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And a 'Baghdad' Fury now for Wanaka!

Posted by Benjamin Gilbert on Fri Mar 01, 2002 02:29:32 PM

Hawker Sea Fury Confirmed For Airshow

28 February 2002: A Hawker Sea Fury will soon be roaring across the Tasman, en route to Wanaka for a special appearance at this year's Warbirds over Wanaka airshow.

Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Gavin Johnston, said most visiting warbirds were shipped to New Zealand but the Sea Fury was a little different. "It flies at over 400 miles per hour so it won't take long to get here."

The Hawker 'Baghdad' Sea Fury is a heavy-weight in the world of warbirds. Powered by an 18 cylinder piston engine, it has considerably more horse power than even the famous Spitfire.

Weighing over five and half tonnes, the aircraft had much success in action due to its surprisingly high accuracy and superior power. Furys did not see action until after WWII, operating off aircraft carriers in the Korean War among other missions.

Hydraulic assisted controls help the pilot manage the bulk and power of the Fury, which was essentially the last piston engine fighter to be made before the jet era.

Former Australian aerobatic champion Nigel Arnot will fly the aircraft from Brisbane to New Zealand via Lord Howe Norfolk Island. Arnot will also perform the display at Wanaka.

Mr Johnston said the Fury last appeared in Wanaka in 1994 where it proved to be a real crowd favourite.

The plane was built in 1952 as part of an Iraqi order, which earned it the addition of 'Baghdad' to its name.

It will be the third Hawker aircraft at the show. Also thrilling crowds with their magic in the sky will be the pre-war Hawker Hurricane and the post-war Hawker Hunter jet.

Warbirds Over Wanaka

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