The Aeroplane Photographic Archive

The Aeroplane Photographic Archive is a unique collection of aviation images spanning more than 95 years of aviation.

These images are taken from 70,000-strong archive of original glass-plate photographic negatives and are available to purchase in print format. Call +44 (0)20 3148 4327 or email Aeroplane

Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 P3428



In the May 3, 1940, issue of The Aeroplane, half a page was given to a dynamic portrait of one of Fighter Command's most vital fighters then in its inventory – the Hawker Hurricane. This shot captures a Hurricane Mk 1 P3428 in the hands of Hawker test pilot Dick Reynell, shortly before its delivery to 245 Sqn at Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, as DX-N.

Canberra B(I).8 XK951



The English Electric Canberra spent five years as the Royal Air Force's most successful RAF advanced bomber. In 1956 it was adapted into a low-level strike aircraft, armed with a variety of bombs and rockets – and for the first time on the type, cannon armament.

Accordingly the nose section was redesigned and fitted with a fighter-style blown canopy, distinctively offset to port in order to accommodate the navigator/bomb aimer, relocated within the fuselage ahead of and below the pilot. A ventral gun pack was also fitted into the rear of the bomb-bay, arming the Canberra with four 20mm Hispano cannon. The new variant was given the designation B(I).8, and entered RAF service with an 88 Sqn at Wildenrath, Germany, in January 1956.

This photograph shows Preston-built Canberra B(I).8 XK951 up from Farnborough in September 1956.

The Blackburn Roc



The Blackburn Roc first flew on December 23, 1938, entering frontline service with No 806 Sqn FAA at Eastleigh in February 1940. Along with the RAF's turret fighter, the Boulton Paul Defiant, the Roc could not compete with other contemporary fighters with fixed forward-firing guns and/or cannon, and gradually faded out of service, the last two being withdrawn in 1943.

This photograph shows a trio of Rocs up from RNAS Donibristle in Fife in November 1939.

Miles Magister, Airspeed Oxford I and Miles Master III



This close formation picture over the Wiltshire countryside depicts the RAF's primary trainer, the Miles Magister, closest to the camera, with an Airspeed Oxford I off its starboard wing and a Miles Master III beyond that, all of which were operating with the Empire Central Flying School at Hullavington. After completing ab initio training on the “Maggie” the tyro pilot would graduate on to the “Ox-box” for multi-engine instruction, or the Master for conversion to fighters.

This picture taken for The Aeroplane in 1942 is unusual in gathering together the three most important RAF trainers of the wartime era.

Purchasing

Each of these images is available as a print. Three sizes are available (7in x 5in, 10in x 8in and 16in x 12in) and start at just £11.46 excluding post and packaging.

For further information or to order one of these unique prints:
Call +44 (0)20 3148 4327
Email email aeroplane_monthly@ipcmedia.com

We'll be offering a new historic aviation image every month...