a little masterpiece. Just as our own John Yoxall has perfected the technique of air-to-air "still" photography, so the Shell team has developed an individual style of cine portraiture, and viewing their latest offering in the comfort of the cinema at Shell-Mex House, it is easy to forget that this has been secured only with a great deal of imagination and patience, not to mention physical discomfort, if not actual danger. The producers, Peter de Norman ville and Bill Mason, and operator Sidney Beadle, are to be equally congratulated. Ir. the latest film one watches the huge Blackburn and General Aircraft G.A.L.60 in stately passage close by; the elegant Ambassa dor astern, changing from bank to bank with impressive agility; and the Vickers Viscount 700 emerging distantly from a cloudbank and drawing alongside into intimate proximity. The rocket- festooned Gloster P.V. ground-attack Meteor is planted squarely in the camera lens, to be followed by a breathless aerobatic sequence by 54 Squadron Vampires; then the reheat Venom blasts its way into the air, and the Sea Venom N.F.20 nuzzles the lens of the airborne camera. The Supermarine 535 makes its number from a more respectful distance before the Hawker P. 1067 flashes across the airfield, screened in vapour. Altogether unfamiliar, the Supermarine 508 is glimpsed at various angles and the Sapphire- Ganberra is seen leaping into the sky at close quarters. Finally, the two four-jet bombers—the Vickers Valiant and the Short S.A./4—are presented (the Valiant in air as well as ground sequences), and the three deltas—Avro 707A and B, and Boulton Paul P.i 11—make their bow in a series of superb air-to-air views. The raised trim flaps of the 707A are clearly visible as it takes its place in formation with the photographic machine. The Avro 707B noses up to the Packet used by the Shell Film Unit photo graphers, and displays the air intake atop its surprisingly broad fuselage —broad enough, perhaps, to seat two, side-by-side. Through the telephoto lens a "Zurabatic cartwheel" and ensuing spin can be studied in comfort, and there is a first-hand impression of a roll, as seen from the front seat of a Meteor 7. The beauty of this brilliant little film (it runs, unfortunately, for only 16 min) is enhanced by the music of Mr. Franz Reizenstein. Like its predecessors in the same series, Highlights of Farnborough, I95ij goes into the library of Petroleum Films Bureau, 29 New Bond Street, London W.i, whence it may be borrowed, free of charge., by responsible organizations. Note, in this view of the de Havilland Sea Venom N.F.20 the ailerons and elevator are in use, poss bly to counteract the slipstream created by the photographic aircraft. The fuselage lines of the four- Avon Vickers Valiant are brought out to excellent effect in this Shell "still," secured on the same occasion as the film sequence of the Valiant re ferred to on this page.
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