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Sikorsky Hoverfly II helicopters dressed up as elephants
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Sikorsky Hoverfly II helicopters dressed up as elephants
Sikorsky Hoverfly II helicopters dressed up as elephants with Ringmaster, RAF display at Farnborough, 1950
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 1768897
© Charles Brown Collection, Royal Air Force Museum
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In this photograph taken by Charles E. Brown at the Farnborough Airshow in 1950, a pair of Sikorsky Hoverfly II helicopters don the disguise of majestic elephants, adding an extraordinary spectacle to the Royal Air Force (RAF) display. The post-war era, marked by innovation and rebuilding, saw the RAF exploring various avenues to showcase its technological advancements. The Sikorsky Hoverfly II, a twin-engined, single-seat helicopter, was a significant addition to the RAF's inventory. Known for its versatility and agility, the Hoverfly II was a vital asset for search and rescue missions, reconnaissance, and training purposes. However, at the Farnborough Airshow, its military prowess took a backseat as it transformed into a playful, whimsical elephant. The elephant costumes, meticulously designed and crafted, covered the helicopters' rotors, fuselage, and wings. The Ringmaster, likely a RAF officer, stands proudly beside the elephants, adding to the surreal scene. The crowd, filled with awe and delight, watches as the helicopters take to the skies, their rotors spinning gracefully like the ears of the elephants. This photograph is a testament to the RAF's innovative spirit and its ability to balance the serious nature of military aviation with the joy and wonder of entertainment. The Sikorsky Hoverfly II helicopters, dressed as elephants, remain a unique and intriguing chapter in the history of the RAF and aviation as a whole.
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