Volume 28 #3, Issue 131

COMBAT CORSAIR

Corsair BuNo.82640, a veteran of WWII combat with VF10 and VBF 99 (aboard the USS Intrepid and Shangri-La), returned to the skies on February 28, 2022. Pilot Steve Death reported the aircraft flawless after a 60-minute flight from Mareeba Airport, which included aerobatics and systems checks. The Corsair, which saw action at Okinawa and against the Japanese home islands, was later preserved in a museum and eventually restored in Australia. This article details its history and remarkable return to flight, accompanied by stunning photos.

CLEAR SKY STORM - Aichi’s Special Attack Bomber

The M6A1 Seiran, uniquely designed for submarine deployment, aimed to extend Japan's surprise attack to the US mainland. Capable of both torpedo and dive bombing, it was the first (and perhaps only) sub-launched manned attack aircraft. Though never used in combat, the Seiran and its launch system were ingenious. This article explores its origins, development, and planned deployment, including major strikes ultimately cancelled by Japan's surrender. The restoration of the sole surviving example, a multinational effort, is also detailed with rollout photos.

SPANISH SPOTLIGHT

The Fundación Infante de Orleans (FIO), based at Spain's oldest airport, Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, is a non-profit dedicated to preserving Spanish aviation history. Founded in 1989 by enthusiast pilots, the FIO acquires, restores, and flies historic aircraft. They showcase their collection of over 40 aircraft, spanning 70+ years of Spanish aviation, monthly at their home base. This report by Luigino Caliaro highlights some rare types and exciting expansion plans.

Mystery Aircraft...

Brewster Aeronautical Corporation, unlike aviation's success stories, became a symbol of failure. Despite the US Navy's initial acceptance of the mediocre F2A Buffalo and its subsequent need for better carrier-based aircraft, Brewster couldn't deliver. Despite a troubled development, numerous modifications, and operational dismissal, many were built, though none saw combat, serving only in training roles. This article explores the type's problems and examines the two surviving examples.

LOCKHEED LEGACY

Lockheed monoplane replicas Following our previous articles on Lockheed's record-breaking monoplanes, we now examine the few new-build replicas created to commemorate these aircraft's historical achievements. These recreations serve museum, promotional, or cinematic purposes. Excitingly, work is underway to bring back an extinct variant as a flying reproduction, promising to further highlight these Golden Age achievements.