Eastbourne International Airshow 2017

Hispano HA-1112
BUCHON
The Buchon is essentially a Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined Messerschmitt Bf109.
With a combination of ex-German airframe
and British powerplant, the first prototype flew
its maiden flight on 30 December 1954. This
particular aircraft you see today was built by
Hispano Aviacion in Seville in 1959.
Its service history has yet to come to light but
unit code 7-54 stamped into a panel on the wing
indicates that the Buchon served with Ala 7 at
Tablada and El Corpero, although it remains
uncertain whether the aircraft saw combat in the
Spanish Sahara.
This aircraft was one of 27 purchased at auction
from the Spanish Air Force by Spitfire Productions
for use in the making of the 1968 film “Battle of
Britain”. This Buchon was one of 11 taken by Texan
pilot and aircraft collector Wilson C “Connie”
Edwards as payment for flying services during
the filming. It found its way back to Duxford in
May 1996 and was sold to The Real Aircraft Co at
Breighton in Yorkshire, who initiated a full rebuild
to airworthy condition. Purchased by Spitfire Ltd in
November 2006, she moved back to Duxford to be
maintained by the Aircraft Restoration Company.
FLYING TIMES
Sat 13:09; Sun 12:58
DIMENSIONS
Height: 2.60m; Length: 9.13m
Wingspan: 9.92m
PERFORMANCE
Max Speed: 413mph
POWERPLANT
1 x 1,600hp Rolls-Royce
Merlin 500/45 V12
DID YOU KNOW?
This aircraft stars in the new epic
‘Dunkirk’ film in cinemas this
summer! It was also used during the
filming of ‘Valkyrie’ starring Tom
Cruise and has been assembled and
painted as Messerschmitt ‘Yellow 10’
as seen in the Battle of Britain film.
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EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL aIR S HOW 2017