bu 77722

12XU2A3X3 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:07 am

is is still there/outdoors?

RMAllnutt · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:14 am

In the future, please be more detailed in your requests if you expect a reply.... as it happens, curiosity got the better of me this time. This Hellcat is still outside at Andrews AFB on the navy side as far as I know. I live nearby, and think I would have heard about it being moved. I wish it would come inside though.

Cheers,
Richard

12XU2A3X3 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:29 am

to be fair, i would offer that giving the bu # was quite specific, but you implication is well taken. thanks for the info, it would be great to see her inside. there is something ironic about a navy that uses a directive to preserve it's history as a blank check to declare rights over anything salvage, who then turns around and willfully allow a very rare piece of history to waste.

this ad has been sitting out in the middle of ne phila forever http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Na ... 181ebb60c9 and was only recently restored (but went back outside!)

RMAllnutt · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:33 am

Hiya... yes, I agree... she should be inside... it makes no sense for such a rare, and historic aircraft to sit outside. I would understand if it were something big, but a Hellcat's tiny, relatively speaking.

Cheers,
Richard

12XU2A3X3 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 11:44 am

since the navy has a formal request channel for aircraft i wonder if it would be worth it for a qualified museum to put in a request for her...

RickH · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 6:41 pm

I have it on good authority that particular airframe is very incomplete and contains many non Hellcat parts. It was supposedly assembled to do just what she does. Be a windvane. But I agree, given the scarcity of all things Hellcat it may be time to rethink its role.

TimAPNY · **Posted:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 7:19 pm

There are fiberglass alternatives to the real thing floating around. The 1941 HAG at Geneseo NY has a fiberglass "Hollowcat" on a pole as a wind vane.

I forgot about the the AD-3 outside. Sad

Tim

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed Aug 18, 2010 2:30 pm

TimAPNY wrote:

There are fiberglass alternatives to the real thing floating around. The 1941 HAG at Geneseo NY has a fiberglass "Hollowcat" on a pole as a wind vane.

I forgot about the the AD-3 outside. Sad

Tim

Kinda wish they took the time to detail the fighter out (landing gear, more realistic prop, interior, canopy, wing fold?) instead of putting her on a pole.

I think I'd rather see one of the 5 T-33's go up on the pole and the Hellcat finished so it can become a great background piece for any occasion. Especially if there's another Navy gathering, they can tow this "HollowCat" out onto the flight-line with the other Hellcat. :wink:

Pat Carry · **Posted:** Wed Aug 18, 2010 2:35 pm

RickH wrote:

I have it on good authority that particular airframe is very incomplete and contains many non Hellcat parts. It was supposedly assembled to do just what she does. Be a windvane. But I agree, given the scarcity of all things Hellcat it may be time to rethink its role.

Lets not forget about the P-38 sitting outside in New Jersey, the Corsair in Michigan (I believe it still sits outside) and the P-51 in Wisconsin.

12XU2A3X3 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 18, 2010 11:45 pm

i've been told that the McGuire P-38 is, as per an arrangement, to be kept in a condition from which it could be returned to airworthy. take from that whatever you will. would be fantastic to see all of the jets around base put in doors where the public can see them.

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