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Aviation History
1969
1969 - 1064.PDF
FLIGHT International, 12 June 1969 970-971 so different: the Fl, ordered into production during the Salon, a Mach 2 fighter with an exceptionally high rate of roll; the Mirage 3A with its distinctive "moustaches" for experimental low-speed handling of delta-wing aircraft (a possible aerodynamic gadget for Concorde development); and the G, Europe's only variable-geometry aircraft, with a take off run of under 1,500ft and speed range up to Mach 2.2, its wings sweeping back from 20° to 70° during a slow slow roll to the left on a low pass, doing it again during a loop. From this aircraft, with its less than a 1,000ft landing run, will be developed the longer range G4 strike version. Was it French pride in participation that made the com mentator mention Wibault when the Harrier, with rocket pods and flown by HSA chief test pilot Hugh Merewether, demon strated its brilliant transitions to and from Mach 1? When the Saab Viggen, only combat type with reverse thrust, backed along the runway in its public debut at a Paris Show, some one cracked: "Those two guys [the foreplane and mainplane of the Viggen's double delta] ought to close up"; but there was no joke about the demonstration of Sweden's mighty weapon system by Capt Erik Dahlstrom, Concorde was undoubtedly the star attraction for the vast international assembly. In both collaborating countries the project is on the crest of a wave of popular support, inspired no doubt by the aircraft's elegance of line and graceful flight. The first meeting of the two prototypes was during the Satur day afternoon, when Brian Trubshaw brought 002 over from Fairford in Gloucestershire, passing over the runway just as the four Olympus engines of 001 were brought to full reheat for take-off and Andre Turcat released the brakes. The Sunday afternoon meeting was noticeable for the obviously increasing confidence which both pilots have in the low-speed handling qualities of Concorde. Quite steep turns were made at less than 2,000ft, and 002 made a very smart touch-and-go on Le Bourget's 03 runway. Landing Continued on page 974, after "The Biggest Exhibit" Fifty years have flown since the Alcock and Brown Tickers Vimy became the first aeroplane to fly the Atlantic. That memorable effort was brilliantly honoured by another: within days of its first flight this replica Vimy, powered by renovated Rolls-Royce Eagles, was flown at Le Bourget by "Dizzy" Addicott Above, Beriev's new Be-30 feeder-route twin-turboprop made a Western debut and showed a good STOL performance. Below, sixty Louis Bliriot flew the English Channel in his monoplane; was symbolised by the flight of this near-replica years ago the event
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