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01/07/2024

Sywell Airshow 2024, report No 2

In post two from the Sywell Airshow 2024, Warbird Digest offers a full report and image dump highlighting not only the flying, but some of the static displays as well, including a full list of the participating aircraft.

Air leasing and Ultimate Warbird flights laid on what has been the best show so far this year in the U.K. at Sywell Aerodrome.
The show was obviously planned and executed by organisers that understand and appreciate what the aviation enthusiast, as well the general public wants to see, presenting a well-balanced air show starting out on Saturday with a fly past of the U.S. Air force F-35A Lightning II in company with a pair of World War Two fighters, the P-47 and P-51 and finishing on Sunday with the RAF’s Red Arrows to close the weekend.

The show featured a number of formations, including nine Spitfires, four P-51 Mustangs, three Chance Vought Corsairs, two Hurricanes, two Buchons, B-17 “Sally B“ and the P-47 Thunderbolt doing a formation fly by and individual solo display as well as the magnificent Red Bull Air Force four World War Two aircraft.

Add to this a pair of very rarely seen in the U.K.; Fokker World War One replica Dr.1 and D.VII and a solo displays by the B-17 “Sally B,“ P-47 Thunderbolt, Hawker Fury, Lockheed 12 Electra…the list just goes on and on with such diverse acts as Stearman wing walking, Boeing 727 fly past, aerobatics, and static displays of both aircraft and cars, including reenactors swearing period clothing.

Overall the show was a well thought out display with a multitude of aircraft flying in formations as well a very well-planned layout that allowed plenty of space for viewing the flying. There was also a large area for trade stalls and food and drink vendors set back from the flight line.

Overall, this would make an excellent example for other shows to follow. Let’s hope we will get more shows like this at Sywell in the coming years.

Beech D-17S Staggerwing / GB-2 TravelerBuNo32898/44-67761/FT507N16S, Represents DR628,
Staggerwing YC-43 attached to No.24sqn at RAF Hendon, flown by Prince Barnard of the Netherlands
while he was in exile during the war years.

Boeing 727-2S2F(RE), G-OSRB, Oil Spill /2-EXCEL

Boeing B-17G-105-VE Flying Fortress, 44-85785, G-BEDF, 44-85784/DF*A, “Sally B/Memphis Belle,“ 325th Bombardment (H) Squadron, 91st Bombardment (H) group,Bassingbourne A/F 8th AF ETO

Boeing E-75 (PT-13D Kaydet), N450D, 46 Aviation

Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair, BuNo 96995, OE-EAS, RB/37RB

Chance Vought F4U-5NL Corsair, BuNo 124724, F-AZEG, 22NP,
Navy,VC-3 (Composite Squadron 3) "Blue Nemesis" Provided night fighter detachments to the U.S. Pacific fleet in the Korean War

Chance Vought FG-1D Corsair, BuNo 88297/ KD345, G-FGID, A-130, Naval Air Squadron 1850,
HMS Vengance British pacific Fleet

Douglas C-47A-40-DL Skytrooper, 42-24064, N74589, ID*N, Placid Lassie, 53rd Tactical Carrier Wing, 74th Tactical Carrier Squadron, 9th AF Station 467 Aldermaston

Extra Flugzeug Productions & Vertrieb, EA330/SC (Special Competition), F-HMEL

Fokker /Mikeal Carlson, D.Vll (replica)

Fokker /Mikeal Carlson, Dr.1 Dreidecker (Replica)

Game Combosites Ltd, Gamebird - 1, G-IIGB

Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat, BuNo 121714, G-RUMM, 201-B,
US Navy VF20 "Jokers" (Fixed wing Fighter Squadron)

Grumman FM-2 Wildcat, BuNo 86711/JV578, G-RUMW, flies as ,
Fleet Air Arm, JV579 "F/That Old Thing," HMS Tracker 1944

Hawker Fury ll (ISS-315), SR662, G-CBEL, P, (Sea Fury X)

Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, V7497, G-HRLI, SD-X, P/O E B Rogers
SD-X No501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron RAuxAF, Kenley

Hawker Hurricane Mk.1, P2902, G-ROBT, DX-R, Pilot Officer (later Sdn Leader Kenneth McGlashan AFC), No 245 Squadron, RAF

Lockheed F-35A-4 Lightning ll, 20-5580, LN 495th Fighter Squadron 48th Fighter Wing RAF Lakenheath USAFE

Lockheed P-38L-5-LO /F-5G-6-LO Lightning 44-53254, N25Y, Red Bull

Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior, G-AFTL

Messerschmitt/Hispano HA-1112-M1L Buchon C.4K-102, G-AWHK, Yellow 10+-

Messerschmitt /Hispano HA-1112-M1L Buchon, C.4K-105, G-AWHH, White 9+~Luftwaffe Air Fleet lll/JG 52 “Ace of Hearts”, of Uffz Edmund Rossmann, 1941,

North American B-25J-35/37-NC Mitchell, 44-86893, N6123C, Red Bull

North American P-51D (CA-18 Mk21),Mustang, A68-110, G-JERK painted as 44-15152 QI*T, "Jersey Jerk," Maj. Donald J Strait, 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, Martlesham heath AF Station 369 , 8th Air Force, ETO

North American P-51D-20-NA Mustang, 44-72216, G-BIXL, HO*M, Miss Helen," Capt. Raymond H Littge, 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, (Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney), Bodney 8th AF, ETO

North American P-51D-25-NA Mustang, 44-73877 /RCAF9279, G-SHWN, painted as 413779 WD*C, Col. Donald J M "Col Don" Blakeslee 335th Fighter Squadron , 4th Fighter Group,
"The Debden Eagles" Debden 8th AF ETO,

North American P-51D-30-NA Mustang, 44-74427, OE-EFB, 11622 painted as G4*C, "N***y Booky lV," Maj. Kit Carson, 362nd Fighter Aquadron, 357th Fighter Group,Leiston,8th,ETO,

Republic P-47D-40-RA Thunderbolt, painted as 45-49192, G-THUN, F4*J "Nellie B," 492nd Fighter Squadron,
48th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force

Supermarine Spitfire FMk.Vc, EE602, G-IBSY, DV-V, "Mabel/Central Railways Urugayan Staff",
No 129 (Mysore) Squadron RAF

Supermarine Spitfire LFMk.Vb, EP120, G-LFVB, EP120/AE-A,
"City of Winnipeg" No402 "City of Winnipeg" Squadron, RCAF

Supermarine Spitfire HFlX, TA805, G-PMNF, FX-M, "Spirit of Kent"

Supermarine Spitfire LFlXb, MH434, G-ASJV, ZD-B, "Mylcraine”,
Henry Lardner-Burke DFC, No 222 Squadron RAF No 222 (Natal) Squadron RAF

Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 (L.F.lXc)ML407, G-LFIX, OU-VD, Flying Officer Johnnie Houlton,
485 Sduadron RNZAF, 145 Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force

Supermarine Spitfire PRXl, PL983, G-PRXl, PL983-L, lV Squadron No2 Tactical Air Force RAF,

Supermarine Spitfire FRMk.XIVe, RM927 / SG-25, G-SXIV, (G9)-X,
No.430 Squadron (RCAF) Eindoven Belguim

Supermarine Spitfire FRMk.XlVe, MV293, G-SPIT, No.8 Royal Indian Air Force

Supermarine Spitfire L.XVle, RW382, G-PBIX, WZ*RR. "PUD/That’s All Folks/Porky ll," Lt. Robert J Connor, 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, !5th AF, USAAF, Italy 1944

/

28/06/2024

Sywell Airshow 2024

Last weekend, Air leasing and Ultimate Warbird flights laid-on what has been the best airshow so far held this year in the U.K. at the Sywell Aerodrome.

This is the first of two reports that Warbird Digest will be bringing you. A full report will follow next week highlighting not only the flying but some of the static displays as well, including a full list of the participants.

The show was a well thought-out display, with plenty of aircraft flying in formations as well a very well-planned layout that allowed plenty of space for viewing th flying as well as a large area for trade stalls and food and drink vendors.
Overall, this would make an excellent example for other shows to follow.

25/06/2024

Grumman F6F Hellcat First Flight 82nd Anniversary

The Grumman F6F Hellcat first flew 82 years ago, on the 26th of June 1942. It was the “big brother” to the earlier Grumman Wildcat, which it was to eventually supersede. Being affectionately called by some the “Grinning Monster,” due to the appearance of its frontal cowl opening (the oil cooler and carb intakes located at the bottom of this giving a noticeable and decidedly “toothy” smile). From mid-1943 onward, it was the mainstay of the US Navy’s carrier-based fighter aircraft. Along with the Chance Vought Corsair they became known as the “Terrible Twins.” There were a total of 12,566 Hellcats built, of which the later F6F-5 accounted for 7,870 (the rest being the earlier F6F-3 variants). The Hellcat was also supplied to the the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. Post-war, Hellcats were operated by the French Navy, as well as those of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The Hellcat’s perhaps largest claim-to-fame came during combat in the Pacific in June, 1944; the so-called “Marianas Turkey Shoot,” with US Navy pilots downing 354 Japanese aircraft for a loss of only 18 Hellcats. This engagement certainly aided in the turning the war in the Pacific. It was both a day fighter packing a considerable punch with 6 x .50 Calibre machine guns and 1,000lbs of bombs or 6 x 6in rockets, and as a night fighter when equipped with interception air-to-air radar, with some of these being equipped with 4 x 20mm cannons. The Hellcat had a formidable record in combat, being credited with destruction of 5,156 axis aircraft, and boasted an amazing record of 19 to 1 aircraft destroyed to aircraft lost in action, producing something like 306 aces.

Warbird Digest would like to celebrate this milestone with a gallery of surviving Hellcats:

Grumman F6F 3 Hellcat BuNo 08831, US Navy
Recently painted in the scheme of Lt. Alex Vracui’s BuNo 40467, “19” VF-6 USS Intrepid Museum (It is said to contain parts of this aircraft in its restoration).
Yanks Air Museum restoration shop, Chino

Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat BuNo 40467 (currently under restoration)
Possible completion in the Summer of 2024, likely also in the scheme of Lt. Alex Vracui, VF-6 USS Intrepid (See entry for BuNo 08831 above).
Rod Lewis Air Legends

Grumman F6F-3N Hellcat BuNo 41476, US Navy
Military service: - with VF(N)-76, VF(N)-101, CASU-27 (Carrier Aircraft Service Unit), VF(N)-91, NACTU (Land or Night Attack and Combat Training Unit - Atlantic Fleet), VF(N)-52, VF-3 and finally CASU-23.
Collings Foundation

Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat BuNo 41930-K29
Previous scheme depicted a Hellcat Mk.1, JV188 E-T NAS No.800 HMS Emperor, Royal Navy – Fleet Air Arm
Currently as K-29 of Lt Cmdr Edward “Butch” Ohare of VF-6 on USS Independence CVL-22.
Flown and displayed at Planes of Fame Chino

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat BuNo 78645, US Navy
Service record: On Charge March 1945, serving with VF-14 USS Casablanca, VF-80 Naval Air Station Pensacola. Fl, Naval Air Station Squantum with the Naval Air Reserve Training Command. Ex-Yanks Air Museum, now with Fagen Fighters, painted as BuNo 72534-115 “Death and Destruction,” in the scheme of Ensign Don McPherson of BuNo 72534 VF-83 “Wonder 5 Flight”
USS Essex CV-9.
Fagen Fighters

Grumman F6F-5P Hellcat BuNo 79683-4
In scheme of an aircraft operating with VF-85 “Sky Pirates,” USS Shangri-La CV-38 in 1945.
Kalamazoo Air Zoo

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat II BuNo 79779/KE209
No known combat use. RNAS Anthorn, RNAS Stretton, RNAS Lossiemouth – Station Flight.
Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovilton

Grumman F6F-5K Hellcat BuNo 80141as BuNo 40467, “19”
Lt. Alex Vracui, VF-6 USS Intrepid. Restored from a number of different airframes, and currently under restoration for Rod Lewis (see above entry for BuNo 40467)
Ex-The Fighter Collection IWM Duxford

Grumman F6F-5K Hellcat BuNo 94473 “36”
Flown as BuNo 58634 - 36
Palm Springs Air Museum

24/06/2024

it has been close on a decade since a Douglas A-26 Invader (reclassified as the B-26 in 1948) has been seen at the IWM Duxford.

Douglas A-26C-30-DL Invader 41-39359, N26BP, “Million Airess,“ of the Marine Aviation Museum, arrived midday on June 24th. It was a very welcome and rare visitor, as it has been something like eight or more years since a Douglas A-26 was at Duxford.

It is at Duxford for a short stop over (for a day or so) on its way back to the USA after a short trip around Europe, having taken part in the recent D-Day 80th Anniversary celebrations.

Built at Douglas Long Beach as an A-26B-30-DL Invader, it was later converted into A-26C. The B model had the solid nose with either 6x, or 8 x .50cal. Guns, whilst the C model had the barbardier nose with a Norden Bombsight as seen here.

Duxford

17/06/2024

Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 MJ444 "Lady Luck"

Testing in continuing on apace with Spitfire Tr.9 MJ444 at Duxford. Last Friday, June 14th, saw KH-D "Lady luck" out for two more test flights. And Warbirds Digest was at Duxford to witness and record these flights.

It looks like it will not be too long before MJ444 will go to its owner Aero Legends to join up with sister Spitfire TR.9 NH341 DB-E "Elizabeth," and commence passenger experience flights.

KH-D of No.403 Sdn RCAF, was originally built at Castle Bromwich in 1943 as a Spitfire LF Mk.lX, serving initially with No.411 Squadron RCAF, it was then transferred to No.403 Squadron RCAF, and finally ended-up with No.443 Squadron RCAF. While serving with No.443 Squsadron, it was hit by flak on 13th January 1945, and abandoned at St. Vith, in Belgium.

This now brings the number of two seat Spitfires flying In the U.K. to eleven, one Mk.Vlll and ten Tr.9s.

Two Seat Spitfires in the UK Skies:

Spitfire Mk.VIII MT818 Flyaspitfire.com
Spitfire Tr.9 BS410 PK-A Spitfires.com
Spitfire Tr.9 MJ444 KH-D Lady Luck Aero Legends
Spitfire Tr.9 MJ627 9G-Q Flyaspitfire.com
Spitfire Tr.9 ML295 DB-M Spitfires.com
Spitfire Tr.9 ML407 OU-V Ultimate Warbirds
Spitfire Tr.9 NH341 DB-E "Elizabeth" Aero Legends
Spitfire Tr.9 PT462 SW-A Aerial Collective
Spitfire Tr.9 PV202 JW Aerial Collective
Spitfire Tr.9 SM520 LO-G Spitfires.com
Spitfire Tr.9 TE308 A-58-606 ZP-W Grey Nurse Flyaspitfire.com

Aerial Collective
Duxford

# aero legends

14/06/2024

Westland Lysander first Flight, June 15, 1936

The Westland Lysander first flight took place 88 years ago on June 15, 1936. Although not as glamourous as some of its contemporary Allied aircraft of World War Two, it was just as important in its own way.

Designed as a Army Co-operation aircraft it served in this roll light attack, reconnaissance, communication and artillery spotting in the years of the war during the Battle of France and carrying out flying reconnaissance patrols along a section of south coast of England during 1940 and 1941where German landings were expected to take place, before it found its true calling with its STOL qualities as a Special Duties aircraft with after having its Armament stripped out and being fitted with a 150 gallon drop tank and the rear cockpit enlarged to carry two passengers, along with a side mounted step ladder for easy access. The Lysander was used for flying SOE operatives into and out of Occupied Europe by night during the rest of World war Two.

Of the 1786 Lysanders built it is believed that only 14 still exist of which only three are airworthy.

Airworthy: -3
RCAF 2365 Lysander Funds
V9312 Aircraft Restoration Co IWM Duxford (UK)
V9552 Shuttleworth Collection (UK)

Static or under restoration: -11
RCAF 2346 National Air and Space Museum (USA)
RCAF 2349 Canadian Museum of Flight (Canada)
RCAF 2442 Sabena Old Timers (Belgium)
RCAF 2445 Reynolds-Alberta Museum Wetaskiwin (Storage) (Canada)
RCAF 2363 Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (Canada)
V9562/T1562 Royal Museum of Military History Brussels (Begium)
R9125 Royal Airforce Museum Hendon (UK)
V9300 Imperial War Museum Duxford (UK)
Indian Air Force Museum (India)
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum Ottawa (Composite ) (Canada)
Sn ?? Kermit Weeks (USA)

Featured Aircraft are
Flying: -
Lysander llla (National Steel Car co) RCAF 2365 (s/n 416) ‘416’ Served with Royal Canadian Air Force Squadrons, No.110 (Army Co-Operation) at RCAF Station Rockcliffe Ontario and later with , No.111 RCAF (Army Co-Operation) RCAF Station Patricia Bay, No.112 RCAF (Army Co-Operation) RCAF Station Rockcliffe Ontario and No.122(K) RCAF RCAF Station Patricia Bay, British Columbia, as a target tug. Lysander Funds (Canada).

Westland Lysander llla V9313 (sn Y1363) LX-E s/n Y1363 1939, No.225 Squadron (1941) (Army Co-Operation) RAF, In early 1941 based at RAF Tilshead Wiltshire, and later in 1941 from RAF Thruxton Wiltshire, flying reconnaissance patrols along a section of south coast where German landings were expected, especially Hampshire and the Isle of Wight,. Displayed and Operated by the Aircraft Restoration Co at IWM Duxford

Lysander llla (S.D) V9552, finished as a Special Duties aircraft V9367 MA-B No.161 Squadron RAF Tempsford and RAF Tangmere between 1942 and 1945. Primarily used for flying SOE operatives into and out of Occupied Europe by night equipped with a long-range tank and side mounted step ladder. Displayed and operated by SVAS at Old Warden Aerodrome.

Static in Museums: -
Lysander RCAF 2346 as AC-B No.138 (Special Duties) Squadron RAF, RAF Tempsford, National Air and Space Museum (USA)

Lysander RCAF 2363 in the scheme of a Target Tug, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (Canada)

Lysander lll R9125 in the scheme of LX-L No.225 Squadron (1940) (Army Co-Operation) RAF, RAF Tilshead Wiltshire, flying reconnaissance patrols along a section of south coast where German landings were expected, especially Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. on display at the RAF Museum Hendon. 1971 to 2017.

Lysander lll (S.D) R9125 in the scheme of JR-M, A-Flight No.161 (Special Duties) Squadron RAF, RAF Tempsford, flying SOE operatives into and out of Occupied France by night, on display at the RAF Museum Hendon. Since 2022.

Lysander llla (S.D) V9300 as V9673 MA-J, Sqd/Ldr (Later Grp/Capt) Hugh Verity DSO, DFC, A-Flight No.161 (Special Duties) Squadron (1943), It is thought that Hugh Verity flew more secret missions with SOE operatives into and out of occupied France than any of the other Squadron pilots. Displayed in Air Space IWM Duxford.

Lysander Composite of a number of aircraft, finished in a Army Co-Operation scheme, Canadian Aviation and Space Museum Ottawa (Canada)

Under Restoration: -
AMPAA Hangar Villa Roche France S/n Unknown possible a composite.

Replica:-
Lysander lll (S.D) Replica, built in 2015 by Gate Guards UK as V9822, MA-E, Flg/Off James 'Mac' McCairns DSC, A-Flight No.161 (Special Duties) Squadron RAF, RAF Tempsford, Between November 1942 and December 1943 McCairns flew 25 missions with SOE. operatives into and out of occupied France. On display at the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.

Aerial Collective
Duxford

06/06/2024

Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 MJ444 KH-D “Lady Luck“ first flight

Today June 6th saw the latest Spitfire restoration to emerge from the Aircraft Restoration Company’s (ARCo) workshop at Duxford, having been built for Aero Legends, Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 MJ444 KH-D Lady Luck.

MJ444 KH-D is finished as an aircraft of No.403 Squadron RCAF and was originally built at Castle Bromwich in 1943 as a Spitfire LF Mk.IX serving with No.411 Squadron RCAF then No.403 Squadron RCAF and finally No.443 Squadron RCAF. Hit by flak on 13th January 1945 and abandoned at St. Vith, Belgium.

Owned by Aero Legends, MJ444 is to join their growing fleet and as soon as testing is finished going into service giving passenger experience rides.

Duxford

06/06/2024

Terre Haute Mustangs! There were a number of North American Aviation's finest on-hand at the Terre Haute, Indiana airshow, and here we present a photo-essay of a few of the P-51s that were in attendance. A Heritage Flight with an A-10 Thunderbolt II was also performed, the lasst that will be seen in the state of Indiana with the types imminent retirement looming.

06/06/2024

Display pilot Doug Rozendaal was kept busy during the Terre Haute, Indiana airshow, flying no less than three displays. He flew the Commemorative Air Force's FG-1D Corsair in a spirited display, as well as the Tri-State Aviation Museum's TBM Avenger in a similar manner. Most impressive of all, however was his display in the amazing Howard DGA-6 "Mr. Mulligan" replica.

06/06/2024

Here we present further warbird activity from the Terre Haute Airshow, held June 1-2, 2024, in Terre Haute, Indiana.

06/06/2024

Tora! Tora! Tora! A fan-favorite for many, the Commemorative Air Force's aerial reenactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor was on-hand for the Terre Haute Airshow, and as usual, did not disappoint!

06/06/2024

A number of aerobatic acts performed at the Terre Haute Airshow in Indiana, a number of them using ex-militaery aircraft. In other words, what we fondly call warbirds! This post includes these aircraft, still being put to work for the enjoyment of spectators, and other sights from a wonderful weekend in Terre Haute, Indiana!

06/06/2024

The first weekend in June saw the return of the Terre Haute Airshow, in Terre Haute, Indiana. And what an excllent event it was! Warbirds were, of course, the real stars of the show, and there were plenty in attendance. Warbird Digest was poresent all three days of the event, and will share several posts of images taken there, beginning with this one, showcasing the US Navy's flight demonstration team, the incomperable Blue Angles! More posts to follow!

04/06/2024

DUNKIRK Evacuation 84th Anniversary, May 26, Through June 4th, 1940

While most attention is currently being directed towards the 80th D-Day Landings Anniversary, Warbird Digest would like to point out another landmark anniversary of World War Two very much worth celebrating this week. The evacuation of Dunkirk took place from May 26th through June 4th 1940. Operation “Dynamo” saw the successful evacuation of over 338,000 Allied soldiers who had been surrounded and trapped in France as part of the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) upon the German advance through the low countries, the conclusion of the six-week long Battle of France and on to the English Channel. A number of French and Belgian soldiers were also rescued.

“The Miracle of Dunkirk,” as it is often called, allowed great numbers of Allied troops to escape the German onslaught, and certain incarceration in Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) camps. It allowed them to escape to the relative safety of the British Isles, by vessels of all makes and sorts. One of the truly heroic stories to come out of the Dunkirk Evacuation is that of “The Little Ships.” When it became clear that the Royal Navy did not poses the types of shallow-draft vessels required to collect the men from the beaches, a call went out to anyone with a craft capable of making the journey across the channel to do so. So began the “Legend of the Little Ships,” one of many such notable feats performesd by the indomitable British population during World War Two.

In commemoration of this often overlooked yet very momentous event, Warbird Digest presents some images of some of the aircraft which took part in Operation “Dynamo,” as well as one of those heroic “Little Ships.”

Hawker Hurricane Mk.l, P2902, DX-R, Pilot Officer (later Sdn Leader Kenneth McGlashan AFC), No 245 Squadron, RAF, G-ROBT

Junkers Ju87B-2 WkNr 5661 , 2 / Sturzkampfgesschwader (StG) 77

Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk la, G-CFGJ, N3200, No 19 Squadron,"QV", Sqd Ldr G.D.Stephenson, RAF Duxford April 1940

Spitfire P9374 F.Mk.1A, (GR-)J 92 Squadron RAF

Motor Yacht “WAIRAKEI II” Length: 52’ Draft: 6’ Displacement: 26.40 tons. Builderr: James Silver, Rosneath Year built: 1932

28/05/2024

CORSAIR FIRST FLIGHT ANNIVERSARY MAY 29, 1940

“Old Hose Nose”…the “Ensign Eliminator”…the ”Widow Maker”…”Whistling Death”…the “Bent Wing Bird”…whatever moniker you choose to call it, the Vought F4U Corsair was a world-beating aircraft…once the bugs had been worked out of it! Following a protracted entry in to service, which saw the need to overcome a number of design deficiencies, the Corsair went on to prove itself in combat, accounting for 2,140 victories over enemy aircraft during World War Two. A pilot flying the Corsair during the Korean War even managed to down an enemy MiG-15 jet fighter. They even fought in the last piston-engined on piston-engined aircraft conflict that ever took place, when Honduran Air Force Corsairs bested the P-51 Mustangs and Corsairs flown by the opposing El Salvadorian Air Force during the so-called “Soccer War,” of 1969.

A perennial favorite amongst many historians, pilots, warbird collectors and airshow fans, the Corsair was the stuff of legend, and earned its status as an icon of the era. This was no-doubt helped by the production and airing of the 1970s T.V. series “Black Sheep Squadron,” which saw Corsairs flying through the television sets and into the living rooms of countless viewers. The aircraft’s very unique design only adds to its mystique…the inverted gull wing being a central identifying design feature of the type.

The aircraft was powered by the ever-dependable Pratt & Whitney (P&W) R-2800, 18 cylinder radial which produced around 1,500-2,000 horsepower on most production versions. There was also the Goodyear-designed and produced (in very limited numbers) F2G would go on to be fitted with the massive 28 cylinder P&W R-4360, producing a whopping 3,500 horsepower in an effort to create an effective “Kamikazi Killer,” that could quickly launch from a carrier deck to meet the enemy threat they posed.

A firm-favorite at airshows, there are a large number of restored Corsairs flying today in different parts of the world. There are also many on static displays in museums around the globe. A complicated and complex aircraft, the Corsair requires a large amount of man-hours to restore or rebuild. That said, the Corsair is much in demand for prospective owners and museums, and as such, airframes that were not considered viable candidates for restoration not that long ago, are now being brought back to life, such is that demand. Structures that were once considered beyond the capability of even the best restoration shops are now being produced from new, allowing a fairly-large crop of current restorations and rebuilds to now take place. The next decade should see a large increase in the number of airworthy Corsairs, from the earliest F4U-1 “Birdcage” version to the fire-breathing F2G “Kamikazi Killer.”

Warbird Digest brings you a portfolio of just some of the current airworthy Corsair population on this, the 84th anniversary of the type’s first flight in 1940.

28/05/2024

Anyone planning on going to the big warbird show in Terre Haute, Indiana next weekend?

27/05/2024

D-Day Squadron 2024

The D-Day Squadron of Douglas DC3 and C-47 Dakotas have returned to the U.K. and Europe to help celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and airborne assault on Occupied mainland Europe and salute the veteran’s that took part on June 6th 1944.

These aircraft are all over 80 years-young, and are a credit to the restorers, maintainers and crews that are taking part in this epic mission to cross the North Atlantic from the United States of America via Canada, Greenland and Iceland finally landing in the United Kingdom.

They will spend around two weeks in the U.K. before heading across the English Channel to Normandy, in France, to take part in the June 6th celebrations.

The first four that have arrived are two in military configuration to carry out parachute drops and two civilian configured DC-3s they are:

Douglas C-47 Dakota 42-92847 (N47TB) 3X*W “That’s All Brother“ of the 53rd Troop Carrier Wing, 87th Troop carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier group, 9th Airforce Station 486 Greenham Common

Douglas C-47A-40-DL Skytrain 42-24064 (N74589) ID*N of the 53rd Troop Carrier Wing, 74th Troop carrier Squadron, 434th Troop Carrier Group, 9th Airforce Station 467 Aldermaston.

Douglas DC-3-S1CSG Dakota (ex 42-47371) N8336C Spirit of Douglas

Douglas DC-3A-197E Dakota N33644 Western Air Lines

The D-Day Squadron are scheduled to do two events in the U.K. before departing to France, the first was this past weekend, when they flew as a four ship from North Weald to Old Warden to be then placed on static display on the ground for the attendees of the Shuttleworth Collection’s “D-Day Weekend” (May 25th and 26th), where they got a very close-up look at these well-traveled, globe-trotting Dakotas.

This is to be followed-up next weekend (June 1st and 2nd), when they will perform parachute drops at the Duxford “D-Day 80 Airshow,“ after which on the Sunday they will all then
depart to France.

At the end of the week they will also be on the ground at North Weald, for details please see:

https://www.ddaysquadron.org/2024-legacy-tour )

21/05/2024

The 2024 TBM Reunion & Salute to Veterans, report and photos by Allison Church

What began nine years ago by husband and wife Avenger owners Brad Deckert & Jane McCarty Deckert as a small local warbird gathering centered around the Grumman/Eastern TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, has turned into an annual full-blown airshow, and event that is not to be missed!

The show was held, as it is every year, at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport (KVYS), in Peru, Illinois, where the Deckerts base their Avenger, on Friday May the 17th, and Saturday the 18th. And as always, this year’s event attracted a large number of aircraft and spectators which had turned-out to be a part of the celebration.

The action began Friday with a daytime airshow, with flying from various types of warbirds, including the headline act, the TBM Avengers. However, the real excitement on the Friday is ALWAYS the later night-time airshow, which featured the Titan Aerobatic Team, a run-up of the Avengers called the “TBM Glow,” and for first time ever, a fireworks display.

The festivities continued into Saturday, beginning with a pancake breakfast, hosted by the local Boy Scout troop. This was followed by another full daytime airshow, with performances by most of the warbirds that were in attendance. The show always concludes with a mass flight of the TBMs that have gathered as they did again this year, ending yet another memorable event.

So concluded the 2024 edition of the ninth annual TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s show! (no dates have been announced just yet) Keep an eye on their website www.TBMreunion.org for more information!

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Videos

Bruce Winters exercised our cover girl from Warbird Digest Issue 98 last night. You have to love the distinctive sound of the DB605!

Preview of coming attractions.

SBD-5 Dauntless Action!

The CAF Airbase Georgia’s SBD-5 Dauntleas leaving KPDK. Did you know that the SBD was the only U.S. Navy dive bomber to serve from the beginning of the World War II until the end?

The massive SB2C Helldiver, affectionately nicknamed “The Beast.” Airplanes are beginning to arrive in Georgia for NAS ATLANTA 80th anniversary airshow at KPDK on May 14th 🎥 Angela Decker

Fiat G-91 engine test

In 2023 the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) will celebrate its 100th anniversary. For the occasion a Fiat G-91 is being restored to airworthy condition by Volafenice. Here is the first engine test. Stay tuned for a report about this project. #AMI100 #aeronauticamilitare

F-86 Sabre Intercept Atlas-V Rocket!

Mike Killian Photography does it again! On an assignment for us, Mike flew an epic photo/video mission with Doug Matthews’ F-86 Sabre, intercepting the Atlas-V rocket launch from Cape Canaveral. Mike’s photos and article about this F-86 Sabre will be featured in one of the upcoming issues of Warbird Digest Magazine. Don’t miss it, subscribe at https://warbirddigest.com/subscribe/

CAF Airbase Georgia FG-1D Corsair is ready for the upcoming airshow season, here is the annual-conditional-inspection engine run up! 🎥 Tom Walsh

The Aviation History & Technology Center in Marietta, GA. The aviation legacy in Marietta began with an airfield in 1941, it would become what is known as Dobbins Air Reserve Base today. The Aviation History & Technology Center exists to honor local aviation and military history through education, preservation and events. For more information, visit www.ahtc360.org

Doug Matthews’ F-86F Sabre Flies!

Doug Matthews taking off on the first post-restoration flight in F-86F 52-5116 👉 https://bit.ly/3JZ64U0

Pearl Harbor Survivor

Retired Master Sergeant Mike Schaffer was stationed and on duty on December 7th, 1941 when the Pearl Harbor attack began. Hear him tell his story. Video by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Stai Retired Master Sergeant Mike Schaffer was stationed and on duty on December 7th, 1941 when the attack began. Hear him tell his story.

Eighty years ago, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, prompted America's entry into World War II. Each year on Dec. 7, Americans honor those who died in the attack. Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Bleyle Defense.gov

Nicknames for the #F4UCorsair: U Bird, The Hog, The Ensign Eliminator, Old Hog-Nose, The Bent-Wing Bird, Whistling Death, Sweetheart of Okinawa, Horseshoe, and The Great Iron Bird. Which one do you prefer? #avgeek #warbirds #aviationhistory

Warbirds in Review: North American P-51D Mustang, "Miss Kitty”

Founded in 1986, the Dakota Territory Air Museum has proudly evolved into a significant historical depository honoring the men, women and machines that have impacted the rich history of aviation. We thank Bruce Eames for his contributions and continued support in bringing these airplanes back to life and sharing them with our Warbird community and our Warbirds in Review audience. The Dakota Territory Air Museum’s restored P-51D Mustang, "Miss Kitty”, is a tribute to that original airplane P-51K flown by Colonel John David "Rosie" Rosenbaum , painted in the distinctive black-tailed color scheme of the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 14th Air Force. Its paint nearly mirrors the museum’s Lope’s Hope 3rd. Like so many WWII fighter pilots, Col. Rosenbaum named his Mustang after his sweetheart Lavinia “Kitty Harris, whom he later married. We will have a special taped interview presentation with the actual Miss Kitty to hear this unique story first hand. Presented by: Dakota Territory Air Museum�Speakers: Bruce Eames and Warren Pietsch

@ddaysquadron formation at #AirVenture2021 - #c47 / #dc3 the world’s greatest airplane! #OSH21 #avgeek #dday #flying #aviationhistory

Navy Heritage Flight

We apologize for the low quality of this iphone clip, but this #Navy Legacy Flight was too cool for not filming it! 2 x F/A- 18 #superhornet 2 x #F4uCorsair #OSH21 #AirVenture2021 #avgeek

Air to air with the OV-10A

Look what showed up at #airventure - This aircraft, North American Rockwell OV-10A BuNo 155474, was the 164th Bronco produced and is a veteran of three wars. In February 1969, it deployed to Vietnam with Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4) “Black Ponies” and served until April 1972. In 1975, while assigned to Marine Observation Squadron Two (VMO-2) it received the Night Observation System standard, thus becoming an OV-10D. In 1991, still with VMO-2, this aircraft once again went to war during Operation Desert Storm, flying forward air control and artillery spotting missions. When VMO-2 was deactivated in 1992, ‘474 went into storage at the famous Boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. A year later it was one of 22 OV-10Ds assigned to the Department of State Air Wing and ‘474 soon found itself in its third war as an anti-drug spray aircraft in Colombia. Look for a full feature on ‘474 in a future issue of Warbird Digest. Air to air videos by Job Savage.

Warbirds in Review: The Skyraider with Dick Rutan

The Skyraider entered service in December, 1946 and became the backbone of U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and United States Marine Corps (USMC) strike aircraft sorties in the Korean War. Skyraiders participated in the first strikes against North Vietnam. The Skyraider was originally designed in the 1940s by Ed Heinemann of the Douglas Aircraft Company. At the time of the first prototype's flight on 18 March 1945, it was the largest production single-seater aircraft. The low-wing monoplane design started with a Wright R-3350 radial engine, later upgraded multiple times. Its distinctive feature was the presence of seven hardpoints on each wing, enabling it to carry a tremendous amount of ordnance for its size. The Skyraider could carry as much bomb load as a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress typically carried. It was also capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Lt. Col. Dick Rutan is a frequent guest at Warbirds in Review highlighting his service in Vietnam. He has entertained and educated the crowds as he has shared his unfiltered accounts of the F-100 and the Skyraider in Southeast Asia. He flew 105 missions over North Vietnam as a Misty. Dick’s book, “The Next Five Minutes, Embracing the Impossible” will be available for sale in the Warbird Merchandise Building where Dick will be available for autographs at 2:00 pm following the presentation. Owners: Warbird Heritage Foundation Speaker: Dick Rutan

357th Fighter Group dawn patrol flight earlier this morning. A traditional event at #airventure and for Warbird Alley early raisers. RT Dickson in ‘Swamp Fox’, Wes Stowers in ‘Ain’t Misbehavin,’ Ray Fowler in ‘Old Crow,’ Paul Draper in ‘Gentleman Jim,’ and Larry Lumpkin in ‘Gunfighter.’

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We provide you the highest quality inside view into the operation and restoration of ex-military aircraft through in-depth stories and unmatched photography. At Warbird Digest we believe in bringing our readers the very best in-depth coverage of ex-military aircraft in civilian hands. We work only with the very best researchers, writers and photographers in the industry.

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Videos

SBD-5 Dauntless Action!

Fiat G-91 engine test

F-86 Sabre Intercept Atlas-V Rocket!

Doug Matthews’ F-86F Sabre Flies!

Pearl Harbor Survivor

Warbirds in Review: North American P-51D Mustang, "Miss Kitty”

Navy Heritage Flight

Air to air with the OV-10A

Warbirds in Review: The Skyraider with Dick Rutan

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