Why is there so much affection for classic british aircraft, particularly in Britain???

Question

Aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, Avro Lancaster, Avro Vulcan, Hawker Harrier, De Havilland Mosquito, Concorde (yes i know it was an Anglo French Collabaration)

Answer 1

as others have said, most were designed & built during & after the war, the affection continued after the war because they were british & beautiful even civil aircraft, now we only build aircraft in collaboration which with the exception of concorde are much less attractive.

Answer 2

-Because the 1940 Battle was life or death.

Answer 3

Probably because the aircraft was the one saving factor in the defence of this island during world war II.

Navy and army did their bit, but in the main, it was the aircraft that dictated that as of today, we dont all speak German

Answer 4

Because they are the very best in the world in spite of what our cousins across the pond may think

Answer 5

It is symptomatic of the British reverence for history. How you were is part of how you are. It is reflected in the collections of beautifully preserved aircraft, steam (and diesel) locomotives and rolling stock, the National Trust, vintage cars and buses, lorries and traction engines, the government ensuring the well-being of historic architecture (listings), etc., etc. There seem to be endless funds and huge numbers of skilled or willing volunteers to help support preservation projects. Gaps in history are even filled with projects such as the Peppercorn Pacific project (and the Brighton Atlantic, the Saint, da da da). It makes Britain a VERY interesting place to live and to visit. I've noticed that, unlike many countries, the British aren't entirely consumed with making money out of something or someone every damned waking minute, or simply having fun - they are happy to spend time and money and elbow-grease, and to get their hands dirty working to preserve their priceless history for all to enjoy. It is just the way they are. My hat off to them.

Answer 6

These aircraft were and are a display of developing British aircraft engineering skills. Each one was developed  due to the needs of the time. They are held in such high esteem out of respect for the people who developed them  and the people who flew in them !

Answer 7

No idea but my dad who is not here at mo loves them.

Answer 8

All of them design classics and with the exception of the Concorde all have helped remove our conkers from the fire. Concorde is an aircraft that couldn't be made today. Imagine a cross between a Lockheed SR71 and an Boeing 737 and you can see the design problems.

Answer 9

In times past, there was something that existed in UK engineering, called the Functional Tradition.

That is, the likes of aircraft, railway locomotives, cars, etc. not only worked well, but were designed to look good too.

The classic examples are the Spitfire aeroplane and the Castle Class of steam locomotive.

(Note use of the word aeroplane and not that ugly word airplane).

Answer 10

history of aviation & decisive ww2 battles.ie battle of britain.

Answer 11

Maybe because it makes us proud that its good old british engineering, design and manufacture. These where all iconic british aircraft.

Answer 12

In my opinion it is because they are beautiful, elegant and functional at the same time. In the case of the Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster and Mosquito it has alot to do with the sound of the Rolls Royce Merlin and the memory of those brave men who flew them to keep us free. The Harrier is a triumph of design it is unique as the only VSTOL aircraft which only use one engine witout the need for additional lift jets, the Americans of Russians never mastered that.

Concorde and the Vulcan share the same engine, the Rolls Royce Olympus but it is their sleek lines and power which shine through.

In short Great Britain has some of the best aircraft engineers in the world.

Answer 13

Because it brings out the Nostalgic in us.  it was also someting that we were very good at (aircraft manufacture) and so it's a reason to be proud.

Answer 14

there is so much affection for these aircrafts as these are the aircrafts which have been out and fought for our justice, these are the aircrafts that have been everywhere to protect our right . if you want to know go to the RAF museum in london RAF cosford museum or the battle of britain memorial flight museum at RAf Coningsby ( beware , very loud eurofighters around coningsby)

Answer 15

Because they are COOL!