Hamp Ready for Flight ...

[Mark Allen M]

From Air Classics Facebook page.

"At Legend Flyers, taxi tests on the Mitsubishi Hamp have been completed. Located at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, Legend has taken on many interesting projects over the years — the most recent being the series of Boeing P-26 replicas. The Pacific Northwest has been hit by some particularly bad weather this winter and this has delayed flight tests — a 25-hour program mandated by the FAA. The Hamp has been finished with a wealth of interior detailing (sadly, some of this is now permanently covered by structure) that was a result of intense research into cockpit configuration and markings. The Hamp is most easily identifiable over the more common Zero by its clipped outer wing panels. This was done to increase roll rate but the Hamp was woefully obsolete when it came to the new generation of Corsairs and Hellcats. Several wrecks were utilized as patterns in the rebuild and the fighter will make a fine addition to the Warbird community. We will be presenting exclusive aerial photography in an upcoming issue of AIR CLASSICS. Photograph by Jim Larsen."

[DADE]

Lovely photo Mark. The fuselage does not have a ripple effect on the skin like the originals had, its nice and smooth, nice touch.

[Archer]

That looks pretty good! Looking forward to the air-to-air shots!

[OD/NG]

Awesome! I'm looking forward to this first flight. Wow, over 3 decades to first flight from when this airframe was originally recovered in 1991. It kind of makes me sad that they didn't put the original Sakae engine in it as they had originally intended, but I understand the more realistic practicalities of operating an 1830, especially if FF intends on flying it often. I wish they would make a production run of these Hamps, as they certainly have the capability to do so, but I wonder if there is enough market demand to make it worthwhile? I'm guessing probably not, since it's a "niche" aircraft.

[mike furline]

https://planetags.com/blogs/planetags-b ... f-a-legend

http://colesaircraft.blogspot.com/2013/ ... -a6m3.html

https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird ... -cole.html

[JohnB]

... but I wonder if there is enough market demand to make it worthwhile? I'm guessing probably not, since it's a "niche" aircraft.

There might have been a market for some in the film industry if it weren't for CGI.

[OD/NG]

... but I wonder if there is enough market demand to make it worthwhile? I'm guessing probably not, since it's a "niche" aircraft.

There might have been a market for some in the film industry if it weren't for CGI.

Very true! As far as Hollywood, they can replace everything now with CGI, so I don't think this is a motivation for them at all to get "exotic" or "one-off" types built, especially near replicas. The only interest would probably be from wealthy multi-billionaires to add an "exotic" aircraft to their collections - think Walton, Somers, Lewis, Yagen, etc. Most multi-millionaires/billionaires have virtually no interest in Axis aircraft, which is a shame.

[warbird51]

I thought that the Blayd Corp had built several Zero kits and 1 was finished and was with the Texas flying Legends

[OD/NG]

I thought that the Blayd Corp had built several Zero kits and 1 was finished and was with the Texas flying Legends

True statement, but TFL is now defunct and doesn't exist. The Zero is up in New York state now, flying with a different owner. As far as I know, the several Blayd airframes are in storage somewhere. Last I heard, which is old info, they were in a legal dispute and were unfinished. I don't know the current status of them now, but hopefully someone reading this thread can give an update.