I am involved with the XP-82 restoration project and wanted to share some information with the members here.
This project is picking up momentum and is approaching the 50% completion point.
Location or fabrication of needed parts being the greatest hurdle to overcome....I am happy to say that is mostly behind us.
Most of you familiar with XP-82 / F-82 will quickly note the main obstacle to flying one of these is that the left hand propeller simply doesn't exist.
Teaming up with another ambitious F-82 resoration we have overcome this problem by having new composite propellers fabricated using Mustang hubs. The right hand propeller has been tested and performed excellent. The left hand propeller will essentially be a mirror image now that the production process has been tested and proven.
These are far superior to the unreliable Aeroproducts props used on the production models. This is a multi-million dollar project so safety upgrades are trumping originality. This plane is meant for flight...not show!
The elusive left hand Merlin (the XP used a merlin instead of the production Allison) has also been located. Unbelievably a zero time engine was located in Mexico City of all places!
Both engines are now nearing completion of overhaul at Vintage V-12.
Production is well underway on the left hand fuselage and the right is virtually complete along with both vertical stabilizers, center section and elevator.
But don't take my word for it....please check out our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Xp-82-Twi ... 1783063916Please feel free to "like" our page to give us an idea of visitation. From here you can access the complete history of the aircraft including albums of historical photos, recovery photos and restoration photos.
New photos are posted almost daily! Please visit and note the progress of this truly historic event!
