Versatility and responsiveness for safety The EC145, designed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), is a modern twin-engine helicopter renowned for its reliability and versatility. It has been powering the French Gendarmerie Nationale (FAGN) since 2010, gradually replacing the older Écureuils and Alouette IIIs. Thanks to its carrying capacity, stability and high-tech cockpit, the EC145 is capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, day and night: emergency response, search and rescue (SAR), surveillance, medical transport and support to ground units. Within the gendarmerie, the EC145 is an essential link in France's security and rescue system, operating in the mountains,…
A Pacific legend with an inimitable silhouette With its stocky silhouette, huge three-bladed propeller and characteristic W-shaped wings, the Chance Vought F4U Corsair is one of the most emblematic embarked fighters of the Second World War and the Korean conflict. The example you can admire here, registered D-FCOR, has a remarkable history behind it, combining military involvement, passionate restoration and a long career at airshows, first in France and then in Germany. A documented operational career This Corsair, serial number 124541, flew in the 1950s with the VMF-513 ‘Flying Nightmares’ squadron over Korea. This US Navy unit is one of…
The only jet-powered biplane At the controls of the Jet Pitts G-JPIT, Rich Goodwin is electrifying European air shows with an absolutely unique aircraft. A former Royal Air Force Tornado pilot and Boeing 767 captain, Rich specialises in extreme aerobatics. His Jet Pitts is the culmination of a crazy project started in 2014: to design the very first twin-engine Pitts Special with mixed propulsion, combining a piston engine and two jet turbines. An extraordinary machine The G-JPIT has been completely rebuilt around a new oversized wing, designed by Eddie Saurenman, a specialist in experimental aerobatic aircraft. These wings offer exceptional…
The ALAT's feline of steel Fearsome and stealthy, the Tiger is a new-generation attack helicopter designed for the most demanding missions. It entered service with the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) in the early 2000s, and is the result of Franco-German cooperation led by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). Versatile, agile and powerful, it is used for armed reconnaissance, fire support, armour destruction and convoy cover missions. In its HAD (Helicopter Destruction Support) version, in service with the ALAT, the Tiger is capable of operating day and night, in all weathers, thanks to its optronic sensors, its TopOwl helmet-mounted sight and…
A timeless classic Introduced into service in the mid-1930s, the ‘Stearman’, became the benchmark training biplane for future fighter, bomber and reconnaissance pilots. With its sturdy steel and wood airframe, wide fixed undercarriage and responsive controls, it was ideal for learning the basics of flying: take-off, navigation, tight turns, basic aerobatics and even... less-than-perfect landings! Flying with Aero Vintage Academy Registered F-HIZI, this Stearman has been expertly restored to the bright yellow livery of USAAF training aircraft. It is now available for discovery flights, giving anyone with an interest in flying the old-fashioned way the chance to try it out.…
DH 100 MK 6 VAMPIRE, F-AZHXDH 100 MK 6 VAMPIRE, F-AZHX Technical specifications Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft CompanyEngine: 1 × de Havilland Goblin 35Thrust: 1,500 kg (3,350 lbf)Maximum speed: 882 km/hRange: approximately 1,200 kmOperating ceiling: 12,200 mLength: 9.37 metresWingspan: 11.58 mArmament: 4 Hispano 20 mm cannons + baskets of rockets or bombs in armed configurationYear of design: 1943 / First commissioning: 1946 A pioneer in jet aviation The Royal Air Force's first operational jet fighter after the Second World War, the de Havilland Vampire embodies the technological transition from propeller-driven fighters to the jet age. Its recognisable silhouette, with its…
The very first jet fighter in history A technological icon and military aviation legend, the Me 262 was the world's first operational jet fighter. Designed by Nazi Germany at the end of the Second World War, it marked a turning point in the history of military aviation, shattering codes with its revolutionary performance. A rare bird in the sky D-IMTT you will see at Air Legend is not an original Me 262, but a faithful reproduction, built in the 2000s by the American Messerschmitt Foundation / Legend Flyers from period plans. Equipped with modern General Electric CJ610 engines (from the…
Versatility and power The NH90 Caiman is one of the most modern military helicopters in service today. Designed by the NHIndustries consortium (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Fokker), it is used by several European armed forces for its manoeuvrability, robustness and on-board technology.In its TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) version, used by the ALAT, it carries out troop transport, medical evacuation, special forces support and logistics missions in the most demanding theatres of operation. Serving in the French Army The NH90 TTH powers several ALAT regiments, including the 1st RHC (Phalsbourg) and the 5th RHC (Pau). Capable of operating in all weather conditions,…
A legend in military training Nicknamed the ‘Pilot Maker’ by the Americans, the T-6 Texan (or Harvard in Commonwealth countries) trained thousands of Allied pilots during the Second World War and beyond. An advanced training aircraft, it was used to learn the complex manoeuvres required to fly fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire. Its tandem cockpit, sliding canopy and ability to simulate the behaviour of combat aircraft made it an essential part of military pilot training. Flying with Aero Vintage Academy F-HLEA, based at La Ferté-Alais, is operated by the passionate team at Aero Vintage Academy. In…
Lightning from the skies With its twin fuselages, sleek elegance and formidable performance, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning is one of the most emblematic aircraft of the Second World War. Nicknamed the ‘Fork-Tailed Devil’ by the Germans, this twin-engine fighter made history with its versatility and unique looks. An icon of the Second World War Designed by Lockheed in the late 1930s, the P-38 was the only American fighter to be produced for the duration of the war. Used in Europe and especially in the Pacific, it served as a fighter, photo reconnaissance aircraft, long-range escort and even fighter-bomber.One of its…
