Classic Fighters Airshow at Omaka Airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand

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At the outbreak of World War II, the forces of Nazi Germany enjoyed dramatic success due to the air supremecy quickly gained by the German Air Force, known in that country as the Luftwaffe. As the war raged on, the word Luftwaffe engendered fear in whole nations just as the machinery of that powerful air arm could strike fear in the hearts of every citizen. Names like Messerschmitt, Focke Wulf, Junkers all became household names. If all goes according to plan, for the first time ever, the southern hemisphere is to see representative examples of aircraft from all three of these German companies, on the flightline together at Classic Fighters.

CFí11 organisers are waiting with bated breath for the arrival in March of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, nick-named the ëButcher Birdí by the Allies during WW II. The aircraft has just completed several years of rework in Germany before being packed into a container and shipped to its Kiwi owner who will base the aircraft permanently at Omaka. No example of this menacing aircraft, broadly accepted as the best fighter produced by Axis powers during WW II, has ever been seen flying in the southern hemisphere so its debut at Classic Fighters will make it one of the key stars of the show.

Supporting this distinctive machine will be the return of the Messerschmitt Me 108 which has been a feature of the Classic Fighters event since the inaugural show in 2001. Although used as a communications aircraft and VIP transport during the war, the aircraft regularly supports the theatrical side of the show as it stands in for its similar looking brother, the Messerschmitt Me 109 fighter this being all the more realistic as the aircraft fires its very audible and visual guns from the leading edges of both wings.

Adding to the threesome is the resident replica of the hugely feared Junkers Ju87B ëStukaí dive-bomber. The Stuka was almost completed in time for last yearís show when it was displayed as a ëPiciatellií, the name given to the Stuka when operated by the Italian Air Force. Volunteers are just now putting the finishing touches on the Stuka, finally finished in the colours that most represents the way the aircraft would have looked during the height of its success with the Luftwaffe.

Hopefully, all three of this menacing trio will be on the field in time for the show this Easter, representing the largest gathering of representative Luftwaffe aircraft ever to participate in an airshow in the southern hemisphere, and coming together this Easter ñ only at Omaka!

www.classicfighters.co.nz

Updated: July 18, 2011 — 3:23 PM
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