WIX Archives

Re: OFMC Corsair

Posted by Rob Mears on Thu Feb 07, 2002 05:58:22 AM

In reply top Re: OFMC Corsair posted by Tracey on Thu Feb 07, 2002 03:16:20 AM

I personally like the aircraft as it was painted immediately after the OFMC received it 1991. In my mind, that the aircraft is in fact NZ5648 is a quality to be celebrated. It and NZ5612 are the only two RNZAF Corsairs left in existence, which puts them in an exclusive and noteworthy position. For those who enjoy the spirit of their history, NZ5648 is one of the extremely small number of Corsairs that actually survived the experience of the air war in the South Pacific. In fact, if not for the 100-Hour (Soccer) War, the vast majority of today's surviving Corsairs would be comprised of the 'non-combat' variety.

In defense of the OFMC, I will contend that the necessity of actively portraying the living history of these aircraft pretty much dictates that the experience remain fresh as the display progresses through the years. Portraying a vast array of wartime Navy & Marine units over time (as well as the mounts of particular pilots) is as enriching a lesson as seeing a combat veteran aircraft wearing its personal wartime colors. I'm all for piquing minds and arousing the curiousity of the crowd with a new visual every few years.

Now if only Paul Morgan's Corsair could remain active in country for at least one airshow season, and afford the world some air-to-air shots reminiscent of VF-17 in all it's glory :)

Rob Mears

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