Malta Sea Gladiator Project to Fly

[Warbird Kid]

So it appears that the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation’s workshop in Ta’Qali is restoring the wingless Gloster Sea Gladiator N5519 ‘Charity’ to fly.



They have been updating people on their FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/maltaseagladiator/


http://www.warbirdregistry.org/gladregistry/gladiator-n5519.html

[Paul Stroud]

The wingless Gladiator is N5520, 'Faith' which is not the one being restored. The new rebuild/reconstruction/replica (take your pick!) is based on some parts of N5519 'Charity' which were recovered from the sea bed. Still, an exciting project - perhaps it will encourage the Maltese authorities to put wings on the museum example...

More here https://www.worldwarbirdnews.com/2021/0 ... -in-malta/

[Warbird Kid]

Whoops! Didn't see the difference between Charity and Faith! I figured it'd be a waaaay quicker restoration since they only had to build wings, but it appears its going to be awhile.

[Firebird]

perhaps it will encourage the Maltese authorities to put wings on the museum example...

I doubt it.
Faith is deteriorating all the while she's is left in that damp fortress cellar and the museum have pretty much refused all attempts at others help in either putting wings on it, building a proper tail or prop etc.,

I wonder if the composite flyer they are building will include fitting a Blenheim engine and 3 blade prop fitted to the Malta Glads as a way of trying to improve their performance.