And then there were 2, Helldivers that is

[Matt Gunsch]

Fagen Fighters SB2C Helldiver flew for the first time this morning



I am kind of partial to the markings for some reason

Attachments

[Mark Allen M]

Soon the be 3

[Matt Gunsch]

and possibly 5

[bomberfan]

Yesterday there was a video posted of WestPac performing the first engine run on their Helldiver. They said they needed to install the turret and get it weighed. So, they're not too far off either!! Exciting times!!

[DH82EH]

Congratulations to the entire team at Fagens.
Fantastic accomplishment
Matt, I agree on the markings. Looks amazing!

[JohnB]

Who flew the Fagen ship and how did he prepare for the flight?
I'm guessing it was his first SB2C flight as well as the aircraft's...unless the CAF aircraft has dual controls.

[Matt Gunsch]

Who flew the Fagen ship and how did he prepare for the flight?
I'm guessing it was his first SB2C flight as well as the aircraft's...unless the CAF aircraft has dual controls.

A SB2C pilot from the CAF did the flight. They would have been foolish not to use someone who is current in the type.

[bomberfan]

Who flew the Fagen ship and how did he prepare for the flight?.

The CAF's SB2C pilot, Ed Vesely, got the honors.

[Matt Gunsch]

after about a hr and 15 minutes of flying time, they headed for OSH and landed with about 3hrs on the planes since yesterday.

[Matt Gunsch]

after about a hr and 15 minutes of flying time, they headed for OSH and landed with about 3hrs on the planes since yesterday.

[Mark Allen M]

That seems like an extremely low amount of test flying to then fly off to Oshkosh?. I wouldn’t know, but it just seems rushed. Nothing negative, but doesn’t that seem a bit risky for that type of airplane?

Thoughts?!!

[Matt Gunsch]

That seems like an extremely low amount of test flying to then fly off to Oshkosh?. I wouldn’t know, but it just seems rushed. Nothing negative, but doesn’t that seem a bit risky for that type of airplane?

Thoughts?!!

The airframe can be wrung out fairly quickly, it is the engine that takes time. Normally you take it up and slow time it to seat the rings and such, with a oil screen inspection after first flight then 10-15hrs after. But if the engine was broken in on the test stand, then you fly it the way the engine builder says to. Just don't treat it liked a rented horse.

[Mark Allen M]

SB2C-1 Helldiver first taxi
National museum of WWII Aviation

https://www.facebook.com/scott.klaers/videos

[JohnTerrell]

Going over what's been discussed in this forum thread, it should be added here that during the Warbirds in Review this afternoon on the Fagen Fighters Helldiver, it was mentioned that they flew the Helldiver for a required five hours at Granite Falls, before leaving for Oshkosh, and at this time it now has about 7 hrs flying time since arriving at Oshkosh last night. I really appreciate the amount of work that Brandon Deuel and the rest of the Fagen Fighters restoration team performed, especially in the last two months, to have it ready in time for Oshkosh. I saw it in the restoration hangar in person back on June 6th, and I really didn't think it was going to be ready in time. Every square inch of the aircraft is absolutely stunning, and very authentic.

[bomberfan]

Going over what's been discussed in this forum thread, it should be added here that during the Warbirds in Review this afternoon on the Fagen Fighters Helldiver, it was mentioned that they flew the Helldiver for a required five hours at Granite Falls, before leaving for Oshkosh, and at this time it now has about 7 hrs flying time since arriving at Oshkosh last night. I really appreciate the amount of work that Brandon Deuel and the rest of the Fagen Fighters restoration team performed, especially in the last two months, to have it ready in time for Oshkosh. I saw it in the restoration hangar in person back on June 6th, and I really didn't think it was going to be ready in time. Every square inch of the aircraft is absolutely stunning, and very authentic.

I second that, well done everyone involved. I was there June 6th also and had the same thoughts. An employee told me that Ron wanted the under wing rockets, so the completed wings needed to be partially disassembled. Otherwise, it may have flown a month earlier.