Ken wrote:
NMUSAF in Dayton has a pencil target completion date of their A-1H Skyraider for static display in Oct 2022.
Bu No 134600 was a direct MAP transfer from the USN to the VNAF. It survived the Vietnam War and appeared in the Davis-Monthan boneyard sometime around 1999, along with an A-1E which is now on display at Hill AFB. The circumstances of the return of these two aircraft to the US is not fully known.
The restoration, originally scheduled for 2015, was stopped due to a lack of parts. The restoration team has been working hard sourcing parts, to include the game-changing option of 3D printing parts that are otherwise unavailable. Digital scans of original parts were/are being obtained through the Smithsonian, as well as through the generosity of warbird owners. The team is currently hand fabricating the key components of the ultra-rare Yankee extraction seat. Work will be required to remove/add antennas, lights, and other features unique to a USAF-modified A-1H. It is anticipated that the airplane will be configured with a full SAR combat load as if ready to launch on a SANDY mission.
Ken
This is fantastic news. It seems that work had stalled for a while and it's great to see an update! I will have to make another trip to NMUSAF when it's complete.