Warbird Information Exchange

from http://www.tnairmuseum.com/warbirds.htm


WARBIRD TRIBUTE -- April 18, 2009

The Tennessee Museum of Aviation presents a WARBIRD TRIBUTE
featuring the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt


Our first annual WARBIRD TRIBUTE will be held on April 18, 2009. During the day, the museum will feature guest speakers along with flight demonstrations, and provide "rare" photo opportunities of the P-47 Thunderbolt.

Nicknamed the "Jug" because of its big bottle shape, the P-47 Thunderbolt was loved by the men who flew it, partly because it could take a pounding and still fly back to base. Thunderbolt pilots were known to refer to the P-47 as "The plane that will bring you home." The P-47 was used in all theaters of the war and was very effective as a bomber escort when coupled with drop tanks. The enormous Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine was the most powerful engine fitted to a single-engine aircraft during World War II.

More Thunderbolts were produced than any other U.S. fighter for World War II. Although over 15,000 were built, only a handful are still flyable today. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is proud to house two magnificently restored P-47 Thunderbolts, both of which are painted with the 65th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group markings. The paint scheme of the "Hun Hunter XVI," was modeled after the personal aircraft of Commander Gil Wymond. The "Wicked Wabbit" was piloted by James Hare during the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The 65th Fighter Squadron were known as the Fighting Cocks. They flew over 11,000 sorties, dropping almost 8 million pounds of bombs. They destroyed enemy troop tanks, box-cars, bridges, tunnels, boats, aircraft, and airfields in numerous strafing operations.

During the event, we will feature several guest speakers, such as WWII Thunderbolt pilots and a P-47 crew chief, sharing their first hand knowledge. Come and hear the stories and share in the memories. During WWII, more than 16.1 million men and women served in the armed forces. Unfortunately, we lose over 1,100 of those brave men and women each day. Bring the family and introduce the next generation to the greatest generation.

ADMISSION & HOURS FOR THE WARBIRD TRIBUTE

Normal museum admission rates apply but during these special events, visitors are issued all-day wristbands that make it easy to come and go during the day.

Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Of course I'll be there. Rumors are that there will be more Thunderbolts in attendance than just the two based at the museum.

I'm keeping the date open.

I really need a Warbird Fix and fast!

Tim

_________________
www.tailhookstudio.com

That is the rumor we heard at the museum a couple days before Christmas.

_________________
Steve Turner, USAF aircraft refueler 54+ years ago.

The weather forecast keeps getting better. Right now low 70s, partly cloudy, and only a 20% chance of rain late in the day/evening (0% on some models).

Can't wait to get my warbird fix. If anyone wants to say hey I'll be wearing a NASA shirt.

Bruce

I would have loved to come to this one, but the timing didn't work out. Does anyone know if the museum will be filming the speaker presentations?

Zack

_________________
Curator - EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, WI
"Let No Story Go Untold!"
http://www.timelessvoices.org

I doubt it. I don't remember anyone recording the last talk I attended a couple of years ago. WWII P-47 pilot Frank Luckman gave a talk about the role of the P-47 in Europe. Sadly, only about 20-25 people were there as it was one of the gatherings when it rained (they did manage to get some flying in before).

I should be rolling in around 10am or so. I look forward to seeing some aircraft in action and hearing some stories.

Tim

_________________
www.tailhookstudio.com