Post World War Two British Military Aircraft Recognition | 1947?

#raf #aviation #militaryhistory | Informational video used by the British military to help with Aircraft recognistion.
In this vintage British military training film, created shortly after WWII, we dive into the crucial skill of aircraft recognition, a vital asset for pilots and personnel alike. This instructional video uses the Mosquito aircraft as a prime example, comparing aircraft recognition to knowing your own house by its shape and surroundings.
Starting with a scene outside Eastcote Railway station, the film moves on to highlight a striking headline: "Meteor Breaks Record." Witness footage of the legendary Gloster Meteor (EE521) flying over the seafront, followed by a detailed breakdown of the key identifying features of the Meteor, such as tailplane location, wing position, and engine placement.
The video also showcases a variety of other historic aircraft in flight, including the Whirlwind, C-46, Beaufighter (RO 458 QM-C), Mosquito, RAF Mitchell (C-DY), Bristol Freighter (G-AGVC), Vickers Viking (G-AGOM), Spitfire (HA-F), Lancaster (PO-N), and Avro York (G-AGJA). These serve as additional examples of how to identify aircraft by their distinct wing shapes and physical traits.
The film cleverly compares recognizing an aircraft to spotting your girlfriend in a cinema queue from across the street-stressing the importance of being able to quickly and accurately identify both friendly and enemy planes.
As the video progresses, watch the Meteor (EE589) roll out for a test flight, and EE590 taxi for takeoff. In a fascinating look at experimental designs of the future, the video includes rare footage of the US Flying Wing Northrop YB35, Vought XF5U "Flying Flapjack," and Saunders Roe SR.A/1 Amphibious Fighter, hinting at the changing shapes of military aircraft.
This post-WW2 video is a must-watch for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the training methods that shaped military aviation in the early jet age.