Eric "Winkle" Brown. The Legendary Test Pilot Who Holds Remarkable World Records | Biography
Ғылым және технология
Was he the best test pilot in history? Eric "Winkle" Brown flew 487 Different Aircraft. Eric Brown is also the pilot who interrogated Hermann Göring in exchange for an aircraft.
Listen to his incredible life story.
Captain Eric Melrose "Winkle" Brown, CBE, DSC, AFC, Hon FRAeS, RN (21 January 1919 - 21 February 2016) was a British Royal Navy officer and test pilot who flew 487 types of aircraft, more than anyone else in history.
Brown holds the world record for the most aircraft carrier deck take-offs and landings performed (2,407 and 2,271 respectively) and achieved several "firsts" in naval aviation, including the first landings on an aircraft carrier of a twin-engined aircraft, an aircraft with a tricycle undercarriage, a jet aircraft, and a rotary-wing aircraft.
He flew almost every category of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft: glider, fighter, bomber, airliner, amphibian, flying boat, and helicopter. During World War II, he flew many types of captured German, Italian, and Japanese aircraft, including new jet and rocket aircraft. He was a pioneer of jet technology in the postwar era.
Brown was born in Leith, near Edinburgh, in the United Kingdom. His father was a former balloon observer and pilot in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Brown first flew when he was eight or ten when he was taken up in a Gloster Gauntlet by his father, the younger Brown sitting on his father's knee.
In 1936 Brown's father took him to see the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Hermann Göring had recently announced the existence of the Luftwaffe, and Brown and his father met and were invited to join social gatherings by members of the newly disclosed organization. At one of these meetings, Ernst Udet, a former World War I fighter ace, was fascinated to make the acquaintance of Brown senior, a former RFC pilot, and offered to take his son Eric up flying with him. Eric eagerly accepted the German's offer and after his arrival at the appointed airfield at Halle, he was soon flying in a two-seat Bücker Jungmann. He recalled the incident nearly 80 years later on the BBC radio program Desert Island Discs
You talk about aerobatics - we did every one I think and I was hanging on to my tummy. So, when we landed, and he gave me the fright of my life because we approached upside-down and then he rolled out just in time to land, he said to me as I got out of the cockpit, slapped me between the shoulder-blades, and gave me the old WW1 fighter pilots' greeting, Hals- und Beinbruch, which means broken neck and broken legs but that was their greeting. But he said to me, you'll make a fine fighter pilot - do me two favors: learn to speak German fluently and learn to fly.
During the Olympic Games Brown witnessed Hitler shaking hands with Jesse Owens.
In 1937, Brown left the Royal High School and entered the University of Edinburgh, studying modern languages with an emphasis on German. While there he joined the university's air unit and received his first formal flying instruction. In February 1938 he returned to Germany under the sponsorship of the Foreign Office, having been invited to attend the 1938 Automobile Exhibition by Udet, by then a Luftwaffe major general. He saw the demonstration of the Focke-Wulf Fw 61 helicopter flown by Hanna Reitsch before a small crowd inside the Deutschlandhalle. During this visit, he met and got to know Reitsch, whom he had also briefly met in 1936.
On returning to the United Kingdom then at war, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve before subsequently joining the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve as a Fleet Air Arm pilot, where he was posted to 802 Naval Air Squadron, initially serving on the first escort carrier, HMS Audacity, converted and thus named in July 1941. He flew one of the carrier's Grumman Martlets. During his service on board Audacity, he shot down two Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor maritime patrol aircraft, using head-on attacks to exploit the blind spot in their defensive armament.
Audacity was torpedoed and sunk on 21 December 1941 by the German submarine U-751, commanded by Gerhard Bigalk. The first rescue ship left because of warnings of a nearby U-boat, and Brown was left in the sea overnight with a dwindling band of survivors until he was rescued the next day.He was one of two of the 24 to survive the hypothermia; the rest succumbed to the cold. Of the complement of 480, 407 survived,
#aircraft #testpilot #EricBrown
Пікірлер: 761
Click the link to watch more aircraft, heroes and their stories, missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes
@darrylthom8631
Жыл бұрын
@@murmur3966 mur3
@tedsmith5720
Жыл бұрын
Plpl
@MattBarrios-xo6bk
11 ай бұрын
Aa1
@MattBarrios-xo6bk
11 ай бұрын
@@murmur3966 Q11
@drromaka
20 күн бұрын
❤
This man always seemed to be at the right place at the right time. It’s almost unbelievable what the man saw and did.
@darrenmoore7779
Жыл бұрын
I agree, unless you see evidence, you cannot believe it, I think the 1930s really got people interested in flying and even space 🚀 👍
@davidelliott5843
Жыл бұрын
Brown was probably the most talented pilot of the time. He quickly became the default option for anything new or difficult.
@wmcmps
Жыл бұрын
Real life Forrest Gump
@dafyddthomas7299
Жыл бұрын
agree 100% - one of the best pilots ever - real pioneer and one of Scottish finest. Met him in person at the ill fated Shoreham Air Disaster 2015 (Didn't have chance to natter due to accident) and RIP to the fallen 11
@angusclark8330
Жыл бұрын
@@wmcmps Forrest Gump was an amateur by comparison. Every takeoff and landing Commander Brown made was recorded in his logbooks. There isn't any exaggeration. The only unbelievable thing is that he kept surviving.
One of the most important pilot of all time. Undoubtedly a legend of aviation.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Well said
@20chocsaday
Жыл бұрын
What a great story, the tale of his lifetime covers such a lot of changes. And to be told to learn to fly and speak German after having such a memorable flight by an ace from 20 years ago... So he leaned German at Edinburgh Uni and how it is necessary to prepare for a flight. Yes, it is a tremendous story you have put together.
@fus149hammer5
Жыл бұрын
I've always said that if he was american Hollywood would be banging on his door with a large cheque in exchange for the film rights to his life story. Tom Cruise would be my bet to play him.
@den264
Жыл бұрын
He should have had the honor that Chuck Yager eventually achieved ! First man to break the sound barrier.
@den264
Жыл бұрын
Great to listen to a fellow Scot describe such a phenomenon life.
Eric's life is incredible, if you put it in a film you wouldn't believe it! One of my greatest regrets is never meeting him, RIP Eric 'Winkle' Brown, you sir are a genuine legend 👏👏👏
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍👍
@chrisharrison1535
8 ай бұрын
He gave a lecture in the very early 2000's at Elvington, an ex-RAF airfield in Yorkshire. One of the best things I have ever done.
Anyone looking on at Captain Brown’s incredible life , this is what a real HERO looks like! UK film makers should be queuing up to make a biographical film of this amazing individual!! 🤓
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍♥️🙏
@MartinWillett
Жыл бұрын
Imagine how expensive it would be to make! The cast. The locations. The planes!
@udeychowdhury2529
Жыл бұрын
They will reject the script as being too unbelievable!!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
😅
@ruskiwaffle1991
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if they will have to downplay some events like what happened to Audie Murphy in "To Hell and Back"
His confidence, skill and achievements as a pilot are also matched by his modesty. From escaping Germany at the wars beginning to landing on a carrier after getting shot in the mouth and surviving the carrier sinking in near freezing water only because of his Mae West life jacket plus the years of testing countless military and civilian aircraft that have killed many experienced test pilots can only lead me to believe that Eric “Winkle” Brown was not only one great and modest pilot but also one very lucky man.
@davidfoster5906
11 ай бұрын
He is one bad ass. Yet modest. Listening to the story of floating in the north Atlantic ocean after having his carrier torpedoed in December at night makes one shiver in the well heated comfort of my home.
What bottle this man had to save other pilots lives, an absolute bloody legend. He's up there with the Victoria Cross recipients.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
❤👍
This was one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a long long time. I had heard of Winkle Brown as a revered aviator a long time ago and repeatedly his name kept on popping up. I found your doc. I am in awe of this man. Class, modesty, courage and sublime skill. His adventures and story is truly unbelievable- thank you for this great interview
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍🙏♥️
Eric was brilliant!! One of my heroes as well. The Edinburgh accent always gets this fellow Scotsman.
@gilbertmoyes2918
Жыл бұрын
Born in Leith, Edinburgh.
What a story ! As a German, I was more focussed on the "Luftwaffe", but seeing that story.. it was astonishing. Especially, that there was no hate in his speech, even though after he was a witness of Bergen Belsen. And being a testpilot, of so many planes, his story is worth to be remembered. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Ralf. You might also be interested to watch Whittle's jet engine documentary. There are also interviews with Von Ohain, one of the fathers of the jet engine: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html
That was one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve seen What a amazing man
@QuantaFilms
8 ай бұрын
I'm glad you liked it. It was a pleasure to film Eric.
@OldTimeyGraeme
8 ай бұрын
@@QuantaFilms did you actually interview him ??? That’s amazing Both my grandfathers flew in ww2 but this bloke has to be the grandfather of chuck Norris and Clint Eastwood combined What a man !!!
Had the honour of meeting and shaking the hand of this great man have a signed book from him. . A humbling experience. A true hero. . A legend. R.I.P sir.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
How lucky 🍀
Hello DroneScapes. I don't know your channel well but I wanted to thank you for keeping Captain Brown's story alive!!! I never get tired of hearing him describe his flight with Ernst Udet or anything else from his experiences! Amazing man!!! Right on!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Derek! We have quite a few interesting stories on the channel, Including Whittle's or Bud Anderson's, Hal Farley's and many more.
This is one of those rare KZread videos that is head and shoulders above almost all the others. Excellent!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏🙏🙏♥️👍
I very much recommend his book "Wings on my sleeve". In it he also touches on the subject of UFO; after a disconcerting flying incident he stated with typical British reservation: "Where I once used to be very sceptical, I am not anymore."
@fus149hammer5
Жыл бұрын
Just read it a few weeks ago. If he was a yank they would have made a film about his life.
@robertdodd2087
Жыл бұрын
Also well worth looking him up on BBC archive 'desert island discs,fasinating man
@gravyboat2370
Жыл бұрын
I've got this book but never had the time to read it. I must be mad
@fus149hammer5
Жыл бұрын
@gravyboat2370 Please find the time you will be amazed at this diminutive yet courageous and lucky scotsmans life. My only question is why no knighthood?
@gravyboat2370
Жыл бұрын
@@fus149hammer5 I know all about the guy from when he was alive and yes why no knighthood. I seen the book in a shop for like 3 quid but never got round to reading it. My new years resolution 👍
Americans should check out the Miles M-52 at 47 minutes in. Familiar? Of course it is. The British cancelled the project, just before Eric Brown was due to fly the aircraft and gave the plans to USA. The X-1 Bell used to break the sound barrier had a British design handed on a plate.
@pjpumpkin3370
Жыл бұрын
This is taken from Wikipedia for those that doubt David Elliot By 1944, design of the M.52 was 90% complete and Miles was told to go ahead with the construction of three prototypes. Later that year, the Air Ministry signed an agreement with the United States to exchange high-speed research and data. Miles' Chief Aerodynamicist Dennis Bancroft stated that Bell Aircraft personnel visited Miles later in 1944, and were given access to the drawings and research on the M.52,[2] but the U.S. reneged on the agreement and no data was forthcoming in return.[3] Unknown to Miles, Bell had already started construction of a rocket-powered supersonic design of their own, with a conventional horizontal tail. Bell was battling the problem of pitch control due to "blanking" the elevators.[4][5] A variable-incidence tail appeared to be the most promising solution; and having already decided on it for the M.52, the Miles and the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) tests supported this.[6]
@richardmarshall4322
Жыл бұрын
Well said. The Yanks also guarded the 'Top secret' all moving tailplane, you know the one we had been flying since 1941 on the Gloster prototype testing Whittles jet engine.
@jj4791
Жыл бұрын
@@richardmarshall4322 And its a GOOD thing the US did classify it top secret. You know why? Because the UK GAVE COMMUNIST RUSSIA the jet engine and about ten dozen other cutting edge technologies, and the All-Flying stabilator which was recognized as the key to transonic control was conspicuously absent on the Mig-15 which is the only thing the F-86 Sabre had, that one item gave the UsAF an absolute advantage until the Soviets figured it out after a decade. In was commie sympathizer working in the US, from the UK, who STOLE the blueprints of the manhattan project and gave the bomb to the Communists also. And it was a brit who published the theory of nuclear ICBM warfare in 1956? The cold war in its entirety was and is a British creation. Jets Bomb Icbms. Russian was not inventive enough to accomplish all of this independently in the short timeframe of the 1950s as they managed with Brits help.
@Whitpusmc
Жыл бұрын
Our government and our defense department/ defense companies have acted in ways I’m not happy with more than once. On the other hand who gave the Soviets a jet engine? Gave them a 5 year jump up at least? Maybe we had reasons that made sense to those in charge not to share what we knew? That all flying tail in the F-86 would meet MiG 15s with a British engine in it in the skies over Korea and Vietnam. But this Yank is proud to have had you Brits as Allie’s all these years and apologize for our mistakes.
@Skim_beeble7125
Жыл бұрын
Do you guys just think we are uneducated cave men most of aviation history is deeply intertwined with itself
Born in the 50ies I grew up admiring all the aviator heroes. Only heard about this astonishing man 15 years ago. The greatest are the humblest.
Legendary chap with also legendary storytelling skills! Riveting from beginning to end. What a life! :)
I genuinely feel blessed to be able to sit here and listen to the words of such a legend, the life this man led was out of a storybook.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍👍
RIP, Winkle Brown. His records will never be broken.
I was lucky to see him give a lecture to the Royal Aeronautical Society at Yeovilton museum
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍♥️
If you made this heroic man’s life into a movie, it would sound unbelievable and too far fetched. A true legend. 💪
His story is epic and would make a great movie! It's great he confirms that the British gave away all our military technology to the Americans.
Britain was so lucky to have men of this unique calibre during a critical time in world history. His skills and dedication saved many lives, and added greatly to aeronautical knowledge. What a giant of a man. Thank you for sharing this wonderful presentation. Greetings from Tasmania Australia.
What a man, what a life and what an extraordinary contribution to his country and the history of aviation. I highly recommend 'Wings on my Sleeve' his autobiography and his 'Wings of the Navy' series. Imagine talking to him about the planes he's flown, the history he's lived through and the people he's met. A truly underrated British legend
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍♥️🙏
This is the gold standard of documentary-making, about a gentleman who truly is a legend.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏👍♥️
Met Eric a number of times always a gentleman fantastic memory/ I saw him first back in the late 1990's when he gave us a lecture on his life and career, no notes but could remember the main charecteristics of all of the aircraft he had flown. Last time I met him was in 2014, he had just bought a new sports car and was looking forward to driving around his home, what a man? Thanks for posting this film plus can I recomend his autobiography Wings On My Sleeve.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
How lucky of you 🍀
a very honourable gentle person... unlike the people nowadays. RIP.I HONOUR YOU.from tony lawrence.
I’m left wondering why this extraordinary, down-to-earth man who achieved so much was not fully knighted. Especially in the era of - to pick random examples - Sir Lenny Henry and Sir Elton John
@supertramp6011
Жыл бұрын
It’s an absolute travesty,isn’t it?
@mikevolante7663
Жыл бұрын
It's an indictment of the bloody system. Some knights today, aren't fit to have polished his boots. What a state this country is.
@nickmaclachlan5178
Жыл бұрын
@@ecosseman Yes that's as maybe, but the insights he gained from the information about these aircraft was latterly incorporated in designs of our own which went on to be successful in other skirmishes and wars no doubt saving lives in the long run. He deserved more plaudits for his achievements.
A true British legend, Eric's record will never be surpassed by any pilot to come...I imagine Eric was great fun to spend an afternoon with reminiscing about his amazing life and the characters he had met. What a guy.
A wonderful man whom I'd love to have met and could listen to his stories for hours on end. Get hold of a copy of his autobiography, "Wings on My Sleeve" it's a riveting book from end to end. Well worth every penny as it's still available and around £7 brand new. RIP Eric "Winkle" Brown RN
Captain Eric Melrose, the very best of British manhood. Thank you for your service. R.I.P.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍👍
The figure of 487 only applies to the basic type. It doesn't include the variants he also flew, such as at least three marks of the F-86. What with everything else he accomplished, I don't think his record will ever be matched.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Probably an impossible feat
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
@@ecosseman I would think so, I wasn't 100% sure
What a superb tribute to the Greatest Aviator.
Forget the qualifications. The greatest ever pilot.
I was completely enthralled with this man’s wisdom and knowledge. I had to watch it again because he was a fascinating listen. He had so much wisdom about the different types of aircraft I was taken back by his sharp mind untouched by years. I thank God, Britain and this great man for his service to humanity throughout his life.
A life almost beyond belief.What a man.We will never see his like again.
In 1950’s he chased a UFO over Wales in his Vampire jet and couldn’t catch it. Witnessed by other pilots, ground staff and civilians he would go on to say ‘I believe it was not of this Earth’ quite a remark for a person that didn’t tolerate fools.
Some men attract adventure like a magnet, and his wife is stunning.
He was a friend of my Dad. He stopped by the house when he was passing through Minneapolis MN.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏😮
Oh my, when he lands that first jet on a carrier. The thing drops out of the sky like a rock and lands on the first inch of the carrier. Would like to see a slow motion replay of that! Anybody else notice that?
@faunbudweis
Жыл бұрын
He also landed the Mosquito on a carrier.
@20chocsaday
Жыл бұрын
You can almost certainly change the speed a bit in settings.
@chrisbest5745
Жыл бұрын
I thought exactly the same thing when I saw it, it was very close indeed, although we should remember that there were no training manuals available. (He may well have written them subsequently). I suspect his second landing would have been amended, using the experience gathered, as he no doubt did with every plane he flew. It made me smile when he mentioned that he was told that the Germans, if they had their time again, probably wouldn't have let him leave Germany in his MG Magnette in September1939. Thankfully, for us in these islands, they did. A true role model for later generations.
@animaltvi9515
Жыл бұрын
@faunbudweis indeed. Wasn't he the first man to land a twin engined plane on one when he did that. Also the first to land a plane using the rubber mat no wheels system I think. So many firsts this great man did. Also the only non German to fly the me163
@TheGordem
Жыл бұрын
@@animaltvi9515 That very Me 163 is on display at the East Fortune museum near Edinburgh.
Could listen to 'winkle' all year what a bunch of adventures he had! I think he had angels looking after him
A Great Man, his life would make a good Movie.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
I agree Pete
What an absolute legend Eric Brown is and a fantastic story teller with such an excellent demeanour. I felt privileged to watch this biography of a true aviation hero.
What a wonderful documentary about a incredible Aviator. Hats off and a job well done!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
♥️👍🙏
Thank you for your service, Mr. Brown, and for the massive contribution you made to aviation. This production was first-class, and I learned a great deal.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Margot. Our partner and producer also made: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html It is Sir Frank Whittle's story and they cross path. I think you should enjoy it immensely. Happy New Year
Most thankful for the interviews with Capt. Brown. So much experience and knowledge. Fascinating vid.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Jim!
In my view, this interview represents an important part of our military aviation history that needs to be archived securely. Congratulations on creating it.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Chris. If you haven't watched it, Sir Frank Whittle's documentary adds another piece to the puzzle: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html
Greetings from Argentine Patagonia. I have spoken to some of our pilots who were involved in the conflict and they agreed that if the UK had had the Phantom II on the aircraft carriers, it would have been much worse for us since, in addition to increasing the danger to the fighter-bombers, it would also the tankers would have been in danger. Excellent video and a happy 2023.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏👍
Winkle landed a plane on a carrier while concussed - what a legend. I'm only 20 minutes in and the stories would be already be enough for your CoG hero.
@michealpallett5708
Жыл бұрын
I had the great honour of meeting this great man and had book signed blue skies soft landings rip sir
Huge thanks to the producers of this film, without them we would never have known Eric Brown, extraordinary biography, the man is a genuine legend.
There have been several good documentaries about "Winkle" Brown, covering the same story, but this one has many complementary details which make it well worth watching in addition to the others.
Legendary Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown RIP 🙏🏻
Very sharp brains this old man has. How do you remember what you did on a certain day of 1956. That is brilliant . am amazed.
Eric Brown is one of my heroes. What an amazing man and life. Very modest to boot.
This is a wonderful documentary. Thank you so much to all involved in putting this together. Fantastic job
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
♥️🙏
As a WW2 history buff I watched this video and was fascinated by this man that i had never heard of. So many heroes that need their story told and the film industry makes remakes mostly a poor portrayal of the original, they need to step up and proudly tell the stories of these exceptional men.
Thank you for our freedom Captain Brown.
Fascinating, thank you!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏👍
I knew about the FW200 Condor kills But I had no idea his air combat record was so estensive "A few fighter sweeps and Rhubarbs" How modest he is. What a Great Man!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Well said. Do not miss him talking about some of the German aircraft he tested: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZoWc1JKQgJSzfJs.html
His books are well worth a read. What a man.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍
I've been an aircraft nut for 78 years (I'm 83) and I never heard of Mr. Brown. He is truly amazing - a legend. The fact that he survived a lifetime in testing aircraft surely is witness to his skill and ability. Thank you Mr. Brown and thanks to the person(s) that posted this wonderful video.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! It proves that it is never too late to learn. If you like Eric Brown's story, you should also love Sir Frank Whittle's story (unless you know that one already): kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html He was a brilliant British inventor, the father of the Jet Engine. It is an incredible story.
This is one of the Reasons Internet is a good thing,- best 1 and a half hour ever spent.thx for upload!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏🤗♥️
“A shell came through my windscreen and I was hit in the mouth by a large piece of glass”. “I think this concussed me”. WTF !!! You don’t say!
I knew a little bit about Eric Brown, but his full story is more amazing than anything I could imagine. As the kids these days say, dude is a fucking legend!
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍👍🙂
Never has there been a case that shows physical height has so little to do with actual Stature. I never get tired of listening to Eric Brown’s incredible recollections. What an amazing treasure he was…and is. A complete Giant of a human being.
What an outstanding pilot and exceptional human being. Very informative post thanks.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Our pleasure!
I met him when I was 5 or six. Wish I had been old enough to know who and what he was.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
What an honor Steven!
What a flyer, what a man.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍
I was lucky enough to meet Capt. Brown, he was the most incredible man, so humble, so happy to make time to talk to me. The greatest pilot the world has ever seen.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍👍👍
He was daddies CO At lossiemouth! A real gent!
Amazing man, his memory is sharp.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍🙏
Eric Winkle Brown is truly an exceptional human being. He had a very active military career, flew more types of aircraft than anyone else. And became the first in many landmarks in aviation. On top of this he lived to be an elderly man in an environment where so many die young. One thing has always bothered me though. Why did American test pilot Chuck Yeager think of little of him? All of America's greatest pilots heaped praise upon Eric Winkle Brown. Neil Armstrong, Bud Anderson, Bob Hoover. But Yeager seemed to genuinely despise him.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
some say that Yeager was not an easy person...That could explain it
@vumba1331
Жыл бұрын
An issue of ego?
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps
@FinsburyPhil
Жыл бұрын
Were it not for politics behind the scenes (both UK internal and the US being able to exert pressure because of the size of our lend-lease debt and other loans), Britain would have been the first to break the sound barrier. Brown knew that and Yeager knew that - Brown was too much of gentleman to make anything of it but somehow it seemed to stick in Yeager's throat.
@georgesmith8268
Жыл бұрын
Yeager wasn't very fond of the way Brits treated American aviators flying from English bases, if I remember correctly.
I have been greatly interested in aviation from my childhood in the 1950s. I have watched numerous videos about many wonderful pilots from different nationalities and have been impressed by their skill and courage. This story of Eric Brown is by far the best production that I have ever seen. Thank you for telling this amazing story of a very remarkable man.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
That is a wonderful passion Robert. If you like this documentary, do not miss Sir Frank Whittle's documentary about the jet engine: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html
This is truly a great man and and a great pilot. Thanks for this video.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏♥️
Truly brilliant interview with a brilliant man. He was someone who fitted so much into his life, though he didn't mention him meeting Hitler. Hero, legend and understated, he's the type of person who needs a monument dedicating to their life.
@awuma
Жыл бұрын
This documentary tries to add details and explanations which other documentaries omitted, and vice versa.
An extraordinary documentary on everything...aviation with his exceptional charm of survival (Being a modest experieced pilot myself) and his attitude "old pilots and bold pilots!" flying checking himself out on hundreds of different machines! His knowledge of non aviation experience on languages, politics and other engineering are impressional. He lived a charmed life and few people have lived like him. Meeting Goring, seeing Belsom and other individuals few had that in their curriculum vitae. Fantasic Documentary!
@awuma
Жыл бұрын
Belsen.
This man is a legend. I've read the book he should be given a posthumous Knighthood instead we give these awards away to wasters and so called celebrities, they are not on the same planet as this HERO.
@bobk2966
Жыл бұрын
I know, if you're a pop star you get an OEM!
@sparky6086
Жыл бұрын
I think, because Eric is Scottish, he isn't eligible for a knighthood by the British monarchy, even though Scotland is part of the UK. (EDIT: I stand corrected. Other commenters came up with some solid examples of knighted Scots).
@smudger4497
Жыл бұрын
he should have been Knighted for sure i agree with your sentiments sir
@Jon.Cullen
Жыл бұрын
@@sparky6086 I think that Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Sean Connery would beg to differ, amongst many others.
@stuartpenketh8141
Жыл бұрын
@@sparky6086 scots can get knighted I think it was because he really wasn't that interested in getting a knighthood, he was rather unassuming. Despite being an ardent monarchist, I always got the impression he would have thought he wasn't worthy, despite him being more then worthy.
the guy must of been a font of knowledge. i hope someone builds him a statue , he deserves one
@davidmurphy8190
Жыл бұрын
16:19 on 22Dec22: Plus one at each air or naval air museum that needs one. Hell, I want one for posterity.
@ianmcsherry5254
Жыл бұрын
There's one at Edinburgh airport, formerly called Turnhouse, referred to by Eric near the beginning of the video. I've often thought there should be one in Leith too. That may come to pass eventually, with all the new building work going on there. Plenty of new public spaces that could take it, and speaking as an old Leither myself, the locals would be very much in favour.
I've seen and read stuff about Eric Brown before but his stories never get old. Thanks for posting.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an incredible man! While the story itself is immensely fascinating, the way he recounted the past was extremely engaging. I was hooked to the documentary throughout. What a life he has lived. Thank you for all your pioneering work and thanks a lot to everyone involved in making documentary for bringing this incredible story to us.
@OrangeDurito
Жыл бұрын
Also, before this video, I had watched the documentary on Frank Whittle where Cdr. Brown was featured recounting the story of watching first jet engine plane testing from the sidelines. It was fascinating to hear his side of the story and frankly astonishing to find out that he was a record-breaking pioneering aviator on his own.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏👍🙏♥️
What an incredible guy. I really enjoyed listening to him.
Incredible documentation of history. I am in awe of people like this who can remember everything that happened to them decades and decades ago, especially when you consider that these people were constantly busy with high level projects that would overwhelm most of us on a good day. Thank you for posting this.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
You are very welcome. If you like it, do not miss this one, it is equally informative and quite revealing: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html
The age of world change. RW Watt created. Radar for traffic control and Whittle created the machines, and Winkle is the greatest pilot who ever lived. It's good to hear a critical analysis of the harrier and not just the myths. Range being it's major problem.
Some years ago I met Eric Brown at a lecture. I walked over to him and said I had worked at RAE Farnborough, and he immediatwely shook my hand and became very friendly. We spoke about a couple naval aircraft pilots who carried on his worrk there, and I moved on. Ironically despite his achievements, my love of aviation, and time at Farnborough I had never heard of him. Odd that.
@WalesRadio
Жыл бұрын
Maybe because he was so good, people assumed that everybody already knew all about him. Taken for granted in fact.
What a life, a true hero and a legend, I can't think of another aviator with such a career. I would like to know is that 487 different aircraft or 487 with variants/MK's (I think I know the answer). Great vid tank you.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
🙏👍
@johnconlon9652
Жыл бұрын
variants not allowed.
@reggiedixon2
Жыл бұрын
Biggles?
@samrodian919
Жыл бұрын
No variants. Totally separate distinctive types of aircraft, had it not been the figure would probably be in the 700's. He flew every variant of the Spitfire for instance including marques that didn't go into production that alone could get you up to 15 marques!
@johnconlon9652
Жыл бұрын
@@samrodian919 Thanks
I like to describe him as the most experienced test pilot of his day, a man who had flown most machines that could fly and no small number that should not.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
487 individual aircraft, not counting variations! wow
What an unassuming, genuine and warm man. He deserved everything that came his way. A Leither like me. RIP Winkle.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍👍
They don't make men like this anymore... they just don't.
@peterclark6290
Жыл бұрын
The genome is ready, waiting for the right society. In a nutshell, History, sub-titled _the embarrassing tale of a species that refused to tap into reality._
Amazing, quite a remarkable person because as a German speaker, he was interogatting high ranking German people, and as a pilot, he was flying in the war and testing high tech German planes. Pretty incredible story, someone needs to make a movie of his life.
Such a fascinating gentleman. One of those rare individuals fortunate enough to be in the right place, at the right point in history, and possessing the necessary skill set to place him at the cutting edge of aviation development. A truly amazing life.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Indeed, one of a kind. You may also like the amazing story of Sir Frank Whittle: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html their paths intersect in key moments in life (jet engine)
I read his book recently. It's a really good one. Riveting in parts, but his fundamental decency and integrity is what shone through for me.
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
👍❤
phenomenal interview of a phenomenal man
Fantastic interview and historical data recorded. This was a Top Shelf 1% military story for all military historians to watch.
This man was Truly the best of British RIP Captain
@Dronescapes
Жыл бұрын
Indeed he was. You may also like the amazing story of Sir Frank Whittle: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWSIlo-Rd5mXYrQ.html It is also made by the same partner / producer, and some of his story is covered in the documentary you just watched.
Legend, how do we comprehend the gravity of his contribution. RIP Captain Brown
Winkle was a god among men! Could do it all and stay calm through most of it!
Brilliant guy ,' It fascinates me watching his past. He's part of history and the world would be a different place if the wasn't with us. I could say allot more!......... ✌️
Wonderful story from a hero to aviation and most likely in civilian life as well...
Excellent video. This man was a class act. I was a ship's company officer in the US Navy during the Vietnam mess. The Phantom was the primary plane aboard CVA61. Watching it do carrier landings at night, I could see how it was flown. Basically using it's great amount of thrust it would see saw in for a landing. The pilots I talked with weren't real hot on the idea of night landings in rough seas.