Heavy Lifter

[Curtis Block]

Ok, not technically a warbird.

This heavy lifter, a Boeing 234, operated by Columbia Helicopters, out of Aurora Oregon, was a guest of the Olympia airport for the last few days. I wanted to take some photos Monday when the light was better but I didn't get a chance. I got some yesterday though, so I figured I'd share them.

[P51Mstg]

http://chinook-helicopter.com/history/a ... umbia.html

Link to more info on this machine. It can lift about 28,000 pounds which is not too shabby. I'm also relatively shure that the downwash can flip over an entire ramp of light aircraft taht are not tied down.

Awesome machine.

Mark H

[Curtis Block]

They did gingerly taxi to runway 17 before lifting off.

[Cking]

What a handsom brute! I love the "Bug eyes" (I'm talking about the helicopter!!!)
I think that the Chinook might just qualify as a warbird as I think they have served in just about all of the U.S's conflicts since Vietnam.
Whats the story of the Lightning in the background of the third picture?

Rgds Cking

[gregv]

Whats the story of the Lightning in the background of the third picture?
Rgds Cking

And the Cobra in the fourth pic since we're at it...is this destined to be a fire bird of some type?

edit: this one? http://www.olympicflightmuseum.com/airc ... 1cobra.htm

Great shots, and I as well like the impressive "blown" side blister windows.

cheers

greg v.

edit, from http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk ... html#ZF597:

"T.55 ZF597: Originally bought by the Anglo American Lightning Association as a possible spares ship, as they acquired the 595/596 composite, ZF597 was sold to raise additional funds for the restoration to flight status of XS422, and has moved on to the Olympic Flight Museum in Washington state. She was quickly reassembled after transport to the museum, and I have heard there are plans afoot to ground-run her!"

[Curtis Block]

I was wondering when someone would spot those.

The Cobra is on static, outdoor, display at the Olympic Flight Museum. It has been de-miled and is currently on loan from the Army. The museum does have two flyers, this is not one.

The Lightning is T.55 ZF597. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any ground runs though. It needs some work. Actually it's for sale here...

http://www.olympicjet.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=32

For $85,000 you can impress all of your freinds.

[Stoney]

That helo uses a 3,000 bucket for fire fighting.

[muddyboots]

http://chinook-helicopter.com/history/aircraft/Columbia/Columbia.html

Link to more info on this machine. It can lift about 28,000 pounds which is not too shabby. I'm also relatively shure that the downwash can flip over an entire ramp of light aircraft taht are not tied down.

Awesome machine.

Mark H

Look Ma! The 46 is all growed up!
When we did slingloads under the CH 47 you had to keep a hand on the webbing or it would blow you off your feet. I lay on my back once to get a picci of it hovering over me and it sucked me off the ground. Scary as hell