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The
machine was built and flown by Wing Commander Ken Wallis from Norfolk.
He
made more than 80 flights for the sequence which lasts just minutes
on film.
Wing
Cmdr Wallis began experimenting with the machines in 1958 and his
prototype, WA-116, had its maiden flight in 1961.
The
autogyro can fly as fast as 120mph, and fly up to 6000 ft.
She
was named Little Nellie after the music hall star, Nellie Wallace.
All the weapons on the vehicle still work today.
The
machines have been used in aerial photography, military reconnaissance
and even in the search for the Loch Ness monster.
Wing
Cmdr Wallis is also the oldest pilot to set a world record (as recognised
by the FAI, the world air-sports federation).
On
March 19 1998, at age 81 years and 336 days, he had the fastest
climb to 3000 metres in an autogyro over Norfolk.
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Recommended reading
By Sheila McKeown, a librarian at the Millennium Library in
Norwich.
The Best Ever Book of Flight, by Ian Graham.
Kingfisher 2003, ISBN 0753406322.
Aircraft and Flight, by Peter Mellett. Lorenz
2000, ISBN 0754805867.
You can get hold of these books through
your local library.
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