Summary: One of a series of training films to aid the recognition of airborne aircraft when viewed from the ground. Film of Mike Lithgow’s Paris to London speed record, flying a Swift is shown.
Description: The Swift aircraft designed and manufactured by the Supermarine Company is a direct descendant of the Spitfire, the film shows the intervening versions that lead to the Swift. Because of the streamlined nature of the design, identification of the Swift is dependent upon an ability to recognise subtleties of the basic shape. First, the Swift is shown in silhouette plan and side views. It is seen the mainframe predominates as described by the commentator, with corresponding photographs of each distinguishing feature. The Swift is renowned for it’s speed and manoeuvrability as an interceptor fighter, but it requires experience to identify it from the ground. Film ends at Heathrow airport, July 1953, where Mike Lithgow flying in a Swift Mk4 (WK198) has arrived from Paris in nineteen minutes, a new record.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:AMY 527
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:
Production Date:1953
Production Country: GB
Production Details: AIR MINISTRY (Production sponsor)
CAS Productions (Production company)
