Volume 27 #3, Issue 126HARRY’S HURRICANE - RETURN OF THE REAPER
HARVARD IN THE HOOD![]() Presented with Best Warbird award at this years’ Classic Fighters air show, Bevan Dewes describes his journey following the unexpected purchase of an ex RNZAF Harvard and the decision to return it to wartime condition, when serving with No.2 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit at RNZAF Station Ohakea from 1943. Later used as an instructional airframe for airline apprentices in the 1970s, the aircraft was eventually sold into civilian hands in 2004 and remained largely stored thereafter. Strip down during the restoration revealed a number of surprises and the fortunate discovery of wartime photos provided the team with the information they needed to complete an accurate camouflage scheme. The paint process turned out to be a challenge that Bevan has no intention of repeating! Some great air to airs feature, the aircraft flying armed with eight 8½lb practice bombs, general purpose carriers and two 0.30 calibre Brownings. MUMA – MEXICO’S NEW AIR MUSEUM
Our last Mystery Aircraft was a ....POTEZ 53![]() In January 1933 Henry Potez decided upon a whim to enter the coveted Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup 1933; a race of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) split into two halves over a closed circuit 100 km (62 mile) course. This left the company just four months to have a suitable aircraft ready. Despite the time constraints and problems with the aircraft’s centre of gravity the team came up with a winner. The aircraft’s wings featured two original innovations; the aileron/ flaps were embedded in the trailing edge and a retractable undercarriage was fitted. Here we look at the aircraft’s rapid development and the race which saw it cross the line first. Fortunately Henry Potez donated the aircraft to the Musée de l’Air prior to WWII where it has remained ever since, spending much of its life in store. The Potez is now on display in the inter war period exhibition at Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, Le Bourget, Paris, proudly wearing its winning livery. AIRSHOWS: Flying Legends, EAA AirVenture & the Caboolture Fly-in![]() |
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