Warbirds

Atypical listing has the manufacturer’s construction number, the actual aircraft model, the military serial and the present civil registration followed by a brief ownership history and a listing of relevant dates.

This is the sort of book that both owners and enthusiasts alike will want to obtain. The owners, to know what is going on in the world of warbirds, and the enthusiasts, to keep track of their favourite aircraft type, warbirds.

Since the first issue a lot more information has come to light on the number and history of various warbirds and in addition the new issue has been expanded to include jets as well as lesser-known prop-driven types. It is pleasing to note the inclusion of Australian types such as the Boomerang, Wirraway and Winjeel. One can almost hear the Americans ask what the heck is a Winjeel? Produced by the Warbirds Worldwide organisation, the (1993) Warbirds Directory was edited by Paul Coggan and has some 498 pages between soft covers, oodles of data and a good number of colour and B&W photos. The index lists 172 aircraft types including 49 different jets. The book has just been released and is available for just $65 post free from Skylines, PO Box 335, Cheltenham, 3192, (03) 587 3400.

Summary: This publication should be on the book shelf of every true blooded warbird enthusiast. Get one while you can.

Nakajima Ki-43 Fighter to Be Exported

Col Pay of Scone has been granted approval to export his Nakajima Ki-43 Mk. 1 fighter, reports the latest issue of the Australian Aviation Museums Association newsletter.

It is understood that the aircraft is to go to a Japanese buyer. In reporting the export approval the AAMA commented that the National Cultural Heritage Committee (NCHC) decided last November to ignore the majority advice of its expert advisers and recommend that export approval be granted. The Australian War Memorial’s expert adviser was the only one to support the application.

It is of note that the AWM obtained its own Ki-43 Hayabusa fighter, better known as an ‘Oscar’, when, in 1984, it recovered an incomplete example from Alexishafen, PNG. At last report this aircraft was in store, possibly in NSW. Several other Oscars are known to survive around the world.

Col Pay’s aircraft arrived in Australia during WWII when, in 1942, it made a forced landing on a beach at Bathurst Island, NT. Obtained in 1949 by the Australian War Memorial it was sold off in 1953. For many years the machine was on display in Sid Marshall’s hangar at Bankstown airportand was eventually purchased by Col Pay in 1985. The intention was to initially store the Oscar and later rebuild it to flying condition.

It is most likely that the aircraft will be restored to static display condition in Japan and placed in a museum.

Those Missing Mig-15s

Readers will no doubt recall that the promoters of the Avalon Airshow advised that two MiG-15 fighters were to arrive at the show, having been flown all the way from Poland.

The aircraft did not turn up at the event or arrive in the weeks that followed.

Atlas Aviation of Bankstown, NSW has advised that the two MiG-15s were due in this country last month. A company spokesman said that after consideration of the costs involved in flying the aircraft out, plus the engine hours used up, it was decided wiser to crate the two aircraft up and ship them out to Australia.

One can also imagine the problems of ferrying private jet warbirds halfway across the world, for private owners, and trying to explain that to an airport official at some sun baked airport in the Middle East! It is reported that the two aircraft are in first class condition and that after the wings are reinstalled, the aircraft should be back in the air very quickly.

Details of owners are unknown at this stage.

Annex Extension for War Memorial

Funding has been approved to extend the Australian War Memorial’s storage annex in Canberra to allow public access to the many rare and exotic relics housed there.

The $6 million project involves the construction of an additional 5,800 sqm conditioned warehouse space which will be used for storage, displays, offices, a workshop and public viewing facilities. The need for additional storage space has become more pressing following the closure of a shed used for this purpose at RMC Duntroon in Canberra. Visitor access to the current annex is limited to special open days.

Of particular interest in the collection currently in storage are a Mitsubishi Zero, Messerschmitt Me 109, Me 163 Komet rocket powered interceptor and Me 262 jet fighter. Other historically important aircraft include a V2 rocket, Mustang, Meteor, Avro 504, UH-1B Iroquois, Canberra (most of which are combat veterans) and the famous Wirraway A20-103, which accounted for a Zero in WW2.

If all goes to plan, the new facility should be completed by the end of the year in anticipation for a public opening the following April.

Currently only a small number of aeronautical exhibits are on display at the Memorial itself, these of course including the Lancaster ‘G for George’, a Spitfire, an Albatross and Kittyhawk.

Sabre Exports to the USA

From the new edition of the Warbirds Directory it is noted that there are now four ex RAAF CAC built Sabre jet fighters in the USA. Previously it was understood that only three of these aircraft had been exported to the United States.

The aircraft are listed as A94-909 with Sanders Aviation, Chino, California; A94-914, also with Sanders Aviation; A94-916 with Doug Schultz/Stallion 51, at Kissimmee, Florida; and A94-354, also with Sanders Aviation and at present on display at the Combat Jets Air Museum at Chino, California. A94-916 was recently reported to have been moved to places, as yet, unknown.

At last report none of the subject aircraft was being actively worked on in order to get them back in the air. Obviously this will take place in due course. It will be interesting to see how the more powerful Australian Sabre in the air compares to the North American built product. Good one Oz!

Trading a High Wing for a Low Wing

For sale, upgrading to faster aircraft. That is the type of sign that Tyabb’s Rob Black could well hang on the prop of his 1937 Stinson SR-9E Reliant, VH-ISR.

The unique Stinson has reportedly been reluctantly put up for sale in order to clear the decks, and the hangar floor, to be able to commence the rebuild of CAC Wirraway, A20-656.

The Wirraway is owned by Rob Black, Brian Jones and Graham Waddington and was purchased from Dick Hourigan and Ron Lee of Melbourne, in 1991. The machine was originally acquired from Airland Improvements of Cootamundra, NSW, in 1970, in the days when such aircraft were regarded as little more than scrap value.

Airland used the Wirraway as a spares Christmas tree and engine test bed in support of the Ceres agricultural aircraft that it operated.

The Stinson, originally N17138, was acquired by Rob during a trip to the USA and, following its import, was put on the Australian register on May 1st, 1990. Powered by a 350hp supercharged Wright R-760 radial en- gine the gull winged Stinson is painted a distinctive red colour. The aircraft was built in the days when motor vehicles set the standard for transport vehicles and so it has wind down windows, leather seats and lots of cabin space. As some would say, a gentleman’s aerial carriage.

The U-2. A Further Note

Following the item in the November issue of AA entitled, Laverton and the Dragon Lady, regarding the operations of the high flying Lockheed U-2 aircraft in Australia, we learn that a U-2 by another name, an ER-2, was being operated out of Townsville, Qld for a month over the January/February period. The ER-2, carrying registration, N709NA, and previously s/n 80-1097 with the USAF, was being operated by NASA on high altitude research work. (Refer p63 Mar 93 AA. ) Apparently only one ER-2 was built. The aircraft was built specifically for NASA and was delivered on June 10, 1981.

Anson Rebuild

During the war the RAAF operated over a thousand Avro Anson aircraft on reconnaissance/bomber work and later as trainers, transports, air ambulances and even on wireless and air gunnery roles. Today almost all those aircraft are gone. One Anson, VH-BAF, is still airworthy while there are a very few complete aircraft in museums. If one looks carefully the remains of Anson steel tube fuselages can still be found on farm properties where they came to reside after having beensoldas surplus after the war.

In South Australia at least one person is determined to preserve an Anson for future generations to see. At Paralowie, John Boden is faithfully rebuilding Anson A4-37 to static display standard. This particular machine is the only known survivor of the first 48 A4-series Ansons taken on charge in the pre-war period.

John originally acquired the bare bones of the Avro from a farm at Clare, in South Australia, in 1981. Initially placed in storage, the Anson slowly started to be rebuilt as John managed to find bits and pieces of other Ansons around the country. His aircraft was a bare frame and windscreen when he obtained it.

Since he started work on A4-37 John has effectively rebuilt the fuselage to the stage where it is just about ready to be refabriced.

Two engines, Armstrong Siddeley Cheetahs’ of 350hp each, have been obtained and are in good condition. As with any Anson rebuild the biggest problem is the biggest component, the wooden wing. A complete unused wooden mainspar was found at Parafield airport and this will be the basis for the wing construction. John, however, admits that the wing will be a big job due to the size and the 17 metre (56 feet) span.

Of all the items that he needs for the rebuild John is still searching for an Anson gun turret. Search as he may he has been unable to find one, in spite of the fact that there were so many of the aircraft type operated here from 1936 to 1950. If any reader is aware of the location of an Anson turret please contact John Boden at 14 Hooper At, Paralowrie, SA 5108 Footnote: It comes as a surprise to note that this writer’s father regularly flew Anson A4-37 from the Mallala RAAF base during WWII. After all this time and the aircraft still exists.

Venom Returns to New Zealand Skies

On Saturday January 23 1993, De Havilland Venom ZK-VNM was test flown from Ardmore Airport, Auckland, New Zealand. This aircraft replaces an earlier Venom, also registered ZK-VNM that was damaged on takeoff at Ardmore on November 16, 1991. The new ZK-VNM is a Mk. IV Venom that was built in Switzerland and was operated by the Swiss Air Force as J-1799. Following decommissioning by the Swiss Air Force, it found its way first to the UK where it became G-BLIC with Aces High Ltd at Duxford in 1984. Later it was shipped to the United States where it flew as N502DM in 1985. Rural Aviation purchased this aircraft in July 1992 and had it dismantled and shipped to New Zealand. A full overhaul was carried out on the aircraft prior to its maiden flight, by Ardmore based Gulf Aeronautics.

This aircraft is fitted with rocket rails and four x 29mm Hispano Cannons. Underwing fuel tanks are easily installed for ferrying purposes if required. Avionics fit includes VHF Com, VOR/DME, Mode C Transponder and GPS (Global Positioning System). As with the previous New Zealand Venom, this aircraft is started with a locally devised inbuilt compressed air system.

ZK-VNM is nowbasedat Ardmore Airport and Rural Aviation advise that the aircraft is available for displays etc. in New Zealand, Australia, and throughout the South Pacific. Its public debut was scheduled for the Waikato Airshow at Hamilton Airport on February 28.

It is of note that the earlier Venom was also ex Swiss, s/n J-1634, and it too came from Aces High.

Warbird Round Up

Contrary to one report from overseas, Harvard VH-HVD/ NZ1075 did not crash and burn on October 29 ‘following an airshow in Australia’.

That is, unless the CAA, BASI and the owner missed something. On that day however Howard VH-DGA was destroyed by fire following an engine related forced landing at Avalon. (Refer p77 Dec 92 AA. ) Harvard VH-NAH was recently noted at Tyabb, Vic apparently awaiting a new engine before it gets back in the air.

Fury VH-HFG, now at Toowoomba, Qld is undergoing a repaint. It is understood that it will take up the same colours as before but with Korean war type invasion stripes and smoke! It was due to have rolled out in March.

Also at Toowoomba, Spitfire VH-XVI was recently noted minus its engine and wings. Harvard VH-LJQ, at present at Oakey, Qld is to soon be repainted in South African Air Force colours.

Mustang, A68-187, and Winjeel, A85-444, were both recently noted in hangars at Toowoomba, Qld and minus wings. The Winjeel is in for an overhaul and eventually to be put on the register as VH-AGR.

From the Top end it is understood that T-28D, s/n 55-138232, owned by Ian Sylvester, made its first post rebuild flight at Darwin towards the end of January. The registration is at present unknown.

The Chief Engineer of the Duxford based Fighter Collection, Peter Rusinen, was in Australia recently, ‘having a look around’. Business or pleasure? From Albury, NSW, we learn that Sterling Preston has changed over his Cessna Bird Dog, VH-SCB, for the Bellanca TECA Citabria, VH-SAG, of Ian Bell of Tumbarumba, NSW. It would appear that the Citabria is more suitable for teaching basic flight training students.

IN BRIEF • For those wanting to attend the 1993 RAAF Museum Point Cook Flying days, take note. The next Vintage Operating Day, as it is called, will be held on March 28. A donation of $10 per vehicle is the entry cost. Training days are May 2, June 6, October 3 and December 5 during which time the RAAF Museum will also be open. The museum is open Sunday through to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is selling off its fleet of four AESL T6/24 Airtourers. Not to be confused with the Airtrainer, the RNZAF has operated the four Airtourers since 1970 as pilot flight grading aircraft at the CFS at Wigram AFB. Powered by a Lycoming 0-320 engine of 160hp the surplus aircraft have an average airframe time of 3300 hours. Tenders closed on February 15. The Airtourers, serial numbers, NZ1760- 1763, are sure to have been snapped up by New Zealand warbird enthusiasts keen to own an economical warbird.

Six AESL T6/24 Airtourers have been on the Australian civil register since 1988.

⚫ Twin fins seem to always be getting in the news. During January the Latrobe Valley Aero Club held an Amelia Earhart memorial day. As part of the event they were keen to get a genuine Lockheed 10 Electra, the type of aircraft that Earhart was lost in on July 2, 1937, over the Pacific. Laurie Ogle’s Lockheed 10, VH-UZO, was unavailable, so the LVAC arranged the next best thing, a twin finned Beech D18-S, VH-FIE, from John Love at Albury.

• Cairns is now without a resident DC-3 following the departure of VH-PWN on January 18. Another DC-3, VH-BPL, left Cairns on January 10. Both aircraft have gone to new South Australian operator, Desert-Air Safaris, which is based at Adelaide.

DC-3 aircraft have been based at Cairns since the war years, by the RAAF or civil operators. In most recent times they were operated by Cairns based Bush Pilots Airways-and its successor Air Queensland. Later DC-3 Queensland operated the Douglas taildragger type out of Cairns.

The DC-3 found favour in Cairns as it could operate into outback strips with a seat and load capacity not possible with most other aircraft types. In recent years the Gooney Bird has been popular for taking tourists around the back country as a kind of aerial bus, a role that Desert-Air Safaris will now put its aircraft to.

• Sydney Police are investigating the theft of three containers which were being used to store various aircraft components. These included a number of Mosquito metal fixtures, eight Hudson turrets and a Liberator dorsal turret. Anyone who has any information on the theft is asked to call Dennis Baxter on (02) 411 6614 (AH), (02) 708 1477 (BH) or mobile on (018) 24 8740. Fax (02) 707 1719.