Category: WW1 Era (1914-18)

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Friends of Jenny Reveal Newly Restored de Havilland DH.4, Oshkosh Appearance Planned

The U.S.-based “Friends of Jenny” nonprofit organization has unveiled its newly restored de Havilland DH.4.

As previously reported, the machine, which is believed to be the last DH.4 airframe in North America, has been restored to airworthy condition in order to “honor the memory of the Americans who built her, who flew in her, and who died in her.”

The project saw the aircraft restored by “cadres of professionals and aficionados” and was endorsed by the WW1 Centennial Commission. The final product boasts a V-12 Liberty engine and markings representing DH.4 #6 of 50 Squadron, the machine flown by Lt. Harold E. Goettler and Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley when they gave their lives during a heroic mission on September 12, 1918, posthumously earning them both the Medal of Honor. Continue reading Friends of Jenny Reveal Newly Restored de Havilland DH.4, Oshkosh Appearance Planned

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Preparing For Oshkosh Appearance, Kermit Weeks Documents Sopwith Snipe’s First Flight in Five Years [Video]

As Kermit Weeks prepares to bring four of his WW1 aircraft to the upcoming AirVenture Fly-in, he recently returned his Sopwith Snipe to the air for the first time in five years, documenting the event in a newly released video.

The aircraft was constructed by The Vintage Aviator, Ltd in New Zealand and is powered by a Bentley BR2 rotary engine. It represents the early incarnation of the Snipe, which employed a smaller rudder and lacked the large, balanced ailerons seen on later models. The markings represent E8102, flown by Maj. W.G. Barker during his lone encounter with 60 Fokker D.VIIs on October 27, 1918, during which he managed to shoot down four aircraft before crash landing over Allied lines with severe wounds. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions and the fuselage of his original machine is now preserved at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Continue reading Preparing For Oshkosh Appearance, Kermit Weeks Documents Sopwith Snipe’s First Flight in Five Years [Video]

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Nieuport 17 Reproduction Built For “Flyboys” Movie Will Need New Home

While searching for Spitfire parts in a storage container, Gateguards – UK came upon a Nieuport 17 reproduction that has been deemed “surplus to requirements” and will require a new home.

The aircraft was reportedly built for the 2006 film Flyboys and is believed to be full-scale. It is said to employ wood and fabric construction and has been described as “quite well built and not just a backstage replica.”

It remains to be seen whether the reproduction will be offered for sale. Click below to check out the full announcement.

Continue reading Nieuport 17 Reproduction Built For “Flyboys” Movie Will Need New Home

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On-Board Footage Captures Original SPAD XIII’s Flyby With Rafale Fighter [Video]

During the 2018 La Ferté-Alais airshow in France, spectators were treated to a flyby from Memorial Flight Association’s original SPAD XIII and a French Dassault Rafale – an event that encapsulated a century of aeronautical development.

This particular SPAD XIII is the oldest known example of the type in existence, as well as the only original example flying in the world. The aircraft was built in February 1918 by Société Kellner Frères Constructeurs as #4377 and was recovered from an attic in the 1970s by Jean Salis. Restoration began in the 1980s and was completed following its donation to the Memorial Flight Association in 1990. It returned to the air in 1991 and now wears the colors of the machine flown by Henri Trémeau of SPA 83.

The remarkable flight was captured from the ground as well as the air, and can be seen in the video below.

Continue reading On-Board Footage Captures Original SPAD XIII’s Flyby With Rafale Fighter [Video]

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Kermit Weeks Plans to Bring Four WW1 Aircraft to AirVenture 2018 [Video]

Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has announced plans to bring four of his WW1 aircraft reproductions to the 2018 AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The machines include his TVAL-built Sopwith Snipe and Albatros D.Va, a newly restored Sopwith Pup which is currently undergoing repairs following an “unfortunate incident” during its maiden flight, and his new Fokker D.VII, which was recently completed by noted WW1 aircraft builder Fred Murrin.

It appears that the Snipe is the only machine that could take flight at the event, as the remaining aircraft have not yet amassed the required 10 hrs of flight time, or are currently involved in ongoing maintenance. Click below to check out the update.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Plans to Bring Four WW1 Aircraft to AirVenture 2018 [Video]

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Newly Restored Thomas-Morse S-4B Performs Taxi Test Ahead of Maiden Flight [Video]

Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation’s newly restored, Le Rhone-powered Thomas-Morse S-4B has performed its first taxi test as its scheduled first flight draws near.

As previously reported, The Ithaca, NY-based organization was established in order to return an example of the WW1 advanced trainer to the city where it was originally manufactured as “a symbol of Ithaca’s aviation heritage.” Their machine was generously donated by Dr. William N. Thibault of San Diego, CA in 2010 and has been under restoration ever since.

Click below to check out a newly released video of the Tommy moving under its own power.

Continue reading Newly Restored Thomas-Morse S-4B Performs Taxi Test Ahead of Maiden Flight [Video]

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Full-Scale Nieuport 28 Reproduction 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 full-scale Nieuport 28 reproduction is currently available for sale.

The aircraft (NX62610) is described as “beautifully crafted” and in “excellent condition” with “very low time.” It reportedly boasts a M-14D nine-cylinder radial engine with new stainless steel exhaust, scale propeller, a tube and fabric fuselage / tail, and wood and fabric wings. Additional features are said to include new fabric and paint, new landing gear, new engine mount and a single peach basket style seat / 4-point harness.

The aircraft is located in Wales, MA and is currently being offered for US$85,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Top Image: NiD.29 from Wikimedia Commons)

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WW1 Le Rhone Rotary Engine 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 listing for a “museum quality” WW1 Le Rhone rotary engine has popped up on Craigslist.

The engine was reportedly restored about 15 to 20 years ago and has been on display since then. According to the Craigslist description, it was accepted by the U.S. Army on October 31, 1918 and is in beautiful condition, mounted on a movable display stand with the carburetor, magneto (needs rebuild), oil pump, tachometer drive, tampier valve and pulsator.

The engine is said to include a propeller flown only a few times on a Le Rhone-powered Sopwith Camel. It is reportedly located in Payson, Arizona and is currently being offered for $47,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

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Full-Scale, Warner-Powered Fokker Dr.1 Reproduction 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 full-scale Warner Super Scarab-powered Fokker Dr.1 reproduction has hit the market.

The aircraft (N817DF) is said to have been built over an eight-year period, performing its maiden flight in August 2017. Its reported list of features includes brakes, Spandau machine guns, electric start, satin finish Poly Fiber Aerothane and interior placards in German.

The machine wears the colors of von Richthofen’s 425/17 (illustrated above) and is described as a “beautiful flying airplane.” It is located in Columbus, MI and is currently being offered for US $225,000, although a trade for a Waco Taperwing would also be considered. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Top Image: Herbert Ringlstetter – www.aviaticus.com via Wikimedia Commons)

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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]