Volume 27 #3, Issue 126

HARRY’S HURRICANE - RETURN OF THE REAPER

Late in WWII the Japanese came up with a plan to attack mainland North America using Fu-go Balloon Bombs which were hydrogen filled and carried ordinance, either anti personnel bombs or incendiaries to set fires. One of the fighters tasked to intercept these over Canada was Hurricane 5447. Post war this fighter was one sold to farmers at Swift Current, 5447 eventually finding its way to Harry Whereatt. Harry set about restoring the aircraft, initially to static display. Years later Harry decided to aim higher and set his sights on flight, he would achieve this, piloting the Hurricane on three occasions. Here we take a detailed look at this Hurricane’s journey – through war and peace, its rebirth and its second coming in the hands of current operators Vintage Wings of Canada. Included are some unique images from Harry’s personal photo albums and amusing anecdotes from the man himself. Rounding out the story, Dave Hadfield describes how she flies.

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

The battle to have a permanent aeronautical museum in Mexico began in 1915 and was only fully realized in 2022 with the opening of the new exhibition halls. The success came through the efforts of many who fought a constant battle to save Mexico’s aviation history from scrap, private collectors, sale abroad and a largely disinterested military high command. Spending much time spread across the country in various storage facilities and temporary locations, much simply disappeared. In this article Allan describes the struggle to find a permanent (and safe) home for the aircraft and associated items, this even seeing aircraft having to be hidden away. Things only began to change when a champion of the project who reached a senior position with the Mexican Air Force, was able to set up a temporary exhibition which garnered such overwhelming support from the public, even the staunchest nay-sayer saw the writing on the wall. There is still much to do -plans to bring in other historic machines and to improve the accuracy of some of the paint schemes are underway.

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