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Foreword by:Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy KCB CBE DSO BSc(Eng) FRAeS RAF
The BBMF is not, however, just a display unit. Key to the success of the Flight – and one of its main objectives – is maintaining these historic aircraft in airworthy condition. The BBMF aircraft are very much part of our National heritage and the Flight’s personnel believe passionately that the aircraft should be kept in the air – where they are most at home – rather than as lifeless artefacts in a museum. This is no easy task, and takes careful long-term planning. The Flight plans on a 20-year-plus rolling basis, and carefully husbands the aircraft by limiting g-loadings, maximum speeds, engine power settings and the number of flying hours for each display season; they also undergo extensive engineering checks every winter. A few years ago I had the rare privilege of piloting both a Spitfire and Hurricane of the BBMF, and was immediately struck by the pristine condition of the aircraft and the immense dedication of the Flight’s engineers. I can also vouch for the skill of the Flight’s pilots, who display the aircraft with seemingly effortless precision. The BBMF also holds very close to its heart its role as a living, flying memorial to all those who flew, maintained and supported these aircraft during wartime operations. The men and women of a fighting service need to be aware of the achievements and sacrifices of their forbears, and the Battle of Britain epitomises the ethos we seek to engender in today’s Royal Air Force. In a wider context, the strength of any Nation depends in part on the pride it has in its own history and the sense of identity that this creates. Arguably, our society needs that foundation more than ever as we face the challenges of the modern world. Although conflicts on the scale of World War I and II seem, hopefully, to be a thing of the past, the men and women of the British Armed Services continue to be engaged in demanding and dangerous operations around the globe. As they undertake these tasks, I know they draw on the example, courage and achievements of their predecessors, some of whom fought in the Battle of Britain. As you read and enjoy this brochure, spare a thought for the courage, dedication and commitment of the many that have been either wounded or killed in the cause of peace and security, and those who willingly accept those risks today.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight screen saver is 10.6 mB or 6.4 mB, and on an 28.8k connection will take about 50 or 25 minutes to download. Click on the Lancaster below to start the download of the 1024 x 768 version, or the Spitfire for the 800 x 600 version. Once complete, double click on the file to begin the automatic installation process, and follow the onscreen instructions. All Crown Copyright images and text remain property of the Crown. Design Copyright DeltaWeb International Ltd. All original material Copyright DeltaWeb International Ltd.
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Home | The Aircraft | Display Dates | Latest News | Guestbook | The Crews | History | Visitors Centre | Lancaster Association © Crown Copyright 2006 and © Deltaweb International Ltd 2006 |
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It gives me great pleasure to write the foreword for the 2006 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) website. Last year was a particularly busy year for the Flight, not least because of the many commemorative events marking the 60 th anniversary of World War II and, importantly for the Royal Air Force, the 65 th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. One of the highlights of the year was the unforgettable sight of the BBMF Lancaster, flanked by a Spitfire and Hurricane, flying down The Mall and dropping one million poppies over Buckingham Palace as a tribute to those who gave their lives during World War II. Although 2006 holds fewer obvious anniversary events, the Flight remains in great demand and will, as in previous years, bring its unique presence to events across the length and breadth of the British Isles. The Flight routinely makes over 700 individual aircraft appearances during a year, ranging from major air shows to village fetes. I know you would wish to join me in wishing the Flight a successful display season for 2006. 
