The Planes

Sukhoi SU-26M

The Sukhoi SU-26M was designed and built in Moscow by the Sukhoi Design Bureau: the principal supplier of fighters, bombers and attack aircraft to the Russian military. The SU-26M combines a 360-400 HP nine cylinder radial engine with a composite and titanium airframe to create an aircraft capable of hovering in place, reaching 280 mph and handling more G forces than an F-16. In this aircraft, the pilot becomes the limiting factor of what can be demonstrated. The Sukhoi is the most sought-after competition aircraft in the world. Rick’s Sukhoi SU-26M is featured on the Discovery Channel series “How Machines Work”.

Supermarine Spitfire MK IX

The Supermarine Spitfire first flew in 1936, with it's last operational flight in April, 1954. In 24 variants, it became the most famous fighter aircraft involved in the Battle of Britain. It served in reconnaissance, low-level ground attack and high level air superiority fighter roles. The Russell Group Spitfire MK IX was produced for Supermarine Aviation Company by Castle Bromwich in 1944. After comprehensive restoration by Historic Flying, Ltd. in Duxford, England, it took to the skies for the first time in 47 years on September 8th, 2000. It is has been heralded as the finest flying Spitfire in existence. It headlines Ed Russell’s superlative Battle of Britain Collection, which is rounded out with a Messerschmitt bf109E, a Hawker Hurricane MK XII and a North American Harvard MK IIB. The Russell Group is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Messerschmitt bf109E

Designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930’s, the first truly modern fighter of its era. For the first 5 years after its appearance in 1935, the bf109 was the best fighter in the world. Designed at a time when many designers were still thinking in terms of biplanes the Bf109 became the forerunner of all the most modern fighter planes of World War II.

The Russell Aviation Group’s bF109E is the only flying example in the world today with a Daimler Benz DB601 power plant. Originally built as a bf109E1, but upgraded to the E-4 standard. It was flown on several occasions by legendary Jagdwaffe ace Hans-Joachim Marseille, “White 14”. Today carries the markings it wore when Marseille flew it on the channel front in 1940, where the ace claimed a Spitfire over Thames Estuary. “White 14” had a forced landing on the beach at Calais-Marck on 2 September 1940. After being recovered and repaired it saw service on the Eastern front (Russia) where it was abandoned.

It was recovered from a Russian swamp in the 1990’s, transferred to the UK and restored by Craig Charleston for David Price from the Santa Monica Museum of Flight. It was received in Chino California January 14, 1999 and fitted with a DB601 engine, the aircraft only saw about 50 hours flying time before being purchased by Ed Russell of Canada where it resides today.

Hawker Hurricane MK XII

The Hawker Hurricane was the first Monoplane with 8 machine guns to exceed 300 mph to go into production for the RAF. Sydney Camm’s fighter will always be associated with the Battle of Britain in which it shared the main action against the Luftwaffe with the Spitfire. During the Battle of Britain the Hurricane destroyed more enemy aircraft than all other air defense forces combined.

Extra 300L

The Extra 300L is an excellent platform for warbird emergency training. Contact us to discuss your needs.