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Aviation History
1979
1979 - 0045.PDF
FLIGHT International, 6 January 1979 Left The Sea Harrier takes the air from the ski-jump ramp which will be a standard feature of future aircraft carriers. It is showing off well the "bloody kink" in the tailplane referred to by Fozard. Right All three of Fichtmuller's heroes are seen in this rare moment together, celebrating Messerschmitt's 80th birthday. From left to right Kurt Tank, Willy Messerschmitt, and Ludwig Bolkow man who creates new thingsi, using intellect, skill and all available tools. Some of the strongest inspiration has been brought about by quite a number of senior persons in the indus trial organisations of Germany and of Europe who cannot all be mentioned here. For one of them, Ludwig Bolkow, who was chief executive of Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm untjl his retirement last year, I have worked for quite some time. Out of the many aspects of this activity the most challenging target was set by his engagement for a European co-operation in aerospace. As one of the first industrial leaders he realised that advancement of tech nology and subsequent increases in complexity and life time of products required industrial organisations of more substantial technical capacity and financial back ground, as well as, at least in Europe, intense inter national co-operation. With exceptional energy he has initiated such co-operation, and he fought to overcome any difficulties that could jeopardise this scheme. The determined efforts of Ludwig Bolkow and his counterparts in other European countries are an example to the following generation to enlarge the foundations and to continue striving for a strong European aviation industry. 43 •liBaMsB Finally As this is our 70th birthday, let's conclude with the heroes of the youngest and oldest members of the "Flight" staff—Dennis Baldry (20) and J. M. Ramsden (50). First, Baldry: To regard Sir Douglas Bader as one's hero is the most natural thing in the world. Every fighter pilot, flying either the Spitfire or Hurricane during 1940, was rightly considered a hero, but Bader was special. What made him unique was his superb tactical aware ness. He recognised the rigid, parade-ground formations, advocated by pre-war tacticians, for what they were — utter rubbish. Bader insisted that the fundamentals had already been learned over the Western Front during the Great War. The Luftwaffe had not forgotten and, more over, Werner Molders had ensured that all of his Jagd- gruppen were flying the perfect fighter formation: the classic schwarme, or "finger-four," consisting of two pairs of aircraft. Fighter Command later adopted this out of sheer operational necessity. Bader's strength of character, which helped him come to terms with the loss of his legs, was evident in the air. His handling of 242 Canadian Sqn and the Tangmere Wing showed his abilities as a leader. He led his men with precise control, inflicting the maximum possible damage on enemy formations. This was possible because of the high fighting discipline which he instilled into his pilots. He took particular care of his fledgling pilots, constantly giving them guidance and encouragement, and teaching them how to win as well as survive in the deadly sky. After each combat Bader would present an "action replay," pointing out where and when pilots had erred. His combat flying career came to an end when he was literally hacked out of the sky by a Bfl09 on August 9, 1941, and taken prisoner. But he had already pointed the Fichtmuller way and his fellow pilots in the Tangmere Wing went on to achieve great things. Today Sir Douglas Bader, by his support and example, inspires countless physically handicapped people of all ages, many of whom had lost all hope of a full and active life. Another of my aviation heroes is Sir Freddie Laker. Sir Freddie Laker combines a spirit of independence with sound business sense, a flair for public relations, and professionalism. Every one of his Skytrain passengers Gp Capt Douglas Bader in "The Last of the Many", then Hawker's lovingly preserved Hurricane, at Duxford in 1968 I *#S> Dennis Baldry
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