Category: News

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Watch BBMF’s Spitfire PM631 Perform Its First Flight Since 2014 [Video]

Yesterday, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) Spitfire Mk XIX PM631 returned to the air for the first time sine 2014.

The aircraft was originally built by Vickers-Armstrong in 1945 but did not see action in WW2. In 1951 it was assigned to Meteorological Research Flight and conducted temperature and humidity flights until 1957, when it became part of BBMF. It went on to fly in the 1968 film Battle of Britain and currently wears the colors of 541 Squadron, which performed photo reconnaissance over Europe from early 1944 to the end of the war. The machine was grounded in 2014 and fitted with an overhauled Griffon engine.

Yesterday’s flight was conducted by Sqn Ldr Mark Discombe, who described the machine’s handling as “sweet.” Click below to check out a video of the flight.

Continue reading Watch BBMF’s Spitfire PM631 Perform Its First Flight Since 2014 [Video]

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Spitfire PT462 “In Need of Some TLC” Following Gear Up Landing

The Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCo) has announced that Spitfire T.9 PT462 “Indy” “is in need of some TLC” following a gear up landing earlier today.

The incident reportedly occurred during an ARCo flight to Denham Aerodrome. Both the pilot and co-pilot were unharmed, although the aircraft sustained damage that will be evaluated upon its arrival back to ARCo’s Duxford facility.

The machine was originally built as a single-seat HF IX in 1942 and went on to serve with 253 Squadron in the Mediterranean as well as the Italian and Israeli Air Forces. Its remains were recovered from Israel in the early 1980s and transported to Winchester, UK, where it was rebuilt by Charles Church – being converted to a two-seat T.9 in the process. Continue reading Spitfire PT462 “In Need of Some TLC” Following Gear Up Landing

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“Beautifully Restored, Ready to Fly” 1954 Harvard Mk IV Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A “beautifully restored, ready to fly” 1954 Harvard Mk IV is available for sale. The listing states:

Serial # PC513331; Registration # N52494; Features Include: Polished aluminum exterior, 5000 hours Total Time, 490 Hours since Engine Overhaul, KY195B Nav / Com, KT76A Transponder, Northstar M1 GPS, New Warbird Intercom, Pre-Oiler, Cleveland Brakes, Polished Propeller, Prop Spinner, New Seats, Like New Glass, Original exhaust plus a custom exhaust!

The aircraft is located in St Louis, Missouri and is currently being offered for US $185,900, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

(Photo: Bill Larkins via Wikimedia Commons)

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Aeroplane Heaven Announces Development of Spitfire Family for FSX, P3D

Following the release of their new Dunkirk Spitfire Mk.1A, Aeroplane Heaven has announced the “next chapter” in their tribute to the iconic type with the development of the MkV family and the MkIX.

The upcoming releases will reportedly include “A”,”B” and “C” wing variants, tropical filters, clipped-wings and cockpits finished “in all the detail of the ‘Dunkirk’ project with refinements to match the marques represented.” The developer also states that for the first time, they will introduce an optional high definition static pilot figure.

The aircraft will reportedly be ready “later in the year” and will likely be for FSX and P3D, although this could change “depending on events over the coming months.”

Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading Aeroplane Heaven Announces Development of Spitfire Family for FSX, P3D

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Newly Restored P-39F Airacobra Performs Maiden Flight in NZ [Video]

On February 26, Jerry Yagen’s P-39F Airacobra performed its first post restoration flight from Ardmore Airfield in Auckland, New Zealand with NZ Warbirds Association President Frank Parker at the controls.

As previously reported, the aircraft is based largely on an ex-Soviet Air Force P-39Q which was recovered around 1995, although it is also said to feature parts obtained from P-39Q 42-20341. The machine (ZK-COB) was restored to airworthy condition by Pioneer Aero Ltd and represents USAAC 220341.

Click below to check out videos of the test.

Continue reading Newly Restored P-39F Airacobra Performs Maiden Flight in NZ [Video]

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Eduard to Release New WNF/Diana Bf 109G-10 Model Kit

Eduard has announced the upcoming release of a ProfiPACK edition Bf 109G-10 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The upcoming release (82161) is reportedly based on the new tool Bf 109G-6 kit (82111) released in 2016 and is focused on aircraft produced by Wiener Neustädter Flugzeugwerke/Diana. As the images below show, the kit will contain decals representing four aircraft from April-May, 1945.

As of this writing, it appears that a release date for the new WNF/Diana Bf 109 kit has not yet been announced.

Continue reading Eduard to Release New WNF/Diana Bf 109G-10 Model Kit

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Rare Jaguar T2 Cockpit Section Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

The cockpit section of Sepecat Jaguar T2 XX140 has hit the market as a restoration project. The product description states:

Jaguar T-Bird cockpit sections are very rare. To our knowledge there are only two. This one and the one on display at Norwich Aircraft Museum.

We are now offering up the cockpit as a project cockpit as can be seen from the photos it needs some work. The cockpit is reasonably complete externally (see pics). It has a “new old stock” canopy all fitted to the fwd cockpit which on its own cost £5k. The nose cone is included. We can unbolt it at the bulkhead if required if the new owner required the intakes removing to make the unit more manageable, however we think the intakes really make it!

The section is located in Selby, United Kingdom and is available for £9,999.99, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Hangar 9 Announces Upcoming Release of 1/4 RC Fokker D.VII Model

Hangar 9 has announced the upcoming release of a 1/4 Fokker D.VII RC model.

The 87″ 30-60cc almost-ready-to-fly model (HAN2890) is described as “an accurate giant scale reproduction of Germany’s famed fighter even the most discerning modeler will appreciate.” It reportedly features lightweight, laser-cut balsa and plywood construction, two-piece lower wing panels and three-piece upper wing for easy transport and assembly, a detailed cockpit with a scale pilot and instrument details, scale engine and machine guns for authentic appearance, 8″ vintage scale wheels, shock-absorbing main landing gear and a sprung wooden tail skid.

The model is designed to accept a variety of 30cc to 60cc 2- or 4-stroke gas engines, or a brushless electric outrunner motor, and is said to include all hardware for the recommended power system options.

Click below to check out a video overview.

Continue reading Hangar 9 Announces Upcoming Release of 1/4 RC Fokker D.VII Model

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World’s Only Flying Bushmaster Tri-Motor Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

Bushmaster Tri-Motor serial #1 (N7501V), touted as “the only Bushmaster still flying” is available for sale. The listing states (in part):

Always wanted a Tri-motor? Here’s your chance! In 1954, Bill Stout purchased the rights to the last Ford 5-AT Tri-motor design. This is Serial #1, the only Bushmaster still flying. Stout’s idea was to offer a simple, rugged passenger aircraft — he certainly succeeded. N7501V has flown from Siberia to Florida and nearly everywhere in between. ‘985 powered and tough as nails. It is available now to anyone interested in historic aircraft representing the culmination of tri-motor designs. Barnstorm around in this Unique, Fun-to-Fly, one-of-a-kind historic aircraft! Available once-in-a-lifetime.

The aircraft is located in Redondo Beach, CA and is currently being offered for $925,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Photo: SDASM Archives via Flickr)

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“Hot Rod” of Provost Jets Offered For Sale, “Flies Great”

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A Rolls Royce Viper-powered BAC Jet Provost Mk IV has hit the market.

The Mk IV is “considered to be the hot rod of Provost jets.” This particular machine (S/N XR-701) was reportedly assigned to the British College of Air Warfare and was a member of the MACAWS flight demonstration team. It reportedly “flies great” and includes “complete logs since new including military logs.”

Additional features reportedly include a Garmin radio and PS Engineering intercom and “very original” interior with intact seats and chutes (seats have been deactivated but are believed to be complete).

The aircraft is said to have amassed a TTIS of 5,940 hrs. It is currently based in Sugar Land, Texas and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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