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Nuclear Museum Launches Effort to Restore B-47 Stratojet [Video]

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque is planning to restore New Mexico’s only Boeing B-47E Stratojet, which is currently part of their nine-acre outdoor exhibit area.

The machine (S/N 53-2280) was constructed by Boeing in 1955 and went on to serve mainly as a test bed for “fly-by-wire” technology. Following removal from the USAF inventory in 1969, it was transferred from the USAF Heritage Museum program, and in 2013 arrived at its current home at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

One of only 23 examples of the type remaining, the museum’s B-47 has become part of “Operation Preservation,” a multi-year campaign to refurbish the collection’s iconic aircraft residing on outdoor display. The effort will reportedly begin this month under the supervision of Brigadier General (Ret.) Jay Bledsoe, Restoration Project Manager, and include bodywork and a new coat of primer and paint. Continue reading Nuclear Museum Launches Effort to Restore B-47 Stratojet [Video]

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Brickmania Releases Limited Edition MiG-3 LEGO Model Kit

Among Brickmania’s April releases is this 1/35 model of the MiG-3, a Soviet WW2 fighter introduced in 1941. The machine was intended to serve as an upgrade to the previous MiG-1 and although built in large quantities, it proved difficult to fly and inadequate in its role as a high-altitude fighter, which resulted in the type being retired from service prior to the end of the conflict.

The new, limited edition Brickmania model reportedly consists of 338 genuine new-condition LEGO elements and includes a custom-printed Soviet pilot minifigure, a high-quality sticker sheet, retractable landing gear and a detailed cockpit.

Click below to check out additional images.

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“Skies of Fury DX” Brings WW1 Aerial Combat to Nintendo Switch [Video]

Nintendo Switch users will soon have the opportunity to engage in “epic” WW1 aerial combat with the upcoming release of Skies of Fury DX.

The game, a version of which was previously released for Android and Apple mobile devices, was developed by Illumination Games and draws inspiration from the look of vintage comics. Players can reportedly fly through “stunning, hand-painted environments” in 10 distinctive WW1 aircraft, taking on the role of both British and German pilots and dogfighting through 100 different missions in single or multiplayer modes.

Additional features are said to include unlocakble upgrades for flying and combat abilities, hundreds of unlockable aircraft customizations and unlockable comics based on the real history of Bloody April.

The game is currently set for release on April 12. Click below to check out the trailer.

Continue reading “Skies of Fury DX” Brings WW1 Aerial Combat to Nintendo Switch [Video]

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Freightdog Models to Release New Tool Supermarine Type 327 Kit

Freightdog Models has provided an update on their new tool model kit of the Supermarine Type 327 British twin-engine fighter.

”A little bit of progress on the Type 327 Shrew kit, partially built up example by Jen Wright that will hopefully be finished and on display at Cosford this weekend when the kit goes on sale. Pre-orders are welcome, I will only have a few with me. Retail price at the show will be £35.00, kit will be on the website next week.”

The Type 327 was a cannon-equipped concept aircraft designed to replace the Spitfire and Hurricane. However, it never entered production, in part because it was believed that other machines, such as the Westland Whirlwind, would likely enter service first.

The 1/72 resin kit will reportedly include “what if” markings for a prototype along with suitable roundels for fighter or photo reconnaissance versions, for which optional parts will also be included.

Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading Freightdog Models to Release New Tool Supermarine Type 327 Kit

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B-52 “Midnight Express” Begins Journey to Seattle, Reassembly for New Memorial to Follow [Video]

Last week The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington received the first truckload of parts for their B-52G Stratofortress “Midnight Express” following an exterior restoration.

As previously reported, the bomber (S/N 59-2584) has been parked outdoors at the museum’s Paine Field facility in Everett for the past 26 years. A $2.2 million effort was launched to restore the machine for use as the centerpiece of a new Vietnam Air War Memorial Park, which will pay tribute to the aircraft of the Vietnam War and honor the service members who flew and supported them.

Now repainted, the aircraft has been partially disassembled and is now in the process of being moved to the memorial park site on west side of the Museum’s Aviation Pavilion. The museum reports that the “small parts” will be stored until final assembly takes place later this spring.

Click below to check out a video of the first parts following their arrival.

Continue reading B-52 “Midnight Express” Begins Journey to Seattle, Reassembly for New Memorial to Follow [Video]

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First Look: Test Build of Special Hobby’s New Tool Super Mystere SMB.2

Special Hobby has released the first test build images showing their upcoming new tool representation of the Super Mystere SMB.2 French cold war-era fighter bomber in 1/72 scale.

The process first detailed a successful test fit of the moldings and a partial build illustrating the internal components of the fuselage. This was followed by a test build of the full airframe, which depicts an Israeli-modified Sa’ar version incorporating “a US ex-Skyhawk engine with much more rearward protruding jet engine nozzle.”

Given the fact that these testshots are of the first batch, the outcome is not that bad and the model is now being used in the time consuming process of correction report writing for the purpose of debugging the steel moulding tools.

As of this writing, a final release date has not yet been announced, although the company states that “it could be possible for the first examples to reach the market later this year.”

Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading First Look: Test Build of Special Hobby’s New Tool Super Mystere SMB.2

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Corsair Restoration Nearing Completion in France [Video]

The restoration of F4U-5N Corsair F-AZEG is reportedly nearing completion in France.

The aircraft (B/N 124724) was originally constructed in 1951 and delivered to the US Navy in September of that year. In 1952, the machine 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.

Restoration began in 2008, and the aircraft is expected to return to the air sometime this year.

Click below to check out video of an engine test performed over the weekend.

Continue reading Corsair Restoration Nearing Completion in France [Video]

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Eduard Provides Update on Upcoming New Tool P-51D Mustang Model Kit

Since their first announcement at the E-Day International Scale Kit Exhibition back in October, Eduard has made progress on their upcoming new tool P-51D Mustang model kit in 1/48 scale.

The company recently provided an update stating that project designer Standa Archman has personally examined numerous Mustangs and is focusing on even the slightest details, spending two days working on the rivet lines alone.

A number of new renderings have also been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

As of this writing, kit contents and availability details have not yet been reported.

Continue reading Eduard Provides Update on Upcoming New Tool P-51D Mustang Model Kit

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Aeroplane Heaven Releases First Trailer For Upcoming FSX, P3D Avro Lancaster [Video]

Flight simulation developer Aeroplane Heaven has released the first trailer for their upcoming Avro Lancaster B Mk 1 for FSX, FSX Steam and P3D V3 and V4.

As previously reported, the new Lancaster is touted as incorporating their latest tech and techniques to “bring you what will be your chance to experience just what it was like to fly and crew this legendary machine in the skies of the latest simulators.” Its exterior will reportedly boast “a massive amount of authentic detail” along with many unique animations and a highly detailed virtual cockpit that will include the front turret and bomber’s compartment, engineer and nav station and radio operator’s positions.

The video shows a beta test flight in the aircraft, including startup procedures, gun tests, and a bombing run, while showcasing the model’s many features and exquisite attention to detail. Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Aeroplane Heaven Releases First Trailer For Upcoming FSX, P3D Avro Lancaster [Video]

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Yak-3 Suffers Significant Damage After Colliding With Cherry Picker at Wanaka Airshow [Video]

While landing at New Zealand’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow on Saturday, Yak-3 ZK-YYY collided with a cherry picker that was parked along the grass runway, causing significant damage to the airframe.

The machine had just completed a performance with a second Yak-3 when the incident occurred, which resulted in the separation of the starboard wing. The cherry picker, which was reportedly intended for use in a later event, was unmanned at the time, and thankfully the Yak’s pilot/owner, Arthur Dovey, emerged from the aircraft unharmed.

The machine was previously sent to Russia and converted from a Yak-11 to a Yak-3. It is said to be “very close” to the type’s original specifications, although the scarcity of the original Klimov V12 powerplant resulted in the use of an Allison V1710.

An evaluation of the aircraft will be needed to determine the full extent of the damage. An inquiry will also reportedly be launched the determine why the cherry picker had been positioned in the area.

Click below to watch video of the incident.

Continue reading Yak-3 Suffers Significant Damage After Colliding With Cherry Picker at Wanaka Airshow [Video]