Ellis is credited with sharing in the downing of a MiG-15 in combat over North Korea in 1952, but has only ever seen the aircraft through the gun sight of an 802 Naval Air Squadron Sea Fury FB11 fighter aircraft.
He explored the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron MiG-15 in detail, sitting in the cockpit seat and surveying the airfield. He then saw a Hawker Fury, flown by Richard Grace of Air Leasing Limited, fly into the airfield before landing opposite the MiG-15.
When asked what he thought of his experience, Brian Ellis said: “Awesome. I think that is the word that comes to me. It was quite emotional. What a privilege it was to spend your days flying these aircraft. I used to live in these things every day.”
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI will be flying in the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, representing the jet fighter era as it flies alongside a British de Havilland DH100 Vampire aircraft.
This year’s Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show will take place during IWM Duxford’s centenary year and will bring to life Duxford’s finest hour as an important Second World War fighter station which defended Great Britain from aerial attack in 1940.
Duxford’s airfield was built in 1917 during the First World War and it became pivotal to the air defence of Great Britain during the Battle of Britain and D-Day operations in the Second World War. Duxford’s important history and principle role as a vital Second World War fighter station will be celebrated at the Battle of Britain Air Show by more than 40 exceptional historic aircraft taking to the skies including a poignant mass flypast of 12 Spitfires.
The air show will also feature some of the aerial stars of the 2017 blockbuster film Dunkirk, including Historic Flying’s Hispano Aviacion HA-1112 Buchon and Aircraft Restoration Company’s Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF.