Category: News

Posted on by

Newly Restored B-17 “Preston’s Pride” Unveiled [Video]

Following an exterior restoration, B-17 “Preston’s Pride” was unveiled on Saturday in a ceremony at Mefford Field in Tulare, California.

As previously reported, the machine (S/N 44-85738) was originally constructed as a B-17G and delivered to the USAAF in May 1945. It was placed in storage before participating in “Operation Crossroads,” a pair of atomic weapons tests conducted at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands in 1946. From there it moved on to Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and then the Air Proving Grounds at Eglin AFB in Florida before being struck off charge in August 1958.

Since then it has been on outdoor display in California, serving as a memorial to the 379th Bomb Group. Over the years it was vandalized and damaged in a collision with a runaway truck and was in desperate need of attention. B-17 Archaeology stepped in and not only worked to return the exterior to a factory fresh appearance, but have also been compiling the history of the aircraft, which is the last surviving B-17 from Operation Crossroads. Continue reading Newly Restored B-17 “Preston’s Pride” Unveiled [Video]

Posted on by

Flight Replicas Releases New Screenshots of Upcoming Handley Page Halifax

Flight simulation developer Flight Replicas, which creates “high quality simulator aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator FSX and Lockheed-Martin’s P3D” has released new screenshots of their upcoming Handley Page Halifax Mk.III.

The new images reportedly detail the progress “as things move towards other variants including the more-or-less permanently (seat could still be folded away) two pilot versions such as the unarmed and pannier-equipped Mk.VIII and C VIII.” The machine’s virtual cockpit will reportedly feature adjustable relevant cockpit lights for day and night operations, an opening sliding window and upper hatch for the pilot and a folding Flight Engineer’s seat.

A representation of the HP.70 Halton civilian variant modified exclusively for BOAC is yet to come. Additional details, including pricing and release date have not yet been announced.

Click below to see more.

Continue reading Flight Replicas Releases New Screenshots of Upcoming Handley Page Halifax

Posted on by

RAF’s First Folland Gnat T.Mk1 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 airframe of Folland Gnat T.Mk1 FL.514/XM709 has hit the market.

The machine is said to be a pre-production aircraft that first flew in 1962 and went on to become the first T.Mk1 to enter service with the RAF. The machine is reportedly equipped with its wing, both seats and most instruments, although it lacks an engine. It is said to be in “decent shape” and ideal for a post guard or ad platform.

The aircraft, which is sold as parts and lacks a title, is currently located in West Palm Beach, Florida and is offered for $14,900. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

A second T.Mk1 airframe described as an ex-Red Arrows machine in similar condition is also availble for $5,900. Click here to learn more.

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

Posted on by

Aeroplane Heaven Provides Detailed Look at Upcoming Bristol Bulldog

Flight Simulation developer Aeroplane Heaven is in the process of creating a new, high definition Bristol Bulldog Mk2A which will reportedly boast “a huge amount of authentic features.”

The representation of the golden age RAF fighter, which trained many pilots who served in the Battle of Britain, is the result of careful research with “much attention to detail.” It is reportedly being created using the latest tech and techniques to be “the definitive tribute to this iconic and important aeroplane.”

Details such as pricing, release date and supported flight sim platforms have not yet been announced, however, a number of in-development images have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

Continue reading Aeroplane Heaven Provides Detailed Look at Upcoming Bristol Bulldog

Posted on by

Temporary Home Sought For Restored Harrier That Won 1969 Transatlantic Race

A temporary home is being sought for a newly restored Harrier with a historic past.

The aircraft (XV741) won the transatlantic race from London to New York in 1969, an event held by the Daily Mail to commemorate the original 1919 flight by Alcock and Brown. Departing from a coalfield near St. Pancras, RAF test pilot Tom Lecky-Thompson flew the machine to the Empire State Building in 6 hrs 11 mins and 57 seconds.

XV741 was recently restored by Jet Art Aviation, Ltd. in a process that included the removal of 17 layers of paint. The aircraft is reportedly being kept in a hangar just south of York, and while it does have an eventual home, the owner would like the jet to be placed on public display “in a suitable museum environment so the aircraft and restoration work can be enjoyed by the public, especially for the 50th anniversary of the race next year.”

A loan period of up to 3 years would be considered.

Click below to check out recent restoration updates.

Continue reading Temporary Home Sought For Restored Harrier That Won 1969 Transatlantic Race

Posted on by

New Photos Provide Detailed Look at HK Models’ Upcoming 1/32 Avro Lancaster

After the release of an initial series of tooling photos last week, Merit International, LLC has provided a new series of images showing details of Hong Kong Models’ upcoming 1/32 Avro Lancaster model kit.

The new images reportedly show the model at the Shizuoka Hobby Show and reveal detail of the fuselage interior and nose turret. Although the company states that it’s “getting closer,” further refinements are still on the way.

When complete, the model will reportedly represent the Mk 1 and include markings for R5868 “S-Sugar” of 467 Squadron RAAF, which became the first bomber to complete 100 missions.

Click below to check out some of the new images.

Continue reading New Photos Provide Detailed Look at HK Models’ Upcoming 1/32 Avro Lancaster

Posted on by

F4U-5N Corsair F-AZEG Returns to the Air Following Decade-Long Restoration [Video]

F4U-5N Corsair F-AZEG has performed its first post-restoration flight following nearly 10 years of work.

As previously reported, the aircraft (B/N 124724) was originally constructed in 1951 and delivered to the US Navy in September of that year. In 1952, it was assigned to VC-3 and went on to operate from USS Valley Forge and USS Boxer before returning to the US in 1953.

In 1956 the Corsair was delivered to Honduras and saw action in the “Soccer War” with El Salvador, operating with Fuerza Area Hondurena as FAH 600. After retirement from active service, the aircraft passed through the hands of a number of owners before being acquired by Jean Salis’ Les Casques de Cuir collection based in La Ferté-Alais, France in 1986.

The machine’s return to the air caps off a restoration process that began in 2008. Click below to check out video of the historic occasion.

Continue reading F4U-5N Corsair F-AZEG Returns to the Air Following Decade-Long Restoration [Video]

Posted on by

Brickmania Releases Nieuport 11, Fokker E.III LEGO Model Kits

Brickmania’s latest releases harken back to the dawn of aerial warfare with two of WW1’s most important early fighters: The Nieuport 11 and Fokker E.III.

The Nieuport kit consists of 247 LEGO and BrickArms elements, including a custom-printed French pilot minifigure, a spinning propeller and a BrickArms Lewis Gun. A high-quality sticker sheet is also included. The Fokker E.III kit features 257 LEGO and BrickArms elements, a custom-printed pilot minifigure, moving propeller and stabilator, “authentic” warping cables, a BrickArms Maxim machine gun and a high-quality sticker sheet.

The new, limited edition kits are available individually or as a bundle. Click below to learn more.

Continue reading Brickmania Releases Nieuport 11, Fokker E.III LEGO Model Kits

Posted on by

Charity Hopes to Preserve Historic Flight Collection As Royal Navy Withdraws Funding

The Royal Navy has reportedly withdrawn funding from Historic Flight, a unit which was “established in 1972 as a living memorial to all those who have served in the Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm since the birth of naval aviation in 1909.”

The Yeovilton, Somerset-based collection includes Swordfish Mk.I W5856, Swordfish Mk.II LS326, Swordfish Mk.III NF389, Sea Fury FB.11 VR930 and Sea Hawk FGA.6 WV908. The machines attend air displays throughout the United Kingdom while providing “something of a ‘shop window’ on the Fleet Air Arm.”

The operation of Historic Flight will now be handled by Navy Wings, “the recognized Royal Naval Charity” which “raises money to keep important historic Naval Aircraft in the skies.” A plan is currently underway to transfer the Historic Flight aircraft to the civil register and into Navy Wings ownership. Continue reading Charity Hopes to Preserve Historic Flight Collection As Royal Navy Withdraws Funding

Posted on by

Spitfire SL721 Makes History Performing First Flight as Belgian Registered Aircraft

Yesterday, Spitfire XVI SL721 completed its first flight since arriving in Belgium earlier this year.

As previously reported, SL721 was built in August 1945 and delivered to the RAF, where it became the personal aircraft of Air Chief Marshall Sir James Milne Robb, a WW1 pilot who served as Commander-In-Chief – Air Forces Europe following WW2. The Packard Merlin 266/R55-powered machine was sold in 1967 and transported to the US, where it would stay until 2002, when it was acquired by Vintage Wings of Canada. After being sold to an enthusiast in Belgium earlier this year, the machine was shipped and reassembled in the FAST Aero workshop in Brasschaat.

The successful flight reportedly consisted of five circuits of the airfield and a smooth landing. In the process, SL721 (OO-XVI) made history, becoming the first Belgian registered Spitfire to fly in over half a century, and the first ever to depart from Brasschaat airfield.

Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading Spitfire SL721 Makes History Performing First Flight as Belgian Registered Aircraft