Flies In Close Formation With Historic WWII Fighter

As part of a celebration of Aviation, Yves "Jetman" Rossy took to the skies with fellow "Breitling Flyer" pilot, Nigel Lamb in the renowned Spitfire MH434. In this unique close-formation flight, the British iconic aircraft offered a stark contrast to the futuristic Jetwing. The Mk IXB Spitfire, operated by the 'Old Flying Machine Company' and normally based in Duxford, (UK) was invited by Toni Kupfer, former president of Bex Aeroclub to display at the airfield's annual 'fly-in' where the aircraft has been a favorite participant since its first appearance in 1976.

Bex aerodrome, near Geneva is also the home base of the pioneering aviator Yves Rossy and serves as a perfect development area for his famous Jetman project.

"To take this occasion to fly in formation with this wonderful machine is an incredible experience," Rossy said. "We were very fortunate to have the assistance of the TBM Avenger piloted by Laurent Calame, to act as a camera-ship and I would really like to thank everyone involved, at Bex, OFMC (Old Flying Machine Company) and Breitling to help make this happen.

Since my technology is getting more and more reliable I am very confident about these types of flights. I can relax and enjoy such a fantastic experience. Under my wing I am free, I have the perfect view!"

Perhaps the most famous of all Spitfires still flying today, MH434 was built in 1943 at Vickers, Castle Bromwich. This Spitfire is completely original, and has never been fully rebuilt.

For Yves Rossy, this is the latest in the series of formation flights. He has now successfully flown alongside the Stearman aircraft of the Breitling Wingwalkers, two L-39c Albatros Jets of the Breitling Jet Team and most recently, the airborne adventurer reenacted a 'Superman' flight flying alongside a DC3 aircraft to the delight of the 20 passengers onboard.

As a full-scale model of the Spitfire MH434 crowns the Breitling headquarters in Grenchen, (Switzerland) and the company has proudly supported the Jetman project since 2010, this formation flight reflects the luxury watch provider's true passion for aviation throughout the eras.

(Images provided by Breitling)

FMI: www.breitling.com, www.ofmc.co.uk/spitfire_hist.aspx, www.nigellamb.com