Flight Replicas HA-1222-M1L Buchon

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HA-1112-M1L Buchón

Discover the challenge of flying an aircraft derived from the legendary Messerschmitt Bf-109G2, a story beginning in 1942 and yet still going to this day. The story begins as a project to build a license-built version of the Bf-109G2, but a lack of parts prompted Hispano Aviación to come up with creative engineering solutions. These eventually transformed into a uniquly Spanish aircraft: the Buchón. Quietly successful in its Spanish Air Force role, which ended in 1965, the Buchón had an astonishing re-birth following its use in the 1969 film "Battle of Britain", portraying Bf-109's. Since then the Buchón has been a sought-after aircraft for restoration in many guises and appears today in a wide variety of paint schemes and restorations at airshows around the world. The Buchón retains much of the Bf-109's flying characteristics - so be prepared to use all your piloting skills.

History

In 1942, the Spanish government arranged a manufacturing license with Messerschmitt AG to build the Bf-109G-2. The DB 605A engines, propellers, instruments and weapons were to be supplied from Germany. However, this proved impossible as Germany was incapable of meeting its own needs let alone Spain's, and only twenty-five airframes (without their tails) and less than half the necessary drawings were actually delivered. Although Spain attempted to use and develop the aircraft in any case, flying several examples, lack of engines forced a considerable re-design to accommodate new power plants. It wasn't until 1951 that a suitably developed version was accepted, that being the HA.1112.1KLwith the Hispano-Suiza, HS 17-12Z engine. Although 200 were planned only 65 were built. Continued searching for a successful airframe meant that a final variant was eventually developed, that being the HA.1112.M1L, the subject of this simulator package.

The HA-1112-M1L was named the "Buchón" (Pouter), which translates as a male dove in Spanish. It first flew on 29 March 1954 with a 1,600 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 500-45 engine and Rotol propeller, both purchased as surplus from the UK. This engine and chin intake considerably altered the aircraft’s appearance.

It was an improvised assembly of outdated components, but this was acceptable for the intended purpose of controlling Spanish colonial territories in Africa, where more sophisticated technology was both unnecessary and unavailable in politically isolated Spain at the time. The aircraft carried two 20 mm Hispano-Suiza 404/408 cannons and two Oerlikon or Pilatus eight-packs of 80 mm rockets and remained in service until 27 December 1965. 172 were built.

Due to their longevity, Buchóns have appeared in several war films masquerading as Bf-109E's and G's, very notably in the 1969 film Battle of Britain (alongside CASA 2.111 bombers, a Spanish-built version of the Heinkel He 111). Buchons also played the Bf-109's opposition the film, the Hawker Hurricane, in one scene. Buchóns can be seen in such films as Der Stern von Afrika, Memphis Belle, Dunkirk, The Tuskegee Airmen, Dunkirk and may others. Remarkably, more and more Buchóns are being restored, some re-engined and very close to the Bf-109 form, and are likely to be seen in films and airshows around the world for many years to come.

(source: Wikipedia)

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