AUSTIN J. BROWN photographed examples of two of the most significant aircraft of the 20th Century in formation over the High Wycombe area recently: Douglas C-47A 43-15211/N1944A and Supermarine Spitfire Mk IA AR213/G-AIST.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

These exclusive air-to-air pictures taken by AUSTIN J. BROWN show Sheringham Aviation’s Spitfire Mk IA AR213 flying in formation with a recent arrival in the UK, Wings Venture’s C-47A N1944A. The aircraft are being flown by Jonathon Whaley and Capt Willi Timiziz respectively. Although the early-mark Spitfire saw no combat during World War Two while serving with the RAF, the Dakota is a true war veteran, having participated in Operation Overlord - the Allied invasion of Europe - and numerous air drops throughout Europe while with the USAAF.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

The Dakota wears full D-Day markings over its wartime USAAF green and grey finish.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

N1944A has been repainted in its original wartime camouflage and wears the code J8 on its forward fuselage. The code served to identify various Troop Carrier Groups flying over the Normandy beachhead - J8 signified that the C-47 belonged to the 439th TCG.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

This view of the main instrument panel illustrates the exceptional condition of the Dakota. The instruments have remained virtually unchanged from the time the aircraft was rolled off the production line in 1944.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Plotting the way ahead: PPS engineer Franco Tambascia at the navigator’s desk.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Equipment racks behind the flight deck still house the original batteries and radio equipment.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

This interior view looking aft shows the extent of work that PPS’s staff have ahead of them. The owner has requested that the rear cabin be restored to full wartime configuration. An initial inspection of some of the panels has shown there to be little corrosion within the airframe. The airline-type seats in this picture will soon be removed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Mounted behind the left-hand seat is the battery compartment. All the instruments and gauges are original.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935