Warbird News

[DaveM]

Reno Air Racing Association Officially Seeks Bids for Future Home of National Championship Air Races

PRESS RELEASE

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is officially seeking bids from interested airports and localities that wish to partner with the organization to host future events. The 59th National Championship Air Races will take place for the final time at the Reno-Stead Airport on September 13 – 17, with an airshow to follow in 2024, before moving to its future home. The event was recently named the top airshow in the United States and the runner-up in North America in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award. To view the instructions and learn more, visit the proposal page here.​

Rare Bear is a highly-modified Grumman F8F Bearcat that dominated the Reno Air Races for decades. ( Image Credit: Mooose Peterson)

“We are incredibly excited to look at this next evolution of the National Championship Air Races and the ways in which we can further grow the event for current and future generations of air race fans,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association. “This year’s event will be a celebration of our legacy and allow us to springboard forward as we search for a new home for the event. We’re thankful for all of the interest we’ve already received from prospective sites and look forward to an exciting RFP process.”

The National Championship Air Races is the only event of its kind in the world and is a vibrant part of aviation’s culture and history. The event annually brings tens of thousands of patrons from all over the world and has generated an economic impact of over $100 million for the region. Potential partners may be able to host the current seven race classes at one location or hosts may be part of a larger, multi-city series of race events. Other attractions, such as various military displays and demonstrations, will continue to be a part of future events.​

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“Our RFP selection committee is excited to get to work on this project and to see the possibilities for the event’s next home,” said Terry Matter, vice board chairman for the Reno Air Racing Association and RFP committee lead. “We have a talented group of 12 members made up of other RARA board members, race pilots, engineers, and consultants who have been chosen for their combined knowledge and familiarity with the detail and scope of what it takes to produce, manage, and market the National Championship Air Races. With their expertise, we feel confident we will select the best location for the event’s continued success.”

To learn more about the event’s final year, stay up-to-date on event news or purchase tickets, visit National Championship Air Races | Reno Air Races.​

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[Bloodknot]

Pics from the weekends H2O jump out the "Tico Bell" in Sunny Central FL. The Tico Belle is a retored C-47 that dropped Gliders and Paratroopers into Europe during WW2, ran the Berlin Airlift, and went on to fly for the Danes and the Swedes before coming home to do what she does best.

Her story: C-47 Tico Belle | Valiant Air Command

On 06MAY23 she ran 7 lifts and dropped 14 sticks for the Hardrock Charlie Foundation, a veteran outreach particularly focused on Rangers and SF, but certainly not limited to just that. Winds were calm and the day went perfectly. The crew from Valiant Air Command and the Phantom Airborne Brigade as usual displayed the highest professionalism. They are extremely commited to their craft. Kids from the local JROTC function also provided logistical support this year and it was refreshing to see the future generation getting involved.

Home of the Phantom Airborne Brigade - Phantom Airborne Brigade

The Hardrock Charlie Foundation has been doing this every May for 3 years now and it's becoming bigger and bigger every year. I really got to hand it to the founders and board members. It's become a real solid outreach to help vets and their families heal and deal with civilian transition, which can take some guys years.

HARDROCK CHARLIE FOUNDATION, INC. – Reconnecting our Ranger Brothers

Every year I show up with mixed feelings but I always walk away with renewed inspiration …and a hangover.


View attachment 54505

The C-47/DC3 were/are amazing aircraft. My first flight was in one belonging to BEA (British European Airways) and as this took place in the 50s to the Channel Islands i would not be at all surprised if the same aircraft had also carried airborne troops across the same stretch of water in the previous decade.

 

[DaveM]

Warhawk Shootout! Warbird Adventures to Host P-40 Photo Event

Photographers, videographers and other visual artists across the US Southeast are in for a treat this month in South Carolina. A group of Curtiss P-40 Warhawks are set to arrive at the American Dream SkyRanch (18SC) and Warbird Adventures, to take part in the Photo Warhawk Shootout. Warhawk pilot and owner, Thom Richard, is opening his private airfield up for an amazing experience over the three-day weekend of June 16th thru 18th, 2023.​

A starlit scene of the kind which photographers should be able to capture at the Warhawk Shootout. (photo by Mike Killian)

Located in the town of Ninety-Six, South Carolina, this event is tailor-made for photographers and other visual artist – and with a little luck, it will become an annual festivity. Content creators play a vital role in telling and promoting the story of aviation – helping to keep history alive. If you think about it, their reach and audience far exceed the cumulative attendance at air shows nationwide, and the impact their work has on the aviation community and general public is greater and more long lasting. Led by professional aviation photojournalists Mike Killian and Ricardo Von Puttkammer, this event holds the promise of providing unique photographic opportunities which an air show attendee could only dream of – the setting, the subjects and the atmosphere will be electric!
Describing what attendees will have the chance of capturing, Thom Richard stated: “We have FAA approval to give you some close fly-bys with P-40 Warhawk ‘American Dream’, and to even give you some head-on passes (within legal limits). We will hold a sunset static shoot, and conduct a night engine run with all the P-40s in attendance. The icing on the cake will be a Milky Way night sky shoot over the planes, as there is very little light pollution at the Ranch and there will be no moonlight that weekend – Mike Killian will lead the Milky Way workshop, with Ricardo von Puttkammer’s expert input.”
.
Free dry camping for RV’s, campers, or tents is available, so bring the family and (friendly) dogs to stay for free! We will provide pizza on Saturday night, with music, a fire pit, games, and a pond for fishing, swimming and relaxation – The Ranch is a magical place! We will, however, need a minimum number of paying photographers attending to justify the cost of running the planes and getting one in the air. The cost per photographer is $150; arrive on June 16th and leave on June 18th. Furthermore, if at least twenty photographers attend, we will raffle off an air-to-air photo shoot! The winner will go up in a T-6 to photograph a P-40 – a rare opportunity! And if anyone wants an aerial T-6/P-40 or T-6/T-6 shoot, we can arrange that for an additional fee.
.
Please email [email protected] to secure your spot!​

American Dream, the Curtiss P-40 which will fly at the event. (photo by Mike Killian)

This special event will be the American Dream Skyranch’s first annual P-40 gathering, and they intend to make it even bigger next year! The team is looking forwards to having you attend the inaugural Warhawk Shootout! Richard and the gang will email everyone attending with more info and an itinerary for the shoot closer to the event, as well as providing photographic gear tips for the night shoot. They hope to make this an annual thing, getting bigger and better each time. We certainly look forwards to seeing what they all produce!

​

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[DaveM]

10 Historical Moments That Shaped Military Aviation

Military aviation is a field that is just a young century or so old. Despite its limited timeline, the rapid advancement of technology has seen it go from simple powered flight to AI-led systems capable of covering tens of thousands of kilometres without any human interaction.

Indeed, the history of military aviation is as fascinating as it is surprising, as you will soon discover with this article. So much so, it’s had an impact on many other aspects of the general history of mankind – including online games, believe it or not! Did you know, there are even online slots based on this interesting topic? NoDepositWorld has an entire catalogue of licensed operators offering such games centralized around this theme, so we suggest you check them out.

Today, we cover the most influential moments in military aviation’s history, from the beginning up until now.

1. The Wright brothers take off

Aviation history was born in 1903 when the Wright brothers achieved the world’s first powered flight. The internal combustion engine allowed the first-ever flight to last for a grand total of 12 seconds and 120 feet, which was shortly followed by another flight lasting 59 seconds and 852 feet. Obviously, the second flight was the one that managed to capture the world’s attention. Both Orville and Wilbur went on to further the aviation community even more, although Wilbur passed away just nine years later from Typhoid.

2. World War I

Even though powered flight was still in its infancy, World War 1 proved to be a testing ground for air-to-air combat. Initially, aircraft were not equipped with munitions, with the battle being done simply with guns held by humans, but soon enough these were mounted to make life easier for those in the air. Dogfights were born in World War 1.

3. Aircraft carriers come in to land

In the late 1910s and early 1920s we saw the first naval aircraft carriers emerge. These massive ships were designed specifically to carry aircraft. Back in the times, we didn’t have large aircraft so for lengthy and geographically disparate operations, there was a need to deploy ships.

4. The jet engine

The 1930s and 40s were when the jet engine was invented, with Frank Whittle being the inventor of the turbojet engine. It wasn’t until later that jet engines were used in fighter jets, which became the weapon of choice during World War II. For countries that had jet-powered fighter jets, they were able to outplay their enemies during air battles.

5. Atomic bomb dropping

In the mid-1940s the devastating atomic bombs, Little Boy and Fat Man, were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. These two bombs were both deployed by Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers which had been redesigned to make room for the bombs themselves. The effects were devastating for the people of Japan and the fallout from the bombs persisted for many, many decades. In the context of technology for the military, the nuclear race was on.

6. US Air Force Space Command

The U.S. Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), established in the 1980s, signalled a move towards more long-range capabilities and defense needs for the United States. The agency, now rebranded as the US Space Force in 2019, is in charge of such fields as satellite military operations, early warning systems, and other long-range communication systems. Now, 40 years later, long-range complex communications are more important than ever.

7. September 11

September 11, 2001, marked a significant time in military aviation history. It was the first time that multiple commercial airliners were hijacked in unison for shared common suicide missions. The methods the coordinators went to in organizing the extremely complex operation ensured that commercial aviation worldwide changed forever. We now have far more strict rules for screening in airports everywhere.

8. UAVs go long-range

The MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper of the 90s and early 2000s were the first UAVs that really showed off what unmanned drones were capable of in actual military operations. While the general public was stunned by these aircraft’s capabilities, those within the military community were not surprised to see the release of these drones in practice. From these first deployments, UAVs have not skyrocketed in their capabilities, making for a large component of many operations.

9. Advanced air defense systems

Along with military aircraft, comes the need to counter air-based attacks. While air defense systems have been around since military aircraft were first released, it was until the past few decades that advanced air defence systems like Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS) have become more sophisticated. These systems rely on complex networks, systems, radar tech, and missile defense munitions to deflect modern air attack systems.

10. AI for military aviation

The emergence of AI from research and development over the last 20 years means that military aviation has come along in leaps and bounds, particularly within the realm of UAVs. AI systems such as tactical decision aids, image recognition, anomaly detection, and even data-driven maintenance. This is expected to grow exponentially over the next 10 to 20 years as we enter the golden age of AI.​

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[DaveM]

Huey Helicopter Rides at The Liberty Aviation Museum

PRESS RELEASE

Have you ever flown in a Huey helicopter with the doors wide open and the wind rushing over your face? You will have that opportunity at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton on June 3 & 4. This experience is not your typical aircraft ride; you’ll feel the difference from lift-off to landing. For only $125.00, you can take a thrilling 10minute flight with a new perspective from the air. Book your ride/time in advance or take a chance and walk up that day. Rides occur from 11:00am until 4:00pm each day. To order tickets in advance visit Historic Plane Rides | Yankee Air Museum | Southeast Michigan or just walk up at 11:00am to see what’s available. If you’re curious, come and check out the Huey during the day and hear the iconic sound.​

The Yankee Air Museum Huey, Greyhound, served in the Vietnam War from 1967 until 1971. It was part of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company known as The Greyhounds, Mad Dogs, and Kennel Keepers. The Greyhound Bus Company was honored by the name and gave the company permission to use its logo. A versatile helicopter, the UH-1 was used as a gun ship, medical evacuation and for utility purposes.

Huey rides and the Liberty Aviation Museum are located at 3515 East State Road, Port Clinton, OH.



About Yankee Air Museum: Established in 1981 the Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Yankee Air Museum dedicates itself to educating individuals through the history of American aeronautics, aerospace industry and its associated technologies while inspiring generations through personal experiences to instill pride in our national accomplishments. Yankee Air Museum, located at 47884 D Street, Belleville, Michigan on the grounds of historic Willow Run Airport. Visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org to discover more or call 734-483-4030.

About Liberty Aviation Museum: Established in 1991, the Liberty Aviation Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Liberty Aviation Museum’s mission is to provide an adequate organization for historians, aircraft and vehicle preservationists and collectors interested in encouraging internationally the acquisition, restoration, operation, preservation, public education and display of historic aircraft, vehicles and related items. Visit www.libertyaviationmuseum.org for more information.​

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[DaveM]

Take a Ride on Hairless Joe at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

PRESS RELEASE

Experience a ride that thousands of Allied troops took during World War II on a C-47 airplane on June 1st-4th at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum located at 1054 Arnold Drive, Reading Regional Airport, Reading, PA 19605. It’s a busy weekend for the Museum as they celebrate their annual World War II Weekend with A Gathering of Warbirds on June 2nd-4th. For more information on the weekend, visit WELCOME TO THE MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM'S WORLD WAR II WEEKEND.​

Lt.Col. Cole standing beside the tail of “Hairless Joe”. (Photo via Dave Callanan – Yankee Air Museum)

For history buffs and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, public rides on the C-47 are available on Thursday, June 1st at 5:00pm and 6:00pm. The ride is a 20-minute experience and costs $255.00 per person. Order now at Historic Plane Rides | Yankee Air Museum | Southeast Michigan or take a chance and walk up the day of the flight. Rides continue to be available during the weekend show, but patrons need to purchase a ticket to the show. Gates open each day at 8:30am and close at 5:00pm. You’ll find our ride schedule for all three days at the link above.

The C-47, Hairless Joe, is owned and operated by the Yankee Air Museum and was one of the most vital pieces of military equipment in winning the war according to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The C-47 Skytrain was developed from the Douglas DC-3 civilian airliner. One of the most mass-produced aircraft in history with 11,000 manufactured before and during WWII, there are still 172 of the aircraft flying today. Also known as the Gooney Bird, the C-47 was built to last.

​

Reading Pagoda adds Pacific Theatre ambiance to the landing of CAF B-29 Superfortress “Fifi”
(Image Credit: Moreno Aguiari)

Information about Mid-Atlantic Air Museum visit WELCOME TO THE MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM



About Yankee Air Museum: Established in 1981 the Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Yankee Air Museum dedicates itself to educating individuals through the history of American aeronautics, aerospace industry and its associated while inspiring generations through personal experiences to instill pride in our national accomplishments. Yankee Air Museum, located at 47884 D Street, Belleville, Michigan on the grounds of historic Willow Run Airport. Visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org to discover more or call 734-483-4030.​

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[Qship]

Love to visit this if it wasn't so far away. Opportunities are getting fewer and fewer to fly in and see these old warbirds.

 

[Linkdog]

Warhawk Shootout! Warbird Adventures to Host P-40 Photo Event

Photographers, videographers and other visual artists across the US Southeast are in for a treat this month in South Carolina. A group of Curtiss P-40 Warhawks are set to arrive at the American Dream SkyRanch (18SC) and Warbird Adventures, to take part in the Photo Warhawk Shootout. Warhawk pilot and owner, Thom Richard, is opening his private airfield up for an amazing experience over the three-day weekend of June 16th thru 18th, 2023.​

A starlit scene of the kind which photographers should be able to capture at the Warhawk Shootout. (photo by Mike Killian)

Located in the town of Ninety-Six, South Carolina, this event is tailor-made for photographers and other visual artist – and with a little luck, it will become an annual festivity. Content creators play a vital role in telling and promoting the story of aviation – helping to keep history alive. If you think about it, their reach and audience far exceed the cumulative attendance at air shows nationwide, and the impact their work has on the aviation community and general public is greater and more long lasting. Led by professional aviation photojournalists Mike Killian and Ricardo Von Puttkammer, this event holds the promise of providing unique photographic opportunities which an air show attendee could only dream of – the setting, the subjects and the atmosphere will be electric!
Describing what attendees will have the chance of capturing, Thom Richard stated: “We have FAA approval to give you some close fly-bys with P-40 Warhawk ‘American Dream’, and to even give you some head-on passes (within legal limits). We will hold a sunset static shoot, and conduct a night engine run with all the P-40s in attendance. The icing on the cake will be a Milky Way night sky shoot over the planes, as there is very little light pollution at the Ranch and there will be no moonlight that weekend – Mike Killian will lead the Milky Way workshop, with Ricardo von Puttkammer’s expert input.”
.
Free dry camping for RV’s, campers, or tents is available, so bring the family and (friendly) dogs to stay for free! We will provide pizza on Saturday night, with music, a fire pit, games, and a pond for fishing, swimming and relaxation – The Ranch is a magical place! We will, however, need a minimum number of paying photographers attending to justify the cost of running the planes and getting one in the air. The cost per photographer is $150; arrive on June 16th and leave on June 18th. Furthermore, if at least twenty photographers attend, we will raffle off an air-to-air photo shoot! The winner will go up in a T-6 to photograph a P-40 – a rare opportunity! And if anyone wants an aerial T-6/P-40 or T-6/T-6 shoot, we can arrange that for an additional fee.
.
Please email [email protected] to secure your spot!​

American Dream, the Curtiss P-40 which will fly at the event. (photo by Mike Killian)

This special event will be the American Dream Skyranch’s first annual P-40 gathering, and they intend to make it even bigger next year! The team is looking forwards to having you attend the inaugural Warhawk Shootout! Richard and the gang will email everyone attending with more info and an itinerary for the shoot closer to the event, as well as providing photographic gear tips for the night shoot. They hope to make this an annual thing, getting bigger and better each time. We certainly look forwards to seeing what they all produce!

​

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Been to War bird adventures several times when they were in Kissimmee, fl. . The T6 is a blast to fly in. Stil have the pictures and shirts the flights are a little pricey but I'd do again for the third time.

 

[DaveM]

T-34 Fly-in Hosted at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will host a T-34 Fly-in and Flyovers on June 9-10. More than four dozen T-34s will arrive at the museum on June 9 and be on display throughout the weekend. On June 10 the airplanes are expected to take to the skies for formation flyovers showing off the capabilities of this popular and successful military trainer.

The U.S. Air Force used the T-34A for primary flight training during the 1950s. The original Mentor, a Beechcraft Model 45 derived from the famous Beechcraft Bonanza, was first flown in December 1948. The first military prototype, designated YT-34 by the USAF, made its initial flight in May 1950.​

After extensive testing, the USAF ordered the Mentor into production as the T-34A in early 1953. The first production T-34A was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in October 1953 for evaluation, and deliveries to the Air Training Command began in 1954.

The Mentor remained the standard USAF primary trainer until the introduction of the Cessna T-37 jet trainer in the late 1950s. As they were replaced by T-37s, many T-34s were turned over to base aero clubs. In all, the USAF acquired 450 T-34As. Three hundred fifty were built in the United States and 100 more were produced in Canada under license. The U.S. Navy and 10 foreign militaries also used the T-34.

Schedule below is weather dependent.
All public viewing of aircraft arrival, flyovers and departures can be done at the end of Memorial Park along the fenceline.

Friday, June 9
2 – 3 p.m. First Wave Arrival on Wright Field (behind the museum). Approx 25 aircraft arriving
5 – 6 p.m. Second Wave Arrival on Wright Field. Approx 25 aircraft arriving.

Saturday, June 10
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All aircraft on static display behind museum’s Memorial Park
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Formation Flyover Window
2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Formation Flyover Window

Sunday, June 11
9 – 10:30 a.m. First Wave Departure on Wright Field. Approx 25 aircraft departing
1 – 2:30 p.m. Second Wave Departure on Wright Field. Approx 25 aircraft departing​

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[DaveM]

B-29 Doc History Restored Tour to return to Mason City in July

PRESS RELEASE

The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour will make a return trip to Mason City Municipal Airport in July. B-29 Doc, one of only two B-29 Superfortress aircraft still airworthy and flying today, will arrive in Mason City July 19, 2023, and will be available for B-29 Flight Experience Rides along with ground and cockpit tours during the four-day tour stop, July 20-23.

“The Mason City Municipal Airport is very happy to bring a piece of history to North Iowa for people to experience,” said David Sims, Mason City airport manager. “We welcome everyone to the airport this July to see Doc and get an inside look at this historic aircraft.”​

B-29 Doc Flight Experience tickets are on sale now for the tour event at Mason City Municipal Airport. Information about rides and flight ticket information can be found here: www.b29doc.com/rides.

“We are excited to return to Mason City and Clear Lake to share the experience of getting up close and personal with a B-29 Superfortress,” said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. “Our mission is to honor the legacy and share the stories of the Greatest Generation while inspiring the next generation of aviators. The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour provides a unique opportunity for people to see and climb inside a World War II bomber and learn about the heroes who served to protect our freedom at home and abroad.”

Event Details for the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour in Mason City

B-29 Doc will arrive at Mason City Municipal Airport Wednesday, July 19 and will be available for ground and cockpit tours Thursday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by ride flights at 5 and 6 p.m. Ground and cockpit tours will also be available Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. both days following morning ride flights. For details about B-29 Doc Flight Experience Rides, visit www.b29doc.com/rides.​

Photo by Brett Scheuff

---

About Doc’s Friends and B-29 Doc

Doc’s Friends, Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit board that owns and manages the operation of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc. Doc is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. It is one of only two remaining B-29s that are still airworthy and flying today. The mission of Doc’s Friends is to HONOR the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII. CONNECT people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a B-29 up close. EDUCATE today’s and future generations on the contributions of the Greatest Generation during wartime.

About the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour and B-29 Doc Flight Experience
Each year, B-29 Doc travels to cities across the United States to allow aviation enthusiasts a chance to B-29 Doc up-close and personal. Doc’s annual tour mission includes an average of 100 flight hours, beginning in early April and spanning through the summer until late October. Tour stops include ground and flight deck tours, as well as B-29 Doc Flight Experiences. The B-29 Doc Flight Experience will last approximately 90 minutes and includes a 30-minute ride. Prior to takeoff, passengers will experience a crew briefing and learn more about the history of the B-29 and the role it played in U.S. history. Passengers will also get to hear and see the sights and sounds of engine starts and run-ups prior to takeoff.​

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[DaveM]

C-123 Thunderpig Returning to Oshkosh in 2023

PRESS RELEASE

The Fairchild C-123 Provider served as a cargo and troop transport aircraft throughout the late 1950s to mid-1970s. About 300 were built, but only one survives in flying condition. That airplane, affectionately known as Thunderpig, will be coming from the Air Heritage Museum in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, to be part of the “Vietnam Remembered – 50 Years Later” commemoration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023.​

Fairchild C-123 Provider “thunderpig.” Photo via EAA

This particular airplane was built in 1956 and served at a number of bases in the U.S. It was resurrected from an aircraft boneyard in Arizona in the 1990s and delivered to the Air Heritage Museum’s restoration facility. The name Thunderpig was the nickname used by the 911th Airlift Wing based at Greater Pittsburgh Airport when it flew the C-123 there.

The aircraft was based on a post-World War II glider design created by Chase Aircraft, with the contract eventually assumed by Fairchild. In the 1960s, many of the aircraft were modified with jet engines added to supplement their twin radials. They were known in Southeast Asia for their ability to use rough jungle airstrips to deliver troops and supplies. Following the end of the Vietnam War, the C-123 was primarily used by the Air Force Reserve, the U.S. Coast Guard, and a number of foreign air forces.

The appearance of the C-123 at Oshkosh is made possible by the support of Michael Hare, EAA Lifetime 1348423.​

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[DaveM]

That’s All, Brother Returns to Europe for 80th Anniversary Commemoration

PRESS RELEASE

The aircraft that led the main airborne invasion of Normandy on D-Day – June 6, 1944 – is returning to Europe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of that momentous occasion. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) announced that the World War II flying museum plans to take the historic C-47 That’s All, Brother on a European Tour in June 2024 to participate in events honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. The C-47 That’s All, Brother is historically significant to D-Day because it was the lead airplane in the aerial invasion formation of more than 800 Allied aircraft that dropped paratroopers into France on D-Day.​

That’s All Brother and Placid Lassie… two marvelously restored D-Day veteran trainsports flying over the chalk cliffs near Dover, England. . (photo by Rich Cooper/COAP)

That’s All, Brother will join other historic military aircraft from the U.S., deploying as one American contingent flying from the U.S. to Duxford Airfield in England. Once in Europe, the American fleet will join more aircraft for the Normandy events. Thousands are expected to watch the tour’s progress as these aircraft fly together over the North Atlantic and eventually over the beaches of France. This historic commemoration will include several days of displays and educational opportunities for the public in select European cities to honor all veterans of the Allied forces who participated in D-Day.

The CAF participated in the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019 and is honored to return. “Although it was a tremendous amount of work to bring our aircraft to Europe, it was well worth the effort, and we hoped we would have the opportunity again,” said CAF President/CEO Hank Coates. “Flying and exhibiting our aircraft in Europe is special. Unlike being on tour in the U.S., the people of Europe had the war in their backyards. The invasion of Normandy was a sign of hope and salvation for so many.”​

That’s All … Brother cruising alongside the chalk cliffs near Dover, England. (photo by Rich Cooper/COAP)

The C-47 That’s All, Brother is regularly based at the Commemorative Air Force’s Central Texas Wing in San Marcos, Texas, where a dedicated group of volunteers maintains, flies, and exhibits the aircraft at airshows and events nationwide. “That’s All, Brother is one of the world’s most historically accurate C-47 restorations,” said CAF volunteer and aircrewman Andy Maag. “It is our honor to return to Europe with such an authentic piece of history, to pay tribute to those who participated in D-Day and remind the generations that followed how important this event was in history.”

That’s All, Brother’s mission to Normandy will be carried out by volunteers coordinating the logistics, offering ground support, and crewing the aircraft throughout the tour. This tremendous undertaking is expected to cost over $300,000 to cover the expenses of traveling to Europe and ensuring the aircraft is outfitted with the right equipment for the month-long tour. Those interested in learning more about the CAF’s D-Day 80 Tour and contributing can visit www.ThatsAllBrother.org, email [email protected], or call (737) 270-9950.​

That’s All, Brother on the ramp outside Basler Turbo Conversions this afternoon just prior to engine start. The mighty D-Day veteran made a successful first post-restoration test flight shortly afterwards! (2018 photo via CAF)

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[DaveM]

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Home of The Fighting Lady

Located in the beautiful Charleston Harbor, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is one of America’s most popular naval and aviation museums for hands-on learning. Patriots Point Development Authority was established in the 1970s to develop a naval and maritime museum on Charleston Harbor featuring the World War II aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown (CV-10) as its centerpiece. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is home to a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial, the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the U.S.​

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum strives to preserve the living history of our American servicemen, and after visiting Patriot Point it certainly instills within you a feeling of patriotism and gratefulness to our service members.

Since opening, Patriots Point has become one of South Carolina’s most popular tourist attractions with close to 300,000 visitors each year. The USS Yorktown boasts one of the largest education and overnight camping programs in the nation, with more than 40,000 school-age children attending these programs each year.​

The USS Yorktown (CV 10) was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. It began construction as the Bon Homme Richard, a new Essex-class carrier, and was later renamed in honor of an earlier USS Yorktown (CV 5) which sank during the epic Battle of Midway (June 1942). Built in an amazing 16 ½ months at the shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, USS Yorktown was commissioned on April 15th, 1943, and became known as World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady”. Yorktown would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive, which began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. For her impressive service record during World War II, the “Fighting Lady” received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars.​

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the Marcus Island raid on 31 August 1943: Lt. Comdr. James H. “Jimmy” Flatley, Commander of Air Group 5 (CAG-5), sits in his Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat (code “00”), painted in a tricolor-scheme (certainly an “in the field” application) before takeoff. An Aviation Boatswain Mate stands ready to remove the chocks from wheels. A non-specular insignia white diagonal stripe on the tail and the green propeller hub signified CAG-5 aboard the Yorktown.

In the 1950s, Yorktown was modernized to operate jet aircraft as an attack carrier (CVA). And in 1957, she was again re-designated as an anti-submarine aircraft carrier (CVS), and would later earn 5 battle stars for service during Vietnam (1965-68). This particular ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule (December 1968). Yorktown was finally decommissioned in 1970 and placed in the reserve fleet.​

In 1975, this historic ship was towed from Bayonne, New Jersey to Charleston harbor to become the centerpiece of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.​

For more information, visit www.patriotspoint.org​

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[DaveM]

Thunderbird Flies! Historic P-51 Air Racer Takes to the Skies

Thunderbird Is GO! Following the historic air racer’s momentous first engine runs with AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota a week or so ago, it was only a matter of time before the Dakota Territory Air Museum’s latest Mustang made its first post-restoration flight, and we are excited to report that is precisely what occurred today. While we await further details, the following report from Chuck Cravens describes the final dash to completion at AirCorps Aviation which saw Thunderbird reclaim its rightful place in the skies…

This is AirCorps Aviation’s second post-restoration first flight in just the past three weeks, with the other being P-47D Thunderbolt 42-27609 (also for the Dakota Territory Air Museum). We should expect to see both of these spectacular, ground-breaking restorations at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer! Congratulations to everyone who made this historic moment happen!!!​

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Thunderbird has its engine! (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

The overhauled Merlin came in not too long after the airframe’s move to AirCorps’ hangar at Bemidji Regional Airport. But before the move could take place, work on the airframe, scoop, radiator, various fillets, cowling panels, and cockpit had to be completed…​

Here is the newly overhauled Merlin V-1650 in place. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Airframe Work​

Many details were taken care of as the yet-to-do checklist was shortened before the move to the airport.

The flaps and radiator are visible in this photo.(photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Scoop & Radiator​

The radiator and the scoop that houses it are critical components for reliability in Mustangs.

The radiator section of the scoop sits on a bench before installation. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

This is a closer view from the other side of the radiator. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

The radiator has been leak tested and mounted in Thunderbird. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Fillets​

The wing and tail fillets on a Mustang are true metal forming artistry and requirer intricate forming of complex curves in the aluminum skin. Randy Carlson came over from his shop, Carlson Metal Shaping in Fargo, to take care of this specialized work.​

The wing root fillets look great. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Here we see the right-wing root fairings. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

A rear angle shows the weld that joins the upper and lower left-wing root fairings. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Cowling Panels​

Another area that requires skilled metal-forming artistry is the fitting of the cowl panels.​

Mike Izzo works on one of the upper cowl panels. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Cockpit​

A great deal of wiring, hydraulic work, and detailed installation of instruments and controls has to be completed to ready the Thunderbird for flight testing.​

Aaron spent a lot of time inside Thunderbird’s cockpit this month. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

Engine Test Run​

The first run of the engine in a new restoration is always exciting. It is like the airplane coming alive.

The Merlin comes alive in a very successful test run. (photo via AirCorps Aviation)

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Bravo to everyone at AirCorps Aviation for this magnificent restoration and to the team at the Dakota Territory Air Museum for having the vision and perspicacity to back it up!​

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[DaveM]

New Exhibit About Wartime Maui Unveiled At The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum recently announced the opening of a new exhibit. Titled as Land, Sea, Air: Maui in Wartime, it tells the stories of how civilians and military personnel worked together on the Island during the WWII era. Various artifacts and displays recount intimate, sometimes all-but-forgotten stories from those days which took place at Pu’unene Field and other locations on the island of Maui.

Following the unveiling ceremony, which included a traditional Hawaiian blessing, the exhibit was officially opened up for public viewing. As guests venture through the exhibit, they gain understanding for how the armed forces trained on Maui and how civilians interacted with service-members in the process. One of the displays features the Von Tempsky family, who offered R&R to service members on their ranch before they would go into battle. As service members passed through the ranch, they would sign a wall in the home. This was preserved; however, the original is currently displayed at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. The exhibit features a replica of the signed wall from the Von Tempsky ranch and allows visitors and those native to the Island to encounter this history in person.​

Pu’unene and Kahului Air Fields are believed to have trained in excess of 20,000 WWII pilots during the war. These pilots gained experience and prepared for battle by training under battle-tested aircrews who instructed them in current formations and tactics of the enemy. In addition to pilot training, Maui, along with the Island of Hawaii, were home to the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions. Their purpose on the Islands was preparation for their landings on Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

The new exhibit will bring back to the Island some its heritage and history from the era, and allow locals the ability to visit key artifacts that represent their family’s history while encouraging visitors to make the connection between the island’s inhabitants and the military stationed there throughout WWII. Visitors can see the new exhibit in Hangar 37. More information about operating hours, upcoming events, and additional exhibits can be found at their website.​

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[DaveM]

1912 Taube Replica Donated to The Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum

In recent weeks, we featured a pair of articles detailing developments at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in upstate New York. The organization is dedicated to displaying flying machines from the earliest days of powered flight. A generous donation from builder, Mike Fithian, adds a 1912 Taube replica to the collection.

In 1898 Ignaz “Igo” Etrich began experimenting with glider designs modeled on a wing-like seed pod species occurring in nature called the Zanonia Macrocarpa. By 1908, his designs evolved to accommodate engines, and the first of these upgraded designs was his tail-less, Etrich 1 parasol. By 1909, he had designed the Etrich II “Taube”. The Taube It was well-received following initial flights in 1910 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, and soon after went into licensed production in Austria at Lohner-Werke and in Germany at Rumpler-Werke.

Conflicts among the players in the production, fears of a monopoly, and a loop-hole in the patent of the Taube caused Etrich to lose his German license protection and opened up production to numerous other firms. This caused numbers variations to spring up in both the single and two-seat models. Countless variations appeared in single and two-seat models.​

In 1912, the Austrian military created the aviation corps, their own flying division, which immediately required two-place aircraft capable of landing and taking off from low cut grass fields. It was then that Etrich’s new Model F was established, as it met the requirements set out by the Austrian military. Production began at Lohner-Werker and in just over two months fourteen machines were delivered, all serialized with “A” to start, followed by odd letter combinations. Captain Robert Eyb, one of 30 licensed Austrian military pilots, spent many hours demonstrating his model F “ASRA” Taube in competitions, simulated reconnaissance missions with an observer, and cross-country exercises. He was also known to take his wife up for short excursions. A discovery of his grandfather’s photos and notebook by Mike Fithian, donor of the aircraft and the grandson of Eyb, in the late 60s ignited his fascination with the early years of the pioneering of flight prior to World War I.

Mike Fithian, researched the model F for nearly five years before embarking on a full-size replica in 2007. Even though Fithian was able to retrieve partial plans and verbal advice from Austrian Heinz Linner, who built two of the Taube versions, he still had many missing construction and engineering details. Much of his recreation of the missing plans and engineering directives would be developed by painstaking trial and error by Fithian himself. He began with the reliable, 145hp De Havilland Gipsy Major air-cooled engine. Utilizing the Gipsy Major, he fabricated a temporary wooden engine mount and fuselage to use as a guide as he attempted to recrate design angles, points of attachment, and fittings. Fithian continued with this replication of the engineering plans until he secured what he felt was the most accurate replication of the original. Upon this completion of the model, he then created the final fuselage out of ash and Sitka spruce. The landing gear, wheels, axles, and fittings came next, with the hinged, wooden wings and tail assembly being the final step in the process. The wings and tail assembly were completed with Tonkin bamboo strips sewn into the Ceconite fabric to facilitate wing-warping and elevator control. Fithian’s hangar/workshop only had an opening of 41′, necessitating the 47′ wingspan of his Taube replica to have hinged, folding wings.​

The Taube includes wing-warping (outer trailing edge), in lieu of traditional ailerons, pitch controlled by the warping of the horizontal stabilizer, in lieu of a hinged elevator, and a traditional hinged twin rudder that controls yaw. Light crosswind can be accommodated by the rugged, spring loaded undercarriage. Mike Fithian’s maiden voyage in 2018 found the handling of the aircraft to be fairly close to the written experiences of his grandfather while flying the original over 100 years prior. Fithian found that the Taube had limited performance, tremendous drag, and a slow rate of rolls, requiring shallow turns to avoid adverse yaw. His take-off speed was at 45 mph, and the Taube seemed to settle into a comfortable cruise speed between 57 and 60 mph. Fithian generously gifted aircraft to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum in the Spring of 2022, after a series of continued flights and missions to certify it’s readiness for continued flight. The Etrich Taube Model F replica continues to fly at shows at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum, and is currently considered the only flying replica of its kind in the world.

To support the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum, please visit www.oldrhinebeck.org​

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[DaveM]

San Diego Air & Space Museum Unveiling New Innovative “Mission Control” Mobile Classroom

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is unveiling a new innovative and groundbreaking Mission Control mobile classroom which will dramatically increase the Museum’s STEM outreach and programming and bring education to where the need is most critical in our local communities. The unveiling of Mission Control will take place during a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 1 at 11 a.m. in front of the Museum’s location in Balboa Park, the Museum announced today.

“The San Diego Air & Space Museum has provided STEM-focused youth educational programming in the local community for several decades, and education remains a top priority for the Museum,” said President & CEO Jim Kidrick. “Our groundbreaking new Mission Control mobile classroom allows our education team to travel to parts of the community where the need for educational programming is most critical. Mission Control will help our educators inspire the next generations of learners to be innovative critical thinkers, problem solvers, and focused on careers in STEM related fields.”

Mission Control will bring programming to schools, childcare centers, Boys & Girls clubs, and summer camps to increase the Museum’s geographical outreach, quality and quantity of equipment used, and most importantly, the number of children served.

Mission Control serves as a mobile classroom traveling to remote and underserved populations, bringing STEM education to where local youth live and learn. Museum educators provide instruction using advanced technology, supplies, and learning processes to engage children’s imagination. At the conclusion of some programs, students take home a new storybook and supplies for simple activities to extend learning at home.

The hands-on portions of the Museum’s education programs includes building and art projects, which connect back to the meaning of the stories the students read, using materials such as blocks and arts and crafts supplies. As children engage their imagination, they learn to solve problems and develop critical thinking skills, use references from the story, and collaborate with their peers and caregivers.

About the San Diego Air & Space Museum:

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is California’s official air and space museum and education center. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was the first aero-themed Museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum also is home to the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. The Museum is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum and its specialty Gift Store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admissions until 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.​

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[DaveM]

Night Shoot at the Museum

by A.Kevin Grantham
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, at Spaatz Field in Reading, Pennsylvania, held their third annual Night Photo Shoot in conjunction with the organization’s legendary WWII Weekend airshow extravaganza. Museum President, Russ Strine and Media Coordinators David and Christina Brown once again sponsored this unique photographic opportunity.

The Commemorative Air Force’s Bell P-63A Kingcobra 42-68941 (N191H) just prior to engine start during the night photo shoot in Reading, Pennsylvania. (photo by A.Kevin Grantham)

More than fifty media representatives gathered on the taxiway in the twilight of the evening of June 3rd, 2023 to photograph a Bell P-63A Kingcobra, Boeing (Stearman) N2S-5 Kaydet, and an Aichi D3A Val (Vultee, BT-13B) replica. The Val was recently donated to the museum by long-time warbird pilot and owner Ken Laird.
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A highly modified Vultee BT-13B/SNV-2 Valiant (N56867) dressed up to represent an Aichi D3A Val for the 1970 film, Tora Tora Tora, sitting on the hard stand in Reading, Pennsylvania. (photo by A.Kevin Grantham)

Coordination for such an event is a challenging task. Many thanks are due to Peter Lerro Productions for supplying the lighting expertise, Eric Miller and Pat Robinson for safely positioning the subject aircraft, and to the aircraft owners Christian Kappler (N2S-5), Commemorative Air Force (P-63A), and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (‘Val’ replica). Last but not least, we must also send hearty appreciation to the local Fire Department for supplying the equipment and water which genuinely makes this annual night photography event so special.​

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[DaveM]

Museum of Aviation – Grumman Albatross Restoration Update

by Austin Kubacak

Grumman HU-16B Albatross 51-7144 first arrived at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia during 1983. After decades on external display, the Albatross finally came in for a more formal overhaul a couple of years ago, museum personnel moving it into the restoration building known as Hangar 3/the Scott Exhibit Hangar, which is where the museum’s Boeing B-17G also presently resides.​

Grumman originally delivered this Albatross to the US Air Force as an SA-16B during December, 1954. It initially served with the 41st Air Rescue Squadron at Hamilton AFB in Marin County, California before moving on to the 33rd Air Rescue Squadron at Naha AB on Okinawa, Japan. It flew from here through a significant portion of the Vietnam War, and is known to have rescued stranded personnel from the Gulf of Tonkin during that time. It closed out its military service with the 301st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Training Squadron at Homestead AFB in Florida, retiring from active use in June, 1971. Rather than ending up in a scrapyard, however, the Albatross gained a reprieve, becoming a museum piece in 1973 at the now long-defunct SST Aviation Museum, in Kissimmee, Florida where it would remain until that organization’s closure in 1981. The U.S. Air Force Museum reassigned the aircraft for display at the Museum of Aviation in 1983, and the Albatross has remained there ever since.

This Albatross is in amazingly stock condition, with a fully-fitted interior, as the images below will reveal. Inside, other than a ladder leaning against the port side wall and work lights hanging from the ceiling, the interior appears much like it might have during the Vietnam War. Outside, the aircraft’s ailerons are sitting on a nearby workbench undergoing rework; during my visit, the restoration team was applying a layer of dope to tighten the new fabric covering. The museum expects to complete the aircraft’s refurbishment within the next year or so.​

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[DaveM]

Military Aviation Museum Adds Beech SNB-1

The newest addition to the collection of the Military Aviation Museum is an SNB-1. At the end of November Chief Pilot Mike Spalding flew the aircraft from California all the way to Pungo, Virginia. The Navy version of an AT-11 Kansan, this sometimes overlooked warbird had an outsized impact on the war. The AT-11 was the standard bombardier trainer for the US Army Air Forces during World War II and was used to train around 90% of the more than 45,000 bombardiers trained during the war. An AT-11 pilot himself, John Hess was instrumental in helping the museum find a Kansan for the collection.

In wartime, the AT-11/SNB would typically have been equipped with 10x 100lb M38A2 practice bombs filled with sand. The Army Air Forces required a minimum accuracy of 22% hits for a trainee to pass the program. While the Norden Bombsight and Bombardier-controlled C-1 Autopilot were capable by the standards of the day, the pilots flying the aircraft were instructed to take evasive maneuvers for the 10 miles preceding their arrival over the training target. Using the same systems that were present in aircraft like the B-17 and B-24 made the AT-11 a very high-quality bombing run simulator.​

The Military Aviation Museum has exciting plans for their SNB-1, and while the airplane has been officially welcomed to the collection, it will be receiving some much-needed TLC over the next few months. The airplane has spent some time outside in California, and although airworthy is not display-ready. The museum’s aircraft is BuNo 39926, and was accepted for US Navy service on March 27, 1943 with its first duty station being NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. As restoration continues on the aircraft we will certainly be sharing more information.​

For more information about the Military Aviation Museum, visit www.militaryaviationmuseum.org.

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