WIX Archives
Airframe Identities
Posted by Steven M Dennis on Thu Dec 11, 2003 07:04:06 AM
In reply top Re: Hey Steve... posted by John B on Wed Dec 10, 2003 02:35:36 PM
John,
I think you are right on with your estimate for completion of the USAF museum bird.
Mike told me the same story about the Navy now needing a Helldiver example because they were recently "relieved" of the unit they had at Pensacola by the NASM for display in their new facility. If I am correct, the Pensacola bird (Bu83479) is owned by the NASM.
Kind of interesting how the Navy has changed their view on this whole deal since the Lake Washington Helldiver lawsuit.
Anyway, there are five airframes in total, but you are correct, one will sacrifice itself for the others. They are:
Bu75318, this unit is the one that crashed into the side of a mountain in Utah. Mike has made something like 18 trips up to the crash site retrieving parts, but there are still some remnants left on the mountinside. This bird is the sacrificial member of the group. The tail components (among other things) are being used in the restoration of the USAF museum bird. The biggest component that is left of this unit today is the massive center section.
Bu75448, this unit was retrieved from Hawaii, and is the unit that Mike would like to restore for himself (as a flyer), it is in the best shape of the bunch.
Bu75552, this is an ex-Lake Washington bird, and is the one that will be going to Dayton. As mentioned above, some parts of Bu75318 have been incorporated into this plane.
Bu76805, another ex-Lake Washington Bird (in storage off site, pending future restoration).
And the last Helldiver is as of yet, unidentified, but is the third brought up from the bottom of Lake Washington, and this is also stored off site pending future restoration. (Could this unit possibly "assume" the identity of the crashed Utah bird in the end?????)
Have a GREAT day everybody!
Steve :o)