PETER MASEFIELD’S CHIPMUNK

Foreword from the Editor

I am delighted to have received this article from a former member of the Production/Manufacturing Organisation of Filton. (The vast majority of articles originate from the Design Organisation).

You have read earlier articles from me, and heard me state at the A.G.M’s that I can only produce the Newsletters based on the various articles that are submitted to me from the membership, and this article proves the point. I only received this article in this morning’s mail and it is already edited and ready for the newsletter. So please don’t let this article be a one-off from the Production/ Manufacturing disciplines.

One of the perks of being retired is that I now have time to read The Daily Telegraph! Mind you, it takes nearly all day to get through it. In the edition dated Friday 17th February the obituaries column carried notification of the death of Sir Peter Masefield who died February 14th aged 91.

I find reading the obituaries page quite inspiring as I read what individuals have achieved in their chosen careers, whatever profession they followed.

The paragraph that caught my attention read as follows: “Masefield flourished at Bristol, which was involved not only in airframe and engine manufacture, but also building guided weapons and cars. He made frequent business tips between Bristol and London piloting a personal De Havilland Chipmunk which he modified with a bubble canopy, spat wheels and ejector exhausts, adding 20 mph to its 119 mph cruising speed.” In 1962 Masefield flew his souped-up Chipmunk into 3rd place in the Kings Cup air race.

I was on inspection when this Chipmunk was hangared in the East Bay of the A. A. H.; The Telegraph article failed to identify two other items of work, or should I call them “mods” that we carried out for Masefield on his Chipmunk.

On the starboard wing where it joined the fuselage, Masefield had a map showing the M4 Motorway from Bristol to London Heath Row stuck onto its surface. This was covered by a strip of Perspex and sealed to keep out the weather. I’m told he navigated his aircraft using this map on which he highlighted key landmarks to facilitate his navigation!

The other interesting “mod” that was carried out was that he had a luggage compartment built into each wing. Removing a detachable panel in the top wing surface accessed this compartment. I believe the wing structure was reinforced with some additional struts.

Masefield was a big man and I think the bubble canopy allowed him to fit in. I admired his style as he had suitcases made in aluminium, covered with red leather. These fitted in the luggage compartment like a glove.

I can’t remember how we covered the costs for this work, but you don’t question your M.D!

Eddie Hawkins

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