Warbird News

[DaveM]

‘Devotion”, “Top Gun Maverick’ among Fly-In Theater films at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Last year’s biographical film highlighting Medal of Honor recipient Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown leads this year’s impressive schedule of aviation movies at the Fly-In Theater during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. The Fly-In Theater is part of the daily schedule at the 70th Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention on July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport.​

Last night’s showing of Top Gun: Maverick was a huge success, with one of the largest crowds we’ve ever seen at the Fly-In Theater.

Alden Frautschy

For more than 15 years, the Fly-In Theater has been a tradition for AirVenture attendees. Located adjacent to EAA’s Camp Scholler campground, the Fly-In Theater provides the perfect opportunity to relax after a long day of air shows, exhibits, and workshops. The nightly movies are shown on a five-story high movie screen and introduced by personalities ranging from aviation legends to Hollywood superstars. The Fly-In Theater is presented by Lycoming and supported by Southwest Airlines.

The Fly-In Theater films, which are included with AirVenture daily and weekly admission, are shown nightly from Saturday, July 22, through Saturday, July 29 (weather permitting), beginning at 8:30 p.m. For many of the films, special guests connected with the film or the aircraft involved will help introduce the screening.

This year’s stellar schedule includes:

• Saturday, July 22: Top Gun (1986) – The all-time favorite film about naval aviation starring Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Val Kilmer.
• Sunday, July 23: Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, and Miles Teller update the story of Capt. Pete Mitchell as a legendary test pilot called back to train a new group of hot shots.
• Monday, July 24: Tail Spin (1939). Alice Faye, Constance Bennett, and Nancy Kelly star in this drama centered on three female pilots competing in the Cleveland Air Races.
• Tuesday, July 25: The Great Waldo Pepper (1975). A World War I veteran pilot takes up barnstorming and teams up with a fellow war veteran to perform stunts. Starring Robert Redford and Bo Svenson.
• Wednesday, July 26: Amelia (2009). Hilary Swank stars in this biographical film about the life of Amelia Earhart from the beginning of her aviation interest to her disappearance in 1937.
• Thursday, July 27: Flight of the Intruder (1991). Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, and Brad Johnson star in a Vietnam War thriller about a pilot and navigator who execute an unauthorized strike on Hanoi.
• Friday, July 28: Devotion (2022). Glen Powell and Jonathan Majors star in a retelling of the bond between Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown during the Korean War.
• Saturday, July 29: Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines (1965). A comedy about a British newspaper publisher who organizes an air race from London to Paris to promote British aviation. Starring Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, and Terry-Thomas.

Based on the thriller by Stephen Coonts, Flight of the Intruder charts the efforts of two Vietnam War U.S. Navy pilots, Jake (Brad Johnson) and Cole (Willem Dafoe), to bombard Hanoi’s People’s Resistance Park against government orders.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at

www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.​

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[DoorPosition]

Polish made animation short of a brutal fight to the death between a Spit and a BF109. Takes some artistic liberties but still an impressive depiction.

 

[DaveM]

Fly Right, Fly Tight!

By Gary Daniels

In the Texas hill country lies the historic old German community of Fredericksburg, a tourist destination for folks from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston seeking good food, shopping, and a little peace and quiet from the rat race of the big city. But on the last weekend in April each year, Fredericksburg wakes up to the sound of radials rumbling over the city. Many of the town folk and tourists make their way to the local airport wondering if an air show they haven’t previously heard about is underway. What they find is a scene reminiscent of a busy World War II training airbase: twenty some-odd vintage T-6 Texan variants being readied for flight, props turning through, aircraft taxiing out and four ship groups launching from the 5000 x 75 feet of pristine concrete of Gillespie County Airport (T82). What they are witnessing is the annual Texan Roundup, a gathering of pilots, and Texan friends, spending a weekend sharpening their formation flying skills, talking airplanes ad nauseam, and enjoying great food with good friends at this perfect aviation venue.​

Gordon Richardson is responsible for “riding herd” on the Texan Roundup. He and his father, Gordon Sr. and brother, Randall, are long time T-6 owners. The concept of a formation-flying clinic for Texan owners began in 2007. These vintage warbirds are constantly asked to fly at airshows, Memorial and Veterans Day flyovers, and special events. Texan owners also enjoy keeping the history of these aircraft alive with younger generations.

The best way to show the aircraft is to fly the aircraft, and even better, fly the aircraft in formation flights. So, the importance of being rated to fly formations, and fly safe formations, is paramount. Gordon, along with other Texan owners, realized there was not a venue for a weekend long training to provide recurrent training for a wingman or lead, or to produce a new formation-rated wingman or lead pilot. Texan owners also have an added incentive to be formation rated since they have an abundance of similar aircraft to fly formation. For example, it’s difficult and very expensive to get a formation of P-51s together. But, there are many T-6s that can gather for events and being formation-rated makes the experience for the pilots, and spectators, that much more special.​

With its exceptional airport and expansive surroundings, Gordon knew Fredericksburg would be the optimum location for a formation-flying clinic. Gillespie County Airport, on the southwestern edge of town, has a large tarmac with a long and wide runway to handle many aircraft. After takeoff, a training flight is just minutes away from one of the four practice areas over the gorgeous Texas hill country. Plus, the Hangar Hotel and Airport Diner are on the airport property and are a pilot’s dream with impressive accommodations. What could be better than waking up in a great hotel just a couple of hundred feet from a big breakfast and your dew-covered aircraft? So, with the perfect location determined, the first Texan Roundup was held in 2008.

On April 28-30, 2023, more than 20 Texan variants attended the 14th Annual Fredericksburg Invitational Texan Roundup. Most are from all points across Texas. Others arrive from the surrounding states. Thursday is a day of arrivals, comradery, and a great dinner at one of Fredericksburg’s fantastic restaurants.

On Friday morning, Mike Hastings, North American Trainer Association (NATA) check pilot, conducted a 2-hour formation-flying ground school following the Formation And Safety Team (FAST) protocols. The plan was to launch training flights quickly after the ground school, but the weather proved to be a challenge for this clinic. A strong system was moving across Texas with winds hard out of the west, causing an out-of-limits crosswind canceling training for Friday. By late Friday afternoon, severe storms started to form to the west which caused a mad dash to find hangar space across the airfield to tuck away all the aircraft. The airport FBO and local hangar owners came to the rescue and found space for all 20-plus warbirds. And the annual Friday evening banquet, where the absolute best German food is always served, was moved indoors so that no one would have soggy brats or schnitzel.

Saturday was a beautiful, but windy day. Fortunately, the wind was just a few degrees out of the northwest creating a slight crosswind. Not an issue for this group of pilots. Hastings, Jay Consalvi (NATA check pilot), and Richardson paired up instructor and student teams for the day’s schedule, and two and four ship groups were assembled. After morning briefings, crews headed to their aircraft, 600 horsepower radials roared to life with smoky protest, and the airfield stayed hectic all day. Flights were also flown Sunday morning. Pre-flight briefings outlined the expectations and post-flight debriefs put the polish on the practice.​

The goal of the Texan Roundup is to make better pilots and to adhere to the mission of FAST, facilitating and promoting safe formation-flying for pilots operating aircraft through a review of criteria to be utilized by its members to standardize formation flight performance evaluation. In Gordon’s words, “Promote safety, keep sharp, fly right and fly tight, and create a constructive debrief environment.” Gordon clarified, “Don’t come to the clinic as a formation novice and expect to be checked-out over the weekend. Because of the short time frame, the pilot must have a certain level of formation experience to begin with. He may even go through the weekend and not be recommended for a check ride. But he’ll gain additional formation-flying experience and training, which will help him earn his card in the future.”

Consalvi added, “The Texan Roundup is a can’t-miss event for me every year. We provide the best formation training and proficiency flights a warbird pilot can receive at a fly-in. I know every single one of our pilots, their strengths, their weaknesses, and I think every one of them leaves the Round Up a better and more proficient formation pilot.”

In short, these aviators come together for a weekend in the true spirit of aviation, on their own volition, on their own dime, to advance their flying skills. And the opportunity to “Fly Right, Fly Tight!” over the beautiful hill country deep in the heart of Texas makes the Texan Round Up an annual spring tradition a Texan pilot does not want to miss!​

Author Gary Daniels

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[DaveM]

Ala Doble Flying Days and Invitational Fly-In

by Nigel Hitchman

Ala Doble, California 14-16 Oct. Flying Days & Invitation Fly-In

Walt Bowe and Carlene Mendieta opened up their collection last October and hosted an invitational fly-in in conjunction with Marginal Aviation who adopted the event as their “Last Ditch” fly-in.​

A gorgeous sunset shot of Waco 10 Miss Fortune taxiing in after landing at Ala Doble. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)

Vern Dallman built the Ala Doble Ranch airstrip in the eighties, basing his collection of airshow aircraft at the field. Sadly, Vern died in an accident in 1998, and when his wife died in 2016, the property ended up being sold – narrowly avoiding the ignominy of becoming a cannabis farm! Thankfully, Walt and Carlene rescued it from this potential fate…​

Soon after their purchase, some of Walt’s collection moved into the existing hangars. They built another large hangar to supplement this space, but this also filled up quickly, so two new hangars are now under construction to house additional exotic antique aircraft. One extremely rare aircraft which returned “home” was Curtiss-Wright B14B Speedwing NC12332, which Vern Dallman once owned for many years.​

People came from all over the USA and beyond for the event (I came from England) knowing that it would be be a unique opportunity to see so many magnificent rarities in the air while also meeting up with friends old and new. Many of the same people attending Oshkosh in July and Brodhead in September were also here.​

And what an event it was! You never knew what was going to fly next, with most of the aircraft having been prepared for flight in the days before, then placed on display outside the hangar. Probably two-thirds of the locally-based collection took part, several of them flying multiple times. Complementing these beauties was a fabulous selection of visiting aircraft too, around fifty in total – most of them vintage types as well.​

The biggest highlight for many (myself included) was seeing Lockheed Vega 5C NC13705 in flight. Constructing the airframe at their factory in Burbank, California, the Lockheed Aircraft Company delivered this Vega to the Shell Oil Company as a state-of-the-art executive transport. A half century later, John Desmond, rediscovered the by-then flightless Vega, and tasked his company with restoring it. Sadly, Desmond did not live long enough to see the project completed, but the trustees of his estate ensured that happened, albeit without the Vega actually flying. Desmond’s estate loaned the extraordinarily rare aircraft to the James Dolittle Museum at Nut Tree Airport, as the legendary aviator the museum celebrates had once flown this particular airframe during his time as chief pilot for Shell Oil.

Walt eventually obtained the aircraft from the Desmond’s trustees and got the Vega back in the air. Making some improvements to the airframe following the initial test flights, the aircraft is now performing well. However, given the home field’s limited runway length, Walt needed a southerly wind to land the aircraft to the south on the grass runway, avoiding the high-tension electricity cables adjacent to the northern runway. Unfortunately, the prevailing wind blew from a northerly direction during most of the event, but fortunately this changed late on the Saturday afternoon, which gave us the real treat of seeing this beautiful vintage aircraft up in the skies where it belonged!​

A rare, airworthy Curtiss JN-4H Jenny also performed at the show. Originally built for the US Navy, this aircraft came with a 150hp Hispano-Suiza engine, giving the aircraft a significantly more sprightly flight envelope in comparison to the typical 90hp OX5 which most JN-4s came with. Frank Schelling restored this example over thirty some years, which culminated with the Jenny winning the Grand Champion Antique trophy at Oshkosh in 2004. Walt recently purchased the historic airframe from Schelling. I saw the Jenny fly a lot at various events in the ten years following its restoration, but it has been some time since I have had the opportunity to witness it in the air; it was great to see “Frank’s Jenny” flying again, this time in the capable hands of Andrew King.​

American Eagle NC7157 was the first example I have ever seen fly. OX-5 powered, it is typical of the mid-20s designs which made use of surplus WWI engines. Interestingly, this aircraft had the same owner, Swann Allen, from 1936 until the 1990s! He started the aircraft’s restoration in 1968 and finished it in 1989! Following damage in 1993, NC7157 only recently took flight again!​

The Buhl Pup (NC348Y) is an unusual design powered by a 3 cyliner Szekely engine, this is the latest addition to the collection at Ala Doble. Arriving this summer, the aircraft previously belonged to Ron Johnson at Poplar Grove; it regularly took part in Brodhead-based fly-ins.

Stearman C3B NC6438 appeared in the colours of its original operator, Varney Airlines, a forerunner to United Airlines. I think this is the second oldest United aircraft extant.​

1929 Command-Aire 3C3 NC583E. (photo by Nigel Hitchman)

I felt extremely honored by the invitation to fly a 1929 Command-Aire 3C3 (NC583E)! This is the oldest aircraft I have ever flown solo, and the first powered by a water-cooled OX-5 V8 engine. An important powerplant, this was the first mass-produced aero engine in the US. Surplus OX-5s powered just about every aircraft designed in the USA during the twenties.​

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Many thanks to Nigel Hitchman for this report and the many beautiful images of stunning aircraft which attended this event. While this report is long overdue (many apologies Nigel!), it should provide readers with a great appreciation for the marvelous types one can see in the air at Ala Doble… so it is time to make your plans for the next event taking place at this magical setting!​

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[DaveM]

Martin Mars Possibly Moving to British Columbia Aviation Museum

PRESS RELEASE

One of the most iconic US NAVY WWII aircraft, the mighty Martin Mars could be heading to the British Columbia Aviation Museum. Operated by Coulson Aviation Group, the Hawaii Mars flew from 1961 to 2015 around North America fighting over 4,000 wildfires with its massive water-dropping ability that could end a huge blaze in a single pass. These enormous red and white aircraft captured the hearts of British Columbians for how they saved BC forests, this is the main reason the British Columbia Aviation Museum decided to inquire with Coulson Group.​

Nothing compared to the Coulson Aviation’s magnificent Martin Mars for shear spectacle though… It was a glorious thing to see in flight… (photo by Richard Mallory Allnutt)

Martin Mars were built by the US Navy during World War II to transport troops across the Pacific. In 1960 they were brought to Canada for a radical conversion to become waterbombers. They went on to be based at Sproat Lake, BC for 6 decades.

After the current owners, Coulson Aviation Group, retired their Mars fleet several years ago, the BC Aviation Museum began discussions with the owners, the intention being for the iconic Mars to become the signature display in the museum’s growing British Columbia wildfire aviation exhibit. Discussions are still ongoing. When the donation is successfully concluded, the museum has exciting new upgrades planned to further enhance the visitor experience.

The British ColumbiaAviation Museum celebrates the past, present, and future of BC aviation with one of the largest
aviation collections in Canada. Visitors of all ages will be amazed by our interactive experiences. For more information, visit www.bcam.net​

Hawaii Mars Taking on Water in Preparation for Bombing Run

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[Rocky]

A fantastic water bomber

 

[DaveM]

Muniz M-7 Restoration in Brazil

We love it when our readers submit their own stories for publication, and it is even better when they are actually involved in the restoration itself. Rafael Aguirre is one such reader; he has been following our site for many years from his native Brazil.

Aguirre is passionate about vintage aviation and his Brazilian aviation heritage. He has put this passion to work as a member of the board of directors for REVOAR, a non-profit, aviation enthusiast-driven association created which rescues and repairs long-forgotten historic aircraft.

Presently, the association is caring for several historic aircraft with Brazilian heritage, and is set to lead the restorations of several in the coming years. These aircraft include such significant airframes as the CAP-4 Paulistinha (a Brazilian Piper Cub variant), a Vultee BT-15, Fokker S-11, Fairchild PT-19 and several gliders. Right now they are working on a North American T-6 which the legendary Antônio Arthur Braga (better known simply as Colonel Braga) flew for seventeen years in the Esquadrilha da Fumaça (Smoke Squadron), the Brazilian Air Force’s aerial demonstration team. Then, of course, there is the Muniz-7…​

A circa 1930s portrait of Antônio Muniz. (image via Wikipedia)

The Muniz M-7 emerged during the 1930s as the brainchild of a Brizilan Army Major named Antônio Guedes Muniz. The aircraft, a tandem two-seat biplane intended for the primary pilot training role, was the first aircraft designed and produced in series in Brazil. It employed a 130hp de Havilland Gipsy-Major engine as a powerplant. Total production amounted to 28 airframes. The Brazilian Army acquired 11 of them, while the remaining 17 examples saw service in civilian aviation schools.​

Sadly, only two examples of the M-7 survive, these being s/n 13 on static display at the Museu Aeroespacial (the Brazilian Air Force Museum in Rio de Janeiro), and s/n 14. The latter example belongs to the Santos Dumont Foundation Museum, and they assigned REVOAR the task of restoring it.​

A preserved Muniz M-7 on display at the Museu Aeroespacial. (image via Wikipedia)

REVOAR has established a partnership with the Santos Dumont Foundation with the objective of returning a significant number of their aircraft back to flying condition. Rafael Aguirre decided to take charge of the Muniz restoration process and has been working on the “forgotten airframe” for some time now. After the airframe’s complete disassembly, each part was subjected to non-destructive testing to ensure its integrity and airworthiness. Necessary repairs are underway (see images below) and enough progress has occurred that fuselage reassembly should begin in the near future.​

That being said, none of the biplanes wooden structure is capable of being refurbished to airworthy standards, including the wings, so these components will have to serve as patterns for the remanufacture of suitable replacements. At the time this article was written, Rafael was creating templates for the lower wing ribs so that new examples could be made. Thankfully, the aircraft’s original Gipsy Major engine (see image below) seems to have survived in good condition; it is currently undergoing analysis for possible overhaul.​

Currently, REVOAR plans to have the Muniz M-7 ready for its first post-restoration flight in October 2024, the anniversary month of the type’s first flight in 1935.​

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[DaveM]

Neil Armstrong Records Unveiled At Wapakoneta Museum

For decades, Neil Armstrong’s official world record certificates have been unavailable to public viewing. However, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, OH has now brought these treasures of aviation and space exploration history out of storage, and made them accessible to the public once more. The collection includes world records from across Armstrong’s career, including records from his mission to the Moon and from his Learjet 28 flights.

Neil Armstrong in May, 1952.​

Armstrong, born in 1930 in Wapakoneta, spent his early career in aeronautics as a naval aviator from 1949 to 1952. He later joined NACA (National Advisory Committee in Aeronautics), the predecessor to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), in 1955. For the following 17 years, Armstrong was many things to NACA, and later NASA. He served as a test pilot, astronaut, and eventually as an administrator. Armstrong also had stints as an engineer and a research pilot. Perhaps, most well known as the pilot for the Gemini 8 mission and the commander for the Apollo 11 mission, the first manned lunar landing mission, Armstrong flew over 200 varieties of aircraft during his lifetime. Additionally, he possessed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California, eventually becoming a professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati from 1971-1979

F9F-2 Panthers over Korea, with Armstrong piloting S-116 (left).

The records on display include his Apollo 11 records: greatest mass landed on the Moon, greatest mass lifted off from the Moon, longest stay on the lunar surface, longest stay outside of the spacecraft, and longest stay outside of the spacecraft on the lunar surface. In 1979, while still continuing to push the limits of aviation and engineering, Armstrong would be granted several additional world record certificates while piloting the Learjet 28. Those records include two for altitude, two for altitude in horizontal flight, and one for time to climb to 15,000 meters. The Learjet 28 that he piloted during those record setting flights was transported last year to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, and is currently on display. The records themselves were certified by two governing bodies, the FAI (World Air Sports Federation) and the NAA (National Aeronautic Association).

Armstrong and X-15-1 after a research flight in 1960.

Visitors to the museum can view the world record certificates in the Modern Space Gallery of the museum. For more information: Home | Armstrong Museum

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[DaveM]

Seventh Annual TBM Gathering – Stars and Stripes Over Peru,IL

By Greg Morehead

It has been eight years since TBM Avenger owners Brad and Jane Deckert decided to host a gathering of flyable Avengers. It was not planned as an annual pilgrimage; however, this one-off event inspired the community’s patriotic support and introduced thousands to the warbird world. It is now an annual tradition that many locals simply refer to as “the air show.” Those versed in air shows understand this is far from a typical display of aerial hardware and pilot skill. This is essentially a warbird-only event where the rumble of radial engines and whine of jet turbines is described by announcer Tim Gillian as “the sound of freedom.”

A massive American flag hanging from a crane at the center of Illinois Valley Regional Airport provides a visual beacon for moms pushing toddlers in strollers and dads with children hoisted onto their shoulders. Along their way an encampment of WWII reenactors display Jeeps, construction equipment, weapons, and uniforms. Inside the Midwest Air Charters maintenance hangar, tables are manned by WWII veterans who give autographs and vendors sell patriotic items and military collectibles. Although some people bypass the hangar, nobody can resist strolling among the iconic warbirds assembled on the ramp, including seven TBM Avengers, a B-25 Mitchell, P-40N Kittyhawk, P-51 Mustang, two T-33 Shooting Stars, L-39 Albatross, plus an A-1D Skyraider, C-45 Expeditor, PT-26 Cornell and at least five AT-6 Texans.

For the warbird geeks keeping track of warbirds and pilots, here are some specifics:​

Type	BuNo	N-No	Owner(s)	Pilot(s)	Home Base
TBM-3E	81865	N81865	TBM Avenger LLC	Brad Deckert/Matt Cropp	Peru, IL
TBM-3E	85460	N145WB	Few TBMs LLC	Ed Wuerker	Rio Grande, NJ
TBM-3E	85650	N85650	Heritage Flight Foundation	Mark Simmons	Pawcatuck, CT
TBM-3E	53420	N420GP	Tri-State Warbird Museum	Greg Vallero	Batavia, OH
TBM-3E	53768	NL683G	Tom Buck	Tom Buck	Joliet, IL
TBM-3E	85983	NL28SF	Avenger Educators LLC	Steve Sorge	Wilmington DE
TBM-3E	53835	N3967A	Ellenville LLC	static display	Warwick, NY

The diversity of warbirds was a testament to event organizers who scrambled to fill the ramp after several warbirds were lured to Chuck Marshall’s hometown air show in Elkhart, Indiana. Also affecting participation were the ever present weather and maintenance challenges. Charlie Cartledge and Tim Savage were unable to bring their TBMs due to mechanical issues while Daniel Mosley was stymied by bad weather. Despite several cancelations, Peru can again boast the largest gathering of TBMs in the country, a claim they have been able to make annually since 2016.

The full array of aircraft flew both Friday and Saturday and Friday night featured a night show that started with Matt Younkin’s amazing Twin Beech aerobatics followed by a ground run of six TBMs. The thunderous roar of six R-2600 radial engines and blue flames jetting from their exhaust stacks was acknowledged by the crowd with unanimous applause. Photographers were disheartened by the inability to position light towers optimally but the crowd loved the annual spectacle.​

On Saturday, a special ceremony was held in which the flags of deceased veterans were escorted to Brad and Jane Deckert’s TBM Avenger, where they were taken on board to be flown by Matt Cropp during the missing man formation pass. Unfortunately, an issue with the aircraft’s brakes kept it from launching at that time, but Brad flew the precious, symbolic cargo overhead as the National Anthem was sung.

Akin to a Sesame Street limerick, “One of these TBMs look different than the others.” While the average spectator overlooked the odd, non-military paint job of one Avenger, the avid warbird aficionados drooled over the only flying example of a TBM in its fire bomber configuration. A significant number of Avengers survive today because they found commercial use as fire bombers and sprayers in the post war years. Ed Wuerker surprised all when he entered the pattern and landed at the Reunion. Wuerker seemed to enjoy being a “rock star” for the weekend. It was a well-earned accolade because it took a big set of “kahoonas” to get the well-worn TBM half way across the country despite radio problems and one of two iPads dying during the flight.​

The TBM Reunion was a success on many levels. Rain was avoided and funding was available to provide the hard-working families of north-central Illinois with a family-friendly, totally free event – a rarity in modern society. Event organizers went above and beyond to treat owners, pilots, and crews with exemplary hospitality. To say it was a group effort would be a gross understatement. Countless people dedicated themselves to making the event a success. But, there would be no purpose, no need for any of it if not for the veterans who were so aptly honored all weekend. After the veterans’ flags were loaded into Brad Deckert’s TBM, there was a delay as the TBMs taxied and took off. Announcer Tim Gillian said it best when he solemnly said, “I appreciate your patience, ladies and gentlemen. I assure you, they (veterans) are worth it.”

The American flag could be seen everywhere, from a towering crane and scores of flag poles, but when The National Anthem rang out and Brad Deckert flew his precious cargo overhead, tears were unavoidable knowing the flags that had draped over so many coffins were the Stars and Stripes over Peru. Thanks to all those who made the TBM Reunion a success and a special thanks to the new owners of Midwest Air Charters for accepting the baton of a noble and worthy event.

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[DaveM]

Replica Caproni Ca.3 Bomber Flies!

On June 8, 2023, eight years after its first and only flight, the magnificent WWI-vintage replica Caproni Ca.3 bomber flew again near Nervesa della Battaglia airfield in northeastern Italy.

Back in April 2014, we reported on the first flight (short hop) of a remarkable aircraft near Venice, Italy, a replica of the magnificent, WWI-vintage Caproni Ca.3 bomber. Giancarlo Zanardo oversaw the construction of the aircraft over a seven-year period for the Jonathan Collection, at Francesco Baracca Airfield. Exactly a year later the airplane actually flew for a few minutes with Giancarlo Zanardo and Carlo Zorzoli at the controls.​

While the aircraft made a safe first flight on March 3rd, 2015, there were still teething troubles to overcome regarding both the propellers and the lack of available power from the engines chosen for the replica. They were still hoping to rectify these issues when disaster struck in October, 2018; a massive flood hit the region, and the Jonathan Collection’s hangars were apparently three feet deep in muddy, debris-filled water for some time!

On June 8, 2023 aircraft builder Daniele Beltrami and former Italian Air Force Test Pilot Fabio Consoli took the three-engined Caproni Ca.3 for an actual test flight which resulted in a flawless evaluation with minor squawks. To date, five successful flights were conducted and Zanardo’s Johnatan Collection plans to fly the airplane to Pratica di Mare Airbase for the Italian Air Force Centenary air show the weekend of June 16-17-18. Click HERE for more information.​

Photo by Daniel Bertagnolli

The three-engined Caproni Ca.3 was a massive aircraft for its day, with a 36 foot fuselage and 74 foot wing span, and could carry an 800kg bomb load several hundred miles. The type evolved from the Ca.1 of 1914 and Ca.2 of 1915, but differed mainly in having more powerful engines. The type was introduced in 1916, and many saw combat service during WWI. It was a successful design, with roughly 300 built in Italy, and several dozen more under license in France – a substantial number for an aircraft of its size back then. Indeed, the type was still in service well into the late 1920s, with some believed to have taken part during the invasion into the Horn of Africa. Just two original airframes are known to survive, although both post-WWI examples. One is at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and the other, of course, at the Italian Air Force Museum at Vigna di Valle, near Lazio.​

Many thanks to Daniel Bertagnolli for providing the photos and the details about the first flight. For more information about Daniel and his work, visit www.danielbertagnolli.com

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[DaveM]

Fiat G.91 Flies in Italy!

With just a few days to spare before the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force, AMI) 100th-anniversary airshow at Pratica di Mare Air Base, Fiat G.91 (MM6305) flew on Wednesday, June 14th. For the special occasion, the pilot selected to test the G.91 (and eventually fly it at the centenary airshow) was Maurizio Lodovisi who also test-flew Renzo Catellani’s MB-326K.

Originally planned for yesterday, that flight was canceled due to minor snags identified, and which were quickly fixed by the specialists of the Italian Air Force. Today Maurizio Ludovisi took from San Damiano Air Base in northern Italy, chased by Renzo Catellani in his MB-326. As shown in the video below, the ‘Gina’ flew for about 30 minutes before returning safely back to the base.​

“The airplane is flying beautifully, just amazing given the circumstances!” said Catellani.

This project first saw light in February 2021, while the actual work began in January 2022, as we reported here, thanks to a collaboration between Callegari Srl and the Aeronautica Militare Italiana. Technicians and specialists involved have come, in particular, from the Italian Air Force’s Distaccamento Aeroportuale di Piacenza, the NVPA (Nucleo Valorizzazione Patrimonio Aeronautico) of Piacenza San Damiano, 1st Aircraft Maintenance Department of Cameri (Novara), from the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance and Armament Department at Treviso, from the 6th Wing at Ghedi, and from the 61st Wing at Galatina (Lecce). The support of the ACS company and other small and medium-sized Italian companies has also been vital.

The aircraft itself served as MM6305 within the Italian Air Force; the MM standing for Matriola Militare (the military serial number). The G.91’s restoration has been divided between two locations. Catellani and his team worked on the fuselage, avionics, and hydraulic systems in Reggio Emilia, while personnel from AMI worked on the wings and tail section of the aircraft. It is undergoing a repaint into the colors of ‘PONY 10’ (as below) the airplane flow by legendary aerobatic pilot G.B. Molinaro with Italian Aerobatic Team the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows).​

The Fiat G.91 is a significant type in Italian and European aviation, being the winner of the NATO-organised NBMR-1 competition in 1953 for a ‘Light Weight Strike Fighter’. First flying in 1956, it served not only with the Aeronautica Militare Italiana but also the West German Luftwaffe and the Força Aérea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force). Evaluation examples served with the Greek and US Air Forces as well. 756 were produced over a period of nearly 20 years, the last being retired in 1995.

On June 16-17-18, 2023, the Aeronautica Militare Italiana will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an airshow at Pratica di Mare Air Base, Italy’s largest military airfield, located in Pomezia, Lazio on the Tyrrhenian coast just south of Rome.

The official logo of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana centenary

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[DoorPosition]

RAF Bids Farewell to the C-130 Hercules after 60 Years Of Faithful Service...

RAF bids farewell to the Hercules as final retirement flypast takes to the skies

Last ride of the Hercules: RAF transport planes tour the UK in flypast

Three RAF Hercules perform UK flypast to mark retirement

The end of an era to say the least. I have 3 or 4 jumps from RAF Hercs, I'd have to check my log. Hard to fathom, really, but time marches on.

 

[Greyfell]

I hope there is more life for those birds, after the RAF.

 

[DoorPosition]

They'll probably sell them.

If I were calling the shots with RAF I'd have 1 or 2 of them converted into AC-130 variants, but that's just the JTAC in me.

AFAIK RAF still has no such platform.

 

[DoorPosition]

Confirmed. Dateline 17MAR23.

Britain going ahead with sale of C-130 fleet

Other articles I've been reading claim that rank and file RAF pax are not very big fans of the Herc's replacement, the A400M.

RAF defends decision behind 2-year tactical airlift capability gap, plans additional A400M buy - Breaking Defense

 

[Vector]

RAF Bids Farewell to the C-130 Hercules after 60 Years Of Faithful Service...

RAF bids farewell to the Hercules as final retirement flypast takes to the skies

Last ride of the Hercules: RAF transport planes tour the UK in flypast

Three RAF Hercules perform UK flypast to mark retirement

The end of an era to say the least. I have 3 or 4 jumps from RAF Hercs, I'd have to check my log. Hard to fathom, really, but time marches on.

Great aircraft, I've been in a C-130 a handful of times.

 

[Greyfell]

Other articles I've been reading claim that rank and file RAF pax are not very big fans of the Herc's replacement, the A400M.

RAF defends decision behind 2-year tactical airlift capability gap, plans additional A400M buy - Breaking Defense

That's somewhat like telling the forces "We're taking the mini-gun out of the inventory, and until we get the gatling guns upgraded to be more like the mini-gun, here are a bunch of Thompson sub-machine guns to use in the meantime."

 

[DoorPosition]

I don't know really anything anout the A400M. On paper it outperforms the Herc hands down in pretty much every single aspect across the board.

C130 vs A400M: Data Comparison

Size comparison-

As far as the "2 year gap" goes, USAF Air Mobility Command will pick up the most of the slack with a friendly gesture here and there from other NATO AF's. MOD knows this. And in addition to that, everyone involved also knows the 2 years gap will be more like 3 or so. That's just the nature of the beast.

The moaning and growning is likely the result of the age old butthurt militaries always see when they replace gear w/something new, especially when it's tried-and-true legendary hardware being sent packing. I/E- when the US went from the 1911 to the M9, the Huey to the Black Hawk, the Jeep to the HMMV, the list goes on. On the UK side, I know there was MAJOR gripe when the Brits went from the L1A1 to the SA80, although that was completely justified. It took like 2 or 3 generations and a complete 3rd party rearsenal to iron out that POS.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

 

[Greyfell]

the A400M. On paper it outperforms the Herc hands down in pretty much every single aspect across the board.

Being an Airbus product, I'd suspect a higher failure rate, too.

 

[DoorPosition]

Our cutting edge aircraft haven't exactly been performing in stellar fashion either. F-35, V-22, F-22. All hit with major delays and setbacks. The way I see it, and I'm no sh-t hot pilot by any stretch(nor am I even a pilot at all anymore), the increasing sophistication of military aircraft since the early 70's causes far longer developmental phases, exponentially higher costs as well as staggering unforseen costs, and the political stakes are extremely high. After a certain point, they cannot fail, even after they go ridiculously over budget and exhibit some disappointing characteristics.

From the 1940's through the 60's, it was not uncommon at all for an aircraft to go from full scale production/front line service to obsolete in 5 years, even less. This, after 3-5 years of design and development. State of the art 21st century military aircraft are by and large meant for several decades of service. For example- After 40 years the F-18's easily looking at another decade+. And the last generation of F-35 pilots havent even been born yet. I was actually a bit surprised when USN suddenly yanked the Tomcat back in '06. I figured they'd be retiring them around 2015.

I wonder what the future holds for US turboprop, fixed wing heavy lifting? As much as I hate to say it, the C-130 has far more decades behind it than ahead.