Warbird Information Exchange

Was lucky to catch The Fighter Collection's Hellcat making its first flight in around five years at Duxford this evening, with Chief Pilot Pete Kynsey at the controls. She's certainly been missed! Photos via the link below. One beautiful bird.

http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/05/23/aviation-news-the-fighter-collections-hellcat-flies-again/

What a beauty! What's the BuNo on that one--sure looks like a -5 to me, not a -3. Or at least it's wearing a -5 windscreen.

Great shots as always Elliott.

Thanks

Andy

BuNo 80141...a -5; spent time as an F6F-5K drone bird.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

It has an interesting and somewhat controversial history. Some (including Vraciu himself) are adamant that it contains the centre-section of one of Alex Vraciu's combat F6Fs (ex-Victory Air Museum IIRC)

Regardless of its provenance, it is great to see it back in the air after quite a few years on the ground - at lest 6 I think. Well done to all at TFC for finally getting the last aircraft of the fleet back in the air again.

Why the five year hiatus from flying?

The entire fleet was grounded by the CAA due to alledged paperwork irregularities. The Hellcat is the last of the fleet to return the air.

Good news indeed. After seeing her in Hanger 2 for so many years, I finally get to see her fly this year

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!