Iconic James Bond Helicopter To Headline Goodwood Aviation Festival

THE helicopter made famous in the 1964 James Bond Film ‘Goldfinger' will take centre stage at the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation exhibition at the Goodwood Revival on September 12.

Officially known as the Hiller UH-12E4, this is the very aircraft in which Galore, played by actress Honor Blackman, flew Goldfinger's atomic bomb to Fort Knox for the film's finale. It was also used by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in Oscar-winning film, ‘The VIPs', the previous year.

Up to 30 aircraft will form part of the display with other highlights including a 1948 Tempco ‘Globe Swift' GC-1B whose previous owner's father was taught to fly at 14 years old by aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright.

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson is set to bring his Fokker DR1 triplane, the same kind of machine used by German World War 1 hero Manfred von Richthofen, aka, The Red Baron, while the largest machine this year will be a Douglas C47A Dakota.

Rob Wildeboer, Goodwood Aviation General Manager, said: "Every year we gather an amazing selection of aircraft together for the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation exhibition, but this year's is truly the most impressive to date.

“We have famous aircraft and some extreme rarities that will appeal to both the true aviation enthusiast and those looking to get up-close to something pretty special."

By Press Association reporters