Film star aircraft to return to Warbirds

The UK-based Buchon Messerschmitt 109, which featured in last year's film Dunkirk, will make an...
The UK-based Buchon Messerschmitt 109, which featured in last year's film Dunkirk, will make an appearance at Easter's Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.
Warbirds Over Wanaka is set to host a movie star this Easter, when a Buchon Messerschmitt 109 from the United Kingdom does battle with a Spitfire in the skies above Wanaka Airport.

The scene will be eerily similar to that seen in last year's blockbuster film Dunkirk, in which the Buchon starred as a German fighter aircraft in the aerial battle over Dunkirk. It will sport the colour scheme as seen in the film.

It was the latest film the aircraft had featured in, having previously made appearances in the 1968 film Battle of Britain and Tom Cruise's 2008 film Valkyrie.

The Buchon was called in for Warbirds Over Wanaka as a late replacement for the Polikarpov I-16 which had been pulled out due to mechanical issues.

While disappointed the Polikarpov could not attend, Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor said he was thrilled to welcome back the Buchon, which was a huge attraction two years ago.

``The crowd loved seeing both the aircraft itself, plus witnessing the top flying skills of owner and pilot John Romain, one of the UK's best Warbirds pilots.''

Mr Taylor said the Polikarpov had two separate engine problems since late last year and the owners were unable to fix the aircraft in time for the airshow.

He said the owners were already preparing to get their aircraft ready for the 2020 airshow.

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