When choosing aircraft for high-tech aviation research, Tom “Mach” Schnell identified the rugged reliability of the Soviet built Mi-2 Hoplite helicopter as a perfect platform. Schnell talks about operating the Mi-2 and explains this Cold War era helicopter’s value as a research test bed.
Warbird Digest’s California connection, Frank Mormillo, offers a history lesson on the J2F Duck and details about surviving examples, including one operated by Fantasy of Flight in Florida, and another restored by Fighter Rebuilders for Comanche Fighters.
On an overcast day in late September 2012, warbird lovers around the world rejoiced as a de Havilland Mosquito was successfully flown from Ardmore Airport in New Zealand. Warren Denholm of AvSpecs oversaw the project, which required the expert craftsmanship from his own shop and many others, to complete the masterpiece for owner Jerry Yagen.
When Corsair owner Doug Matthews learned a pilot who flew his aircraft on combat missions in Korea was still current in the type, he and Warbird Digest’s own Stephen Chapis worked together to arrange a special reunion flight at Doug’s home airport in Ramona, California.
A nation known for its self-sufficiency in military aviation designs, Sweden has been a fiercely independent country. Luigino Caliaro shares the story of how the nation’s pride is maintained by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight.
When retired USAF Colonel Paul Good heard a story about an unrecovered B-17 crash site in Alaska, he imagined how a recovery could help in the restoration of the Champaign Aviation Museum’s B-17, Champaign Lady. He conspired with B-17 project leader Randy Kemp to mount a full-blown recovery effort manned by a team of volunteers from the Ohio based museum.
