Volume 27 #1, Issue 124

ANSONS DOWNUNDER

Designed as a maritime patrol aircraft the Avro Anson saw some action in the early years of the war with Coastal Command, however rapid advances in aircraft technology in the late 1930s meant the type quickly became obsolete and was largely replaced by the Lockheed Hudson by the outbreak of war. Nevertheless this rugged and very forgiving aircraft soon made a very important role its own, that of advanced trainer, particularly with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada. Thousands of aircrew were trained as radio operators, navigators, and bombardiers on “Faithful Annie,’ this continuing post war. In this feature we take a look at the surviving machines in Australia and NZ and the quiet progress being made by many volunteers which is seeing a number of airframes that were rescued derelict from farms starting down the road to their former glory. Some spectacular images of the only airworthy Mk.1 Anson which is based here at Omaka are included. Following a decade of air show action around NZ and also offering a ride experience, this lovely old girl is now on the market.

SPAD S.VII & S.XIII SURVIVORS – Pt.1

Having looked at a general history of the Great War SPAD fighters in our previous issue, we begin a look at the surviving original machines worldwide, starting with those in Europe. Several of these fighters are combat veterans and were the mounts of some of the Great War’s top aces including Frenchman Georges Guynemer and Italian Francesco Baracca. The history of these aircraft is detailed here and we will complete this SPAD survivor series in the next issue, looking at the single example in NZ and those in the USA.

T-6 /HARVARD RESTORATIONS

A number of T-6 restorations are well underway Downunder, all heading toward flight. The North American T-6 / SNJ / Harvard series of advanced training aircraft has always been a cornerstone of the warbird movement. The popularity of the type is universal and its superior capabilities as ‘The Pilot Maker’ are likely to remain unchallenged indefinitely. If anything, the T-6 series has always been at risk of being taken for granted, as it seems there have always been numerous examples for sale at reasonable prices. That ready availability on the warbird market has meant that values have not kept up with restoration costs and perhaps it makes more sense to buy an already restored example. However a new generation of devoted owners have decided they simply want the best aircraft they can get, and are prepared to be part of the process of making this happen. In this article we catch up with several of these owners and projects, one spectacular example having flown just as we went to print.

Our Mystery Aircraft was a ....BLACKBURN RIPON

First flown in 1926 and as a replacement for the Dart, this large biplane torpedo bomber was operated by the Fleet Air Arm from RN Carriers and shore bases, particularly Malta. The type was selected by Finns and produced under license, and once the problems finding a suitable engine were solved it served as a light bomber, anti- submarine and reconnaissance aircraft during the Winter War of 1939/40, switching to night operations following the loss of an aircraft to Soviet fighters. One pilot reported although the aircraft was pleasant to fly its performance was found wanting, he struggling to pull away from a Soviet destroyer intent on shooting his aircraft down! Retired from FAA service in 1935 and the Finnish Air Force a decade later, fortunately the Finns saved one Ripon which is now the sole known survivor. Here we review the types’ development and history before concentrating on the survivor and how a small conservation team went about preparing the aircraft to star for the public opening of an old hangar where a large number of treasures are stored.

Airshows – Wings over Illawarra, Australia