This subject is a little bit different because it represents an aeroplane that was specially built for a film,just like the story line created by author Elliston Trevor a real aeroplane was made from parts of another to create a flying replica,the film has so stood the test of time that it has been re-issued with a brand new film to meet the demand,typical in that before it even reached the big screen it was outsold as a DVD to cover the costs of production,much the same as the 'Aviator' a film about the life story of Howard Hughes.
To understand the concept of the real Phoenix replica we must step into the workshops of the late Paul Mantz,who was tragically killed in the machine when following a touch and go on a piece of tarmac the aircraft broke its back,whilst this was written out of the film take the film is a dedication to a man devoted to stunt flying for the movies,over many years and even greater number of films for Hollywood he gave his professional advice and services that thrilled thousands of theatre goers.
The aircraft was designed by Otto Timm,late of Timm aircraft for the makers of the film,the wings came from a Beech C-45 and the engine fitted was a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 from a North American Harvard.
The fuselage and tail were made from ply and spruce,the skids in fact concealed a set of wheels but there is no doubt that the stalky layout did not help as the aircraft struck the ground in the crash.
This took place on July 8th 1965 in a desert location picked for the filming.
Span was 42 feet,the length was 45 feet.
Many successful models have been built of this machine,the one shown below is made from card.
Linear Mode
