Warbird Information Exchange

I was curious if anyone had any P-39 recovery / restoration updates.

One I'm curious about is the P-39 recovered recently from a russian lake with the pilot still aboard.

But I'm curious to know about what others are out there.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

Shay

looks like the Russian P-39 is still for sale:

http://www.warbirdfinders.co.uk/aircraf ... 4-2911.htm

Not sure what is going on with the Fighter Factory example:

http://www.fighterfactory.com/airplane- ... photos.php

there don't seem to be many updates coming out of Precision Aerospace, which is unfortunate because they have a few other P-39s being restored, not to mention four Tonys, a few A-20s, a Kingfisher, etc etc. You'd think a place that interesting would have somebody feeding us poor warbird deprived souls regular updates on the various juicy things going on there...


cheers

gv

gregv - I have been thinking the same thing, wondering when we will hear an update on all those great aircraft at Precision. It surely has the most active projects of combat veteran aircraft. For a while, it seemed like there was constant coverage. Hopefully, Classic Wings will do another update soon.

Thanks

Any idea as to why the Russian Cobra hasn't sold? Are they asking too much?

Shay
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Semper Fortis

I can provide some following information about P-39 rebuilds in Australia.

There is a hybrid example currently being completed to static at Classic Jets Fighter Museum in South Australia. Posts on other forums have centred around the identity of the particular aircraft and some have suggested its a rebirth of one of Precisions, namely 41-7215. However, the owner has made it clear this is not the case???

Regarding other restorations it seems as if the precision team are on track with their first Cobra which is due to take to the air in August 2007 in Australia. the aircraft must complete a minimum of 20 hours test time before it can be handed over to its new owner in the USA.

The second P-39 is progressing well and is due for completion in mid 2008 and, if all goes according to plan the third and final P-39 from this facility will grace the skies of Australia by the end of 2008 or early 2009.

There is also a rebuild under way in Queensland but I am not sure on the status of this project. Another project in Sydney has gone quiet but last reports had the cockpit rebuild completed with additional work done of empenage and forward sections.

I also understand that the Precision workshop has now been closed to public access for Occupational Health and Safety reasons. This is in no way aan indication of problems but I beleive the restoration teams were having some difficulties in meeting time frames due to the number of 'tourist' going through the place. essentially work in some areas had to stop while the public were allowed on site. this was due to the facilitly being a Council run Museum prior to Precision going in there. This has now changed and its a closed workshop, hence the slow down in photographs and regular updates on projects.

I hope this helps.

Shelldrake

Thanks Shelldrake.

That's great to hear the a steady flow of Cobras will be returning to the skys.

Please forgive my ignorance but I hadn't heard of the "Precision" group before.

What is the companies full name and do they have a website?

Shay
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Semper Fortis

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

there's an update on the Fighter Factory site on their P-39:

http://www.fighterfactory.com/restoration/bell-p-39.php

cheers

greg v.

The Russian P-39 is a very fine example but the price is way too high.

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http://www.warbird-hangar.com links and gallery &
http://www.yakkes.com Yakkes Foundation, Yak-52

Looking at their website I don't see the price listed, only an invitation to ask. How much are they asking for it, and what would be a similar benchmark for comparison?

greg v.

How much? I couldn't locate a price.

Mennie wrote:The Russian P-39 is a very fine example but the price is way too high.

I am curious, how did you arrive at that statement? Any facts to back it up?

About a year ago I was told that the asking price was $445,000.
It was not listed at warbirdfinders so it could be different now.
There is a project at Courtesy Aircraft for $129,000 http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/P-39%20proj.htm
The one at warbirdfinders is "significantly complete" (which makes it a fine aircraft wreck in my opinion) but I did not see anything about a possibility to use it for a restoration.

_________________
http://www.warbird-hangar.com links and gallery &
http://www.yakkes.com Yakkes Foundation, Yak-52