Want a Warbird?

MeierMotors are offering their Bf-109C4K 'Buchon' for sale via Platinum Fighters. The machine comes with an asking price of 2million Euros. It's Rolls-Royce Merlin 500 engine has only 93hours flying time since it's last major overhaul. Pictured below at the 2011 Flying Legends Airshow.

http://www.platinumfighters.com/#!__messerschmitt-me-109c4k/fighters

Sea King's bow out down under

On 16th December 2011 the Sikorsky Sea King was retired from the Royal Australian Navy after 38 years service.

G4M 'Betty' Unveiled!

An incredible roll-out occurred during December 2011 in the form of a new-build nose section of a Mitsubishi G4M 'Betty' Japanese bomber. Owned by the Harada Collection; the rear of the aircraft is original and still under restoration - the forward section has been fabricated using another airframe found on Yap Island as a template. Once finished the aircraft will be the only complete Betty anywhere in the world!

G-BTZE

New to the UK airshow circuit in 2012 will be Yak-11 G-BTZE. Making its first post-restoration flight in 2011; it has now under-gone an extensive testing program to gain its Permit To Fly. It has been stored at Booker Airfield since 1989.

New paint goes on B-17....

Painting has begun on B-17G Flying Fortress 44-83735 formerly known as "Mary Alice" (pictured below). Though details of the paint scheme are still a closely guarded secret, an initial coating of deep olive drab can be seen.

Mozzie stands proud!

In late December 2011 de Havilland Mosquito FB.26 KA114 reached a significant point in it's restoration to flight by standing completely under it's own weight. Work on the 'Mozzie' is now so advanced that an ETA on completion and test flights is August/September 2012! Visit http://www.warbirdrestoration.co.nz/current.html for the latest on this and other restorations in Avspecs trust!

Il-2 in the US!

The Flying Heritage Collection took delivery of the world's only flying Sturmovich Il-2 "flying tank". Made up of parts and components from various machines; she was test flown in Russia late 2011. She has been been fitted with a left turning Allison engine for practical reasons, even though the option to fit with an original engine was explored and even ground run. The aircraft is a fine edition to the US Warbird scene. The FHC continues to grow into the world's premier Warbird operator.