Spitfire Day- Ozzy

[Da Judge]

Spitfire Day
June 26, 2004 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

A special "Spitfire Day" program has been arranged for June 26, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in support of the new "Spitfire: Flying Legend" exhibit. Beginning at 1:00 p.m. is a screening in the Vette Theater of the classic movie The First of the Few. Described as "England's most inspirational World War II film," the movie is an engaging, touching account of R.J. Mitchell's dedicated efforts to design and build the Spitfire-which in turn helped turn the tide of World War II.

Following the movie, at 3:00 p.m., EAA Museum Director, Adam Smith will give an illustrated talk about the Spitfire. As an Englishman, Adam will share insights about how the Spitfire became a true historic icon for all British people. This program will conclude with an "up close and personal" walk-around tour of the newly displayed Mk. IX Spitfire.
                                    got it from-
http://www.airventuremuseum.org/activities/events.asp

[ozzy72]

Nice, pity I'll be stuck in central Europe

[Wing Nut]

Nice, pity I'll be stuck in the US.  :'(

[ozzy72]

Kevin its in the US, Oshkosh, Wisconsin to be exact

[Scottler]

Rumor has it the other 364.25 days are reserved as "Mustang Days".

I suppose we can give up just one day for you guys.

[ozzy72]

The RAF had 'Stangs, of course it was a British design, and a British engine....

[Woodlouse2002]

The RAF had 'Stangs, of course it was a British design, and a British engine....

Actually, I think that the Mustang was designed by a man of German origin...

[Wing Nut]

Kevin its in the US, Oshkosh, Wisconsin to be exact

Unfortunately, I'll be on vacation in Florida, driving the niece back with her Mustang.

[ozzy72]

You're quite right Kevin, I apologise, mixing up my warbirds again

North American Aviation was under contract to produce training aircraft for the British. Then Kindelberger somehow, with no real evidence that it could be done, convinced the British that North American Aviation could design and build a new fighter that was better than the P-40. The new fighter would fly faster, higher, farther, be more maneuverable and pack more firepower. The British took NAA at their word because they had performed well with British orders for the NAA Harvard trainer. British approval by letter of intent was given on 10th April 1940. Shortly after, 23 May, a contract order was placed by the British for the first 320 aircraft designated NA-73.

NAA vice-president Lee Atwood was sent to Curtiss Aircraft to pick up the wind tunnel data of the Curtiss XP-46 that NAA purchased for $56,000 at British request. Kindelberger put Edgar Schmued in charge of the new design. Others who worked with Schmued included Ed Horkey, Raymond Rice , Larry Waite and Art Chester. After 78,000 man hours and 102 days later, the prototype, NA-73X, rolled out of the hangar - without an engine. 18 days later, the Allison V-1710-39 was ready and on 26 October 1940, NX19998 took to the skies for its maiden flight with test pilot Vance Breese at the controls. On 9 December 1940 the British Purchasing Comission sent a letter to North American Aviation stating that the NA-73 airplanes have been given the official designation of "Mustang".