The Life & Times Of 'Dora'

In 2003 the Champlin Fighter Collection was sold to the Museum of Flight, Seattle. One aircraft was not included however, this being the jewel of the collection, the sole surviving Focke Wulf Fw190D-13. This unique aircraft was turned over to Gosshawk for a detailed restoration that would see the aircraft returned as close as possible to how it looked when surrendered in May 1945. We take a detailed journey through the history and restoration of 'Yellow 10', which culminates in a roll out photo shoot. For now the aircraft is temporarily installed in the Museum of Flights' new Personal Courage Wing. The aircraft is now for sale, the Museum hoping to raise the funds to purchase it outright, before a collector with the finances to own an example of an aircraft that was at the peak of piston engine fighter design comes along. Top

Forgotten Helldiver

Lt. Gilbert had received the DFC for his bravery during the Pacific War, and was selected for his flying skills to be a test pilot at the Naval Proving Grounds, Virginia. On the fateful day of July 24th 1945 he taxied Helldiver 83393 out for an aerial torpedo test. At the moment of take off something went terribly wrong as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude, Gilbert attempted to turn back, but in doing so crashed into the trees. After an investigation the wreckage was left undisturbed for the next 48 years, when a deal was struck with the NASM to use the remains for completion of their own Helldiver. Top

Buyers Guide To The Yak Fighters

In this, the first of a three part series aimed at giving a prospective buyer of the new build examples the complete picture of this outstanding Russian design, we look at the history of the Yak 1-3-7 and 9. We also detail the few original examples that remain from a production total of in excess of 36,000. In 1939 a young designer named Alexander Yakovlev was ordered by Stalin to build a fighter that could match those being developed by Germany, and with war clouds gathering he had little time to do so. By the time of the German invasion in June 1941 the first examples of what would become a formidable fighter were in service, and by late 1943 they would begin to wrest air superiority from the Luftwaffe. With the introduction of the Yak 3 in 1944 the Soviets finally had such a superior fighter that the Luftwaffe High Command issued a directive to its new pilots, advising them to avoid dogfights at low level. Top

Square 1 Aviation

Having built a reputation of unrivaled excellence in the rebuild and restoration of P-51 Mustangs, Square One has recently moved in a new direction. Purchased from long time owner Elmer Ward by Ross Anderson, the Company will now offer P-51 major sub assemblies and parts to the market place. This move has seen the immediate availability of selected cowl formers, engine mounts and main fuselage longerons. In the near future wing and fuselage fillet sets will also be available for customers rebuilding aircraft on their own premises. This is a marked change in philosophy, previously all work carried out was specifically directed at aircraft being worked on in the Square One workshop. STOP PRESS. It is with great sadness that we record the tragic death of Ross Anderson in the crash of his Harmon Rocket on July 7th. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and staff at Square One. Top