WIX Archives
Re: Buried Naval Aircraft
Posted by bdk on Mon Apr 15, 2002 12:11:17 AM
In reply top Re: Buried Naval Aircraft posted by Rob S on Sun Apr 14, 2002 10:17:18 PM
I cannot get into specifics, but I have seen recovered WW2 era aircraft that had been bulldozed into a pit and covered over. All things considered, they are in remarkable condition, and are at least as restorable as some of those crashed Soviet 109's that have been recovered, and at least one of the aircraft in question is in fact under restoration. I can say no more about this at this time as I am sworn to secrecy on the details.
US Navy aircraft of the era were usually manufactured from aluminum components that were anodized before assembly and fully primed, and would tend to fare better from a corrosion standpoint than Air Corps types.
Sand drains pretty well too, so their contact with moisture could be somewhat limited compared to a swampy region (or a bog), although if they were buried on a beach along the ocean (saltwater exposure) that would be another story altogether.
: Thanks for all the advice. Also, what are your thoughts on
: their condition after a 50+ year burial in sand in a nort
: hern climate?