WIX Archives
Dave, you probably know about this....
Posted by Cees Broere on Tue Sep 03, 2002 08:32:11 AM
In reply top Re: Typhoon Wings..... posted by Dave Robinson on Mon Sep 02, 2002 04:46:01 PM
From: www.jetagemuseum.org
Restoration of a Hawker Typhoon Mark 1a/1b (cardoor) type aircraft.JETAGE MUSEUM Project GLOAC/2000/094/****.
This project commenced during 1998, when an almost complete HawkerTyphoon cockpit section was identified at Taylors scrap yard near Chippenhamin Wiltshire.This find became quite important, as it was from a very early mark 1a or1b `car door' type of Typhoon.Unfortunately, when the cockpit was collected at the scrap yard, partshad been removed, like the side cowlings and the control column had beendeliberately sawn through just below the spade grip pivot joint.
All of the Typhoon aircraft were produced at the GloucestershireAircraft Company at Brockworth near Gloucester for the Royal Air Force, andtherefore an important exhibit for the museum to have on display.As a museum, the Gloucestershire Aviation Collection trades to thepublic as a charitable organisation known as the `JET AGE' Museum. It will beresponsible for the running of the business including financing projects such asthis Typhoon.The cockpit section was purchased for the museum in a business deal,and situated at the museum's temporary home at Gloucestershire Airport PLC,(Staverton), where the museum set up business and opened to the public inhanger number 7.An excavation was organised by Mr. Ron Murphy at a quarry near theformer Royal Air Force Red Arrows base at Kemble in Gloucestershire, wherestate of the art ground penetrating radar equipment was employed to searchthe area.Dismembered chunks of airframe from about 20 forward fuselages ofTyphoons were exhumed, many of these parts were remarkably uncorrodedand a few items obtained for our project.
Other items have since been received like landing gear legs, instruments,tyres and wheels, parts for the windscreen and car door assemblies, and manyother items in various states of repair.Regrettably it is not possible to find the original serial number for thisairframe, as the nameplate was missing, therefore the project will probably beof a fictitious serial number or an aircraft having a known historic background.The project was awarded to a museum member, Mr. Martin Clarke, who wasrequested by the museum committee to name the aircraft after his late wife,Michele, who was also a life member of the museum.
Very interesting stuff, but then again anything that has something to do with British warbirds is. But I am biased of course
Cheers
Cees