Category: News

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Sopwith Triplane Performs First Flight At Military Aviation Museum [Video]

The Military Aviation Museum’s full-scale Sopwith Triplane has performed its first flight since arriving at the Virginia Beach attraction last July.

As previously reported, The Lycoming-powered machine (N543A) was built by Chad Wille in the early 1990s and was recognized as an “Outstanding Aircraft” at SUN ‘n FUN 1993. It became part of the Guntersville, Alabama-based Replica Fighter Museum owned by the late Frank Ryder before moving on to the Homer B. Wilson Vintage Museum at the Guntersville Municipal Airport.

Click below to check out a video of the recent flight.

Continue reading Sopwith Triplane Performs First Flight At Military Aviation Museum [Video]

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1946 Piper J-3 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.

Piper Cub NC87714 has hit the market.

The airframe is said to have a total time of 2,750 hrs, while the C75-12 engine has 1,275 hrs. It is described as having no electric, right wing aux tank and nice paint and fabric.

The machine is reportedly based in Carterville, Illinois and bids are now being accepted. Click here to check out the full listing.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Hurricane V7497 Returns to Life 78 Years After Being Shot Down [Video]

Yesterday, Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 V7497 (G-HRLI) performed the first test of its original Merlin III engine, nearly 78 years after it was downed by Bf 109s over Sutton in Kent, England.

The aircraft was manufactured by Hawker Aircraft, Ltd in mid-1940 and issued to 501 Squadron at the height of the Battle of Britain. It was only a few weeks old when it was shot down on September 28, 1940 – the pilot, Everett Bryan Rogers, escaping by parachute. After identification and the recovery of key components, the decision was made to restore the aircraft to airworthy condition “as a tribute to all those that stood firm during the Battle of Britain.”

The Merlin was rebuilt by Eye Tech Engineering, while the airframe is being restored by the experts at Hawker Restorations along with its sister company, AJD Engineering. The process included the use of original drawings to scratch build new wings, which will be fitted with reproduction .303 Browning machine guns complete with “all the adjustment mechanisms fitted internally as per the original aircraft.”

Click below to check out a video of yesterday’s test.

Continue reading Hurricane V7497 Returns to Life 78 Years After Being Shot Down [Video]

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Kermit Weeks Provides New Video Update On Seversky P-35 Restoration

Kermit Weeks has shared a new video detailing the ongoing work on his exceedingly rare Seversky P-35.

As previously reported, the machine was acquired years back in a trade with the USAF Museum and is reportedly one of only three remaining examples of the single seat fighter, which was introduced in the mid-1930s and saw limited action at the beginning of WW2. It came from the Swedish Air Force and was stored in underground bunkers during the war, which resulted in significant pitting and surface corrosion. Additional damage was sustained when Hurricane Andrew struck Kermit’s by Florida-based Fantasy of Flight attraction in 1992. When complete, this will be the only airworthy example of the type in the world.

The newly released video was reportedly filmed in the summer of 2017 and documents the fuselage being detached from the center section and “put into a rotisserie fixture for easier access during the restoration process.”

Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Provides New Video Update On Seversky P-35 Restoration

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Cold War-Era Hawker Hunter GA.11 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.

Hawker Hunter GA.11 XF301 has hit the market.

The aircraft is described as an ex-Royal Navy team “Rough Diamonds” machine with only 3,325 hrs in its logbook. The offering reportedly consists of the complete cockpit and fuselage which are currently in storage in the US. Logbooks are also said to be included, but no engine.

Check out the complete listing below. Continue reading Cold War-Era Hawker Hunter GA.11 Offered For Sale

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Restored, Original A-6E Intruder Cockpit 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 Grumman A-6E Intruder nose / cockpit section has hit the market.

The section is described as an original Vietnam War A-6A Intruder that was converted to a KA-6D before being cut up for use in the 1991 movie Flight of the Intruder. The current owner reportedly acquired it from Hollywood with no interior and some missing panels, and spent the last 20 years collecting missing parts to restore it for display. It is now said to be “complete with all the interior items.”

The cockpit has the correct GRU-7 pilot and BN ejection seats complete with seat kits, straps and parachute containers. The pilot’s side has all the instruments, throttle quadrant, VDI, Gunsight, control stick and rudder pedals, etc.. The Bombardier Navigator side is complete with a radar scope, radar control pedestal and all the console boxes that make up the weapons system. The BN side will also come with the radar scope big plastic cover to make it easier to see the radar. Sticking out the top of the nose is the correct inflight refueling probe. The boarding ladders fold out and can be used but they hit the ground. The canopy and windshield glass is good with no damage. It has the correct radome with no damage.The canopy can be opened and closed with a hand crank in the back of the cockpit.

The section is reportedly located in a San Diego museum and is currently being offered for $24,999.95. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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AZ Model to Release New Tool Bf 109K-4 Model Kit

AZ Model has announced the upcoming release of a new tool Bf 109K-4 “Kurfürst” in 1/72 scale.

Details about the kit are scarce, although the company announced that it is being prepared for June. It appears that the offering will come with three marking options which are shown in the image below.

Continue reading AZ Model to Release New Tool Bf 109K-4 Model Kit

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World’s Oldest Original Flying Jet to Return to the Air, Oshkosh Debut on Schedule

Glostor Meteor T7 “Queenie,” touted as the world’s oldest original flying jet, has reportedly completed all registration, inspection and final certification requirements following its arrival in the US, and is slated to return to the air.

As previously reported, the aircraft (WA591/G-BWMF) was delivered to the RAF in 1949 and served as a training machine at a number of bases before becoming a gate guard at RAF Woodvale. In 1995 Meteor Flight began restoring the aircraft and it returned to the air at Kemble in 2011. In recent years it operated with Classic Air Force at Coventry, which closed down in 2016 following the retirement of its founder. Last year, it was acquired by Detroit, Michigan-based World Heritage Air Museum (WHAM).

The museum has reported that the Meteor’s return to flight is expected to take place on June 18 out of Hampton Roads. Its debut at Oshkosh reportedly remains on schedule, and will appear along with the collection’s Vampire and Venom.

(via World Heritage Air Museum and Ultimate Aviation Photo: By Paul Nelhams via Wikimedia Commons)

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Bell UH-1H/205 Huey Project 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 Bell UH-1H/205 Huey project described as “great for restoration” has hit the market.

The offering (S/N 71-20220) is said to consist of the airframe only (cabin, skids, pilot seats and tail boom) and lacks an engine, transmission, rotor, data plate and maintenance records.

The helicopter is currently located in Tampa, Florida and is being offered for $10,900. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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WW1 Aircraft Manufacturer TVAL Seeks Engine Overhaul Technician

The Vintage Aviator, Ltd. (TVAL) has listed a vacancy for an engine overhaul technician.

The New Zealand-based aircraft restoration and manufacturing company strives to build “WW1 aircraft, engines and propellers to the same exacting standards they were originally made over 90 years ago,” while also working to “look after, and operate, the WW1 aircraft owned by the 1914-1918 Aviation Heritage Trust.”

The organization is seeking “a qualified engine reconditioner with preferably 3+ years post qualification experience.” Ideal candidates would possess experience with vintage and antique engines and welding. The listing states that the position may suit “a fitter/turner or someone familiar with machine shop tools and equipment.”

For additional details, visit TVAL’s website.

(Photo: Phillip Capper via Wikimedia Commons)