"Jetman" Shares the Skies with Iconic Spitfire.

News provided by

Sep 07, 2012, 04:28 ET

BEX, Switzerland, Sept. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 cutting edge of Swiss innovation.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120907/LA70562-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120907/LA70562-b)

The Mk IXB Spitfire, operated by '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.

Yves comments:

"To take this occasion to fly in formation with this wonderful machine is an incredible experience. 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!"

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 airbourne 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.

Breitling:
Breitling's company ethos has naturally revolved around aviation, since making the first pilots watches and cockpit instruments from the beginning of the aviation era. Today, Breitling still supports outstanding pilots and projects that embody the true spirit of flight.
www.breitling.com

Old Flying Machine Company – MH434
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. A delight to fly, the aircraft is beautifully responsive and extremely manoeuvrable.
ww.ofmc.co.uk/spitfire_hist.aspx

Nigel Lamb:
Nigel Lamb first started flying for Breitling in 1999, for the Breitling Fighters, a famous warbird team operated by Old flying Machine Company. He is also well known for successfully flying the Breitling colors in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships and most recently flew the stunning P-52 Mustang in Breitling's latest advert 'Too late baby'.
www.nigellamb.com

SOURCE Breitling