Strana 107
One of them is the Bell YP-59A Airacomet.
If the project is successfully completed, it
will be the only airworthy Airacomet in the
world. Currently, approximately 75% of all
work has been completed. The wing spars
and fuel system have been replaced, and both
engines and the landing gear have undergone
a complete overhaul.
The Hispano HA-1112 M1L “Buchon” is, of
course, intended to represent the Bf 109E at
air shows. The aircraft is virtually ready for
inspections and tests.
Work has begun on the restoration of the
1937 North American O-47A reconnaissance
aircraft. In this case, the restoration primarily
involves replacing the skin panels and
a complete renovation of the control surfaces.
In contrast, the Aichi D3A2 Type 99 (Val)
is one of the more demanding projects.
In addition to a complete renovation of the
skin, the aircraft requires restoration of the
tail surfaces, a complete overhaul of the
engine, propeller, and other components.
The renovation of the C-47, which the museum
received as a donation in 2009, appears to
be relatively less demanding. Although it is
a wartime Skytrain that even participated in
the D
-
Day, it is in relatively good condition.
The engines and fuselage components, as well
as the control surfaces, are scheduled for
a complete overhaul. Currently, the aircraft
has had its topcoat removed and is awaiting
wing installation.
The most demanding restoration project
at the Planes of Fame Air Museum, with
a budget of $2,000,000, is the B-17G. Aircraft
s/n 44-83684 was delivered to the Air Force
the day before the end of World War II in
Europe. In the 1950s, it served in the Aphrodite
project as a “mother ship” for guiding QB-17s,
in 1959, it became the last B-17 to carry out
an operational mission within the USAF. Until
the mid-1970s, this B-17 appeared in several
films, after which it became a museum exhibit.
Currently, all interior equipment has been
removed, the interior paint has been stripped,
and thorough inspections and repairs are
underway. All control surfaces have been
restored. Among the tasks still awaiting the
restoration team are repairs to all spars (in
accordance with an FAA directive addressing
cracks in the main spars of airworthy B-17s),
as well as overhauls of the engines, propellers,
and landing gear.
The Flying Fortress from the Planes of Fame
Air Museum is not the only B-17 whose return
to the skies we can look forward to. The appeal
of this model is inspiring several organizations
at once to undertake this extremely demanding
and costly process :
A relatively well-known example is the
B-17G Champaign Lady from the Champaign
Aviation Museum in Urbana, Ohio. This aircraft
is being painstakingly built from the wreckage
of several different planes. Currently, large
sections of the fuselage and wings are
complete. Where original parts cannot be
used, new components are being fabricated
according to the original blueprints. At
present, the Champaign Lady takes the form of
a nearly finished aircraft. Most of the interior
equipment is installed, including the gun
turrets and cockpit fittings. The Champaign
Lady is proof that even without major
sponsors, it is possible to build a top-notch,
airworthy warbird from wreckage, provided
you have sufficient resources, expertise, and
volunteers who are determined to pursue their
dream.
Another B-17G is undergoing a complete
TAIL END CHARLIE
Original condition of the tail surfaces of Typhoon RB396.
Bell YP-59A Airacomet in Chino.
A Skytrain with a history dating back to before the D
-
Day awaits a new paint job.
Restored tail surfaces of the Aichi D3A2 Type 99 (Val).
The B-17G stood in a museum in Chino for a long time
as an outdoor exhibit. Its restoration is demanding and
precise, yet simpler than that of other aircraft of this
type, which their owners are preparing to fly again.
The rear fuselage of the same aircraft after a complete restoration.
INFO Eduard
107
April 2026