20230917 (194)_G-AFTL_Lockheed_Electra_Junior
This is an exceptionally historic aircraft with specific relevance to Britain's preparation for WWII and the Battle of Britain as well as the rebirth and early development (and value!) of photographic reconnaissance to modern aerial warfare. A British adventurer pilot, Sidney Cotton, provided it as a business venture ostensibly seeking to sell photographic products around Europe. In fact he was clandestinely taking stereo pair photographs with two vertically mounted F24 cameras concealed behind opening hatches in the belly of the aircraft, to both French and British Intelligence. His pre-war flights, continued right up to the brink of hostilities, obtained cover of many German installations and airfields, sometimes with high-ranking Germans actually on board. The aircraft had a chequered career but has now been restored to its pre-war glory and is seen here landing after displaying at the Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2023. The colours of the scheme look very similar to RAF Sky and what became known as PRU Blue.
20230917 (194)_G-AFTL_Lockheed_Electra_Junior
This is an exceptionally historic aircraft with specific relevance to Britain's preparation for WWII and the Battle of Britain as well as the rebirth and early development (and value!) of photographic reconnaissance to modern aerial warfare. A British adventurer pilot, Sidney Cotton, provided it as a business venture ostensibly seeking to sell photographic products around Europe. In fact he was clandestinely taking stereo pair photographs with two vertically mounted F24 cameras concealed behind opening hatches in the belly of the aircraft, to both French and British Intelligence. His pre-war flights, continued right up to the brink of hostilities, obtained cover of many German installations and airfields, sometimes with high-ranking Germans actually on board. The aircraft had a chequered career but has now been restored to its pre-war glory and is seen here landing after displaying at the Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2023. The colours of the scheme look very similar to RAF Sky and what became known as PRU Blue.