Lockheed 12A G-AEOI was registered on March 10, 1937 and owned by Viscount Furness. On December 12, 1939 it was impressed into the RAF and became X9316. Surviving the war, ’OI was purchased by the Shell company of Venezuela in February 1946 and became YV-P-AED; later changed to YV-C-TAD. On its introduction into service, the Model 12A was one of the fastest transports in the world. Power was normally supplied by two 450 h.p. Pratt & Whitney Wasp Juniors.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Electra Junior 12 - СШАUSA - 1936

In 1938 the Iraq Aeroplane Society purchased three D.H.89A Dragon Rapides. This one, YI-ZWA, was certificated on July 25, 1938 and rumours were rife at Heston concerning its purpose. It was generally thought that it was equipped for aerial photography.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Dragon Rapide / Dominie / D.H.89 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1934

The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun was a sleek all-metal luxury four-seater fitted with a retractable undercarriage and powered by the eight-cylinder inverted 270 h.p. Argus As 10 inline engine, which gave the aircraft a maximum speed of around 200 m.p.h. This example, D-?MXA, was snapped at Heston in February 1939. Was it just touring, or was it snooping?

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Messerschmitt Bf.108 Taifun - ГерманияGermany - 1934

Beech C17R G-AESJ was registered in April 1937 to Surrey Flying Services, agents for the type in the UK. This de luxe variant of a long line of Staggerwings was powered by a 400 h.p. Wright Whirlwind radial, a total of 18 C17Rs was produced by the Beech Wichita factory.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing - СШАUSA - 1932

Fairchild Model 24K NC19187 was deluxe no-expense-spared four-seater powered by a 150 h.p. Ranger inline engine. During mid-1937 NC19187 was a familiar sight in the UK and was used by agents Malcolm & Farquharson as a demonstrator. Painted green and cream, it was priced at around £1,400. Although Warner Scarab-engined Fairchild 24s were certificated in large numbers in the UK after the war, the Ranger engine was frowned upon by the ARB and only in recent years has the type trickled onto the British register.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fairchild C-61 Forwarder / Model 24 / Argus - СШАUSA - 1932

Lockheed 10E G-AFEB was registered in the UK in March 1938 to British Airways and used on the Paris and Stockholm services. It was later used on the National Air Communications emergency airlift between Heston, Shoreham and Le Bourget, for which it was camouflaged and given RAF roundels. In April 1940 ’EB was impressed and given the RAF serial number W9104. It flew with 24 Sqn until damaged beyond repair following a landing at Clifton on October 12, 1941. The ten-passenger Model 10E was powered by two 550 h.p. Wasp S3H1 radials and cruised at around 200 m.p.h. at 10,000ft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Electra 10 - СШАUSA - 1934

The five-seat Spartan Executive 7-W was designed and first flown in almost total secrecy during 1934-36. It was one of the most advanced aeroplanes of its day. It was powered by a single 400 h.p. Wasp Junior SB engine which, at 65 per cent power, gave a 190 m.p.h. cruising speed at 9,600ft. YI-SOF was owned by an Iraqi prince and was named Eagle of Iraq.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Spartan 7W Executive - СШАUSA - 1936

British Klemm B.K.1. Eagle 1 G-ACPU was the first production Eagle. It was certificated in July 1934 and first sold to E. L. Gandar Dower, who ordered it for racing. It was thus fitted with a 200 h.p. Gipsy VI, but this was later replaced by a standard 130 h.p. Gipsy Major. In September 1941 'PU was impressed into the RAF as 2679M.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: British Klemm BK-1 Eagle - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1934

Comper Swift G-ABUU was owned by Miss Connie Leathart when it was photographed here at Heston. Built in 1932, 'UU survived the war and passed through the hands of several post-war owners, notably John Pothecary, who kept the Swift for 25yr. In 1986 it was purchased by Harry Fox and was restored by him and Skysport Engineering to immaculate condition. It is currently based at Wycombe Air Park.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Comper Swift / CLA.7 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1930

Fokker F.XXII G-AFXR was one of two of these Dutch airliners to find their way onto the British register. Initially flown by British American Air Services from Heston, 'XR was later acquired by Scottish Aviation at Prestwick, who already had G-AFZP. In October 1941 the Fokker was impressed and used as a navigation trainer, becoming HM159 and bearing the name Brontosaurus. On July 3, 1943 it crashed into Loch Tarbert and exploded. Originally 'XR formed part of KLM’s fleet, flying as PH-AJP and named Papegaai. It was powered by four 525 h.p. Pratt and Whitney radials and had an all-up weight of 28,000lb.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fokker F.XXXVI / F.XXII - НидерландыNetherlands - 1934