Here it is, chaps - my first upload in almost 3 years...

The Folland Flash F.1 - my first entry to Mikoyanster's fantastic 1950's Dogfight Challenge.

I just hope the VR cockpit gubbins works...

Anyway - the fluff;

Model - Folland Fo.108 "Flash". Designated Flash F.1 in RAF service.
Manufacturer - Folland Aircraft Ltd., UK
Role - Single seat day fighter / point interceptor
First Flight - 17 February 1952
Entered Service - Limited Trials with RAF No. 249 Squadron, 1953-1054, based at RAF Valley, UK, with stints at Kampfly base Bardufoss, Norway.

Description

The Fo.108 "Flash" was developed by Folland Aircraft Ltd. in response to a 1950 Ministry of Supply Request for Information (RFI) seeking a high speed interceptor fighter, which could utilise the then existing crop og domestically produced turbojet engines, whilst maintaining high rates of climb, as well as high trans-sonic performance.

(note - domestically produced British turbojets at this time were disadvantaged by a lack of reliable production-ready reheat systems, and were therefore lacking in power against their US equivalents - especially the Pratt & Whitney J57, which was alreadt producing in excess of 10,000lbf of dry thrust)

After extensive testing, the Armstrong Siddeley Saphire 9 was chosen, and when fitted to the Fo.108 airframe, was found to be capable of producing a healthy 9,440lbf of thrust. More than enough to maintain the stipulated performance figures.

A total of 10 airframes were produced under the initial testing programme. Six assigned to operational trials with No.249 Squadron RAF, coded GN-A, through GN-F. The remaining four were retained for static testing, fatigue analysis, and development of a potential FAW.2 variant.

Aircraft GN-F (serial VA412 - depicted above) was flown by one Flt Lt J. Halvorsen (seconded from the Royal Norwegian Air Force) in one notable engagement with Mig-15bis fighters of the Soviet PVO Strany, which resulted in one damaged Mig, and a minor diplomatic incident in September 1953.

Specifications

Aside from the specifications in the table below;

Weapons - 2 x 30mm ADEN cannon in the lower nose. 120 rounds each.

Powerplant - 1 x Armstrong Siddeley Saphire 9, producing 9440lbf of dry thrust.

Performance

• top speed @ sea level of approx 600mph
• top speed at 30,000ft of 797mph
• climb rate of 13,500ft/min
• Service ceiling ~40,000ft
• Range (internal fuel only on F.1) of approx 500 miles.

History
Eventually passed over by the RAF for the more capable Hawker Hunter, the six airworthy Folland Flash airframes were evantually bought up by the Royal Norwegian Airforce and given the type reference Folland Flash F.52.
Based at Kampfly base Bardufoss, they complimented the already mixed fleet of de Havilland Vampire FB.52s, F-84 Thunderjets, and T-33 Shooting Stars.

Controls

A very easy kite to fly - all you need do is give 1/2 flaps (VTOL 50%) and a touch of nose up trim. After this, give her the beans and she will fly. Rotation at around 160mph, airborne not long after.

There is a fully functional cockpit (I hope) with a logical and labeled control for all the required controls.

However - here is a list for the hard of thinking;

A1 / yellow selector on right control panel - Open canopy.
A2 / Indicated switch, lower right panel - Unlock / Lock nose-wheel.
A3 / Red switch on gunsight RHS - Arm guns.
A4 / Round selector on gunsight LHS - Toggle gunsight light on/off.
A5 / A6 / A8 None
A7 / BIG YELLOW LEVER BETWEEN YOUR KNEES Guess... Thats right... it ejects you.

Brakes are the secondary button on the throttle. Both wheel and air.

Pip pip chaps!