Memorial Flight Hurricane Sold to India
Discussion
The UK is pretty well off for Hurricanes these days. At one point the two operated by the Memorial Flight were the only airworthy examples in the UK. That is not the case anymore.
In fact, the oldest and most historic airworthy Hurricane flying in Britain today was found in India - so it might be considered a fair exchange (up to a point).
In fact, the oldest and most historic airworthy Hurricane flying in Britain today was found in India - so it might be considered a fair exchange (up to a point).
Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 2nd October 13:13
Lefty Guns said:
That's interesting.
I seem ton recall that there's a resto company who will actually build-to-order? Not sure if that's a complete new build from drawings/specs or if they have a stock of non-airworthy airframes that they then restore to flying status.
That might the company near Audley End who rebuilt LF363 after it burned out after the crash in the early 90s. They would have a lot of experience in those things.I seem ton recall that there's a resto company who will actually build-to-order? Not sure if that's a complete new build from drawings/specs or if they have a stock of non-airworthy airframes that they then restore to flying status.
dr_gn said:
Tragic.
Actually, I think it's a good deal for everyone involved - both India and the UK will end up with more appropriate airframes for their respective historic flights.Hopefully, this is the first of a number of interesting types the IAF have tucked away which will end up being restored. I do know that during the initial negotiations, they were quite keen to have Liberator restored, but it was wisely agreed to start with something a bit less challenging.
Edited by eharding on Saturday 3rd October 00:05
Considering in 2008 Winky set out a 3yr £825million aid package to India, why since they have a bigger economy to us is anyones guess. Anyway, here's a thought, hypothetically they have bought the Hurricane from the MOD using money we gave them. Or to put it another way, we bought something we already owned then gave it to India for free.
FourWheelDrift said:
Considering in 2008 Winky set out a 3yr £825million aid package to India, why since they have a bigger economy to us is anyones guess. Anyway, here's a thought, hypothetically they have bought the Hurricane from the MOD using money we gave them. Or to put it another way, we bought something we already owned then gave it to India for free.
...Tragic.FourWheelDrift said:
Considering in 2008 Winky set out a 3yr £825million aid package to India, why since they have a bigger economy to us is anyones guess. Anyway, here's a thought, hypothetically they have bought the Hurricane from the MOD using money we gave them. Or to put it another way, we bought something we already owned then gave it to India for free.
I'm not in favour of Winky's general reckless largesse with our money either, but in this particular case, even if you could hypothecate the amount the IAF are going to spend on restoring the exchange airframe, where *exactly* do you think that money is going to be spent? The IAF and HAL (another partner in this affair) are fully conversant with the issues and challenges involved with warbird restoration - you can expect to see a substantial chunk of the restoration work going to the UK specialist companies who have the expertise in this area.
According to Percy Prune, the deal is that the IAF will get the Hurricane in question only when its replacement is flying with the BBMF.
Its replacement is an older aircraft with confirmed BoB kills, unlike LF which entered service towards the end of the war and did a bulk of its flying in movies.
Its replacement is an older aircraft with confirmed BoB kills, unlike LF which entered service towards the end of the war and did a bulk of its flying in movies.
eharding said:
FourWheelDrift said:
Considering in 2008 Winky set out a 3yr £825million aid package to India, why since they have a bigger economy to us is anyones guess. Anyway, here's a thought, hypothetically they have bought the Hurricane from the MOD using money we gave them. Or to put it another way, we bought something we already owned then gave it to India for free.
I'm not in favour of Winky's general reckless largesse with our money either, but in this particular case, even if you could hypothecate the amount the IAF are going to spend on restoring the exchange airframe, where *exactly* do you think that money is going to be spent? The IAF and HAL (another partner in this affair) are fully conversant with the issues and challenges involved with warbird restoration - you can expect to see a substantial chunk of the restoration work going to the UK specialist companies who have the expertise in this area.eharding said:
dr_gn said:
Over 450 million people in India live below the poverty line (according to the numerous charities my wife insists of donating hard earned cash to)
In that case, I'd suggest ditching the wife - it might make you a lot less bitter and miserable.Point well missed BTW.
eharding said:
dr_gn said:
I'm sure it's not half as bitter and miserable as the poor sods who are living in the gutter while their government pisses money away on irrelevances.
By that measure, you should be advocating the abolition of the BBMF?Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff