Historic Planes Draw Crowds At Paris Air Show

The manufacturer's latest warplane, the twin-jet Rafale, has been performing spectacular aerobatic displays in the sky above its older brethren.

The Flamant is part of a collection of classic planes maintained by Dassault Passion, a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving old French aircraft.

"These planes represent an important part of modern aviation history," said Gerard David, a former pilot and president of the society. "The Flamant, for instance, is the forefather of today's business jets."

Among the other historic planes on display were a beautifully restored 1950s-era Lockheed Super-Constellation four-engine airliner, a Ryan Recruit, the first U.S. Army Air Corps all metal, monoplane trainer, and the Antonov AN-2 biplane transport aircraft.

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On the Web:

The Catalina Society: http://www.catalina.org.uk

Dassault Passion: http://www.dassault-passion.org/