WIX Archives

Lavochkin La-9

Posted by Brett on Sun Mar 09, 2003 04:30:33 AM

The Lavochkin had an engine ailment this weekend, and did not fly on Saturday at the Ardmore airshow. Everytime I went back to the hangar there were at least 4 guys working on the problem, and they managed to get it fixed enough for John Lamont to take it up for a display on Sunday afternoon.

What a neat aeroplane!

Still a bit of smoke, so maybe a bit of work left to do before it is shipped to the UK.

It has the Breitling Fighters logo on the cowling. I wonder if they are going to become a five-ship display team...

Ray Hanna was not able to fly the La-9 for the airshow, so he had to use Garth Hogan's P-40 to shoot down some pesky Harvards that attacked the airfield. It must be so annoying when that happens.

The Yagen P-40 was on display in the AvSpecs tent. There is still a bit of work to do before it flies. It looks structurally complete, and is on it's gear with the engine in place. The systems fit-out has started, but the cockpit lacks any instruments and various panels are still missing from the airframe.

AvSpecs also had the fuselage of the ex-AFC Spitfire Mk XIV (NH799) on display, looking like it is at the point where things are starting to be put back ON rather than taken OFF.

Cheers,

Brett

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