Fw-189 breaks cover

[stryper]

I think the bumper sticker price of 1.5M is fair considering the uniqueness and the level of advancement.

This being said.....I see a few paths.

- Static low investment to finish it. This would be a specific type of investor
- Finish to flying condition...and like The first non Buchon ME-109 Black 6...give it a few spin around the block. Then go static.
- Find a unique owner who will maintain and show it on a specific and rare occasions in the air

In all cases....pretty sure it will be almost impossible to insure even if it is a gentle flying bird. It is in the unobtanium realm after all. So at your own risk. Very few wallets and collectors will be willing to invest and take that risk. But who knows!?

My personal take is that I just hope that we get to see more of the story line on what has happened since it went under the radar. Story line, parts hunting, drawings & spec hunting, reproduction challenges, bits and parts re-incorporated vs. remanufactured....etc.....

Since the Allen collection started to show up for sale recently, this was the one I was looking to get info on.

Cheers all......

EDIT & BTW.....this was my 3rd plastic 1/72 model as a 9 year old kid. Hence my fascination.

Option 2!

If I had the means to purchase this plane, I would ensure future generations had the ability to hear and see this aircraft in flight, via the internet. After all the video and sound recording were done, it would be loaned for static display to museums around the world. Hopefully, all phases of the restoration have been documented, and parts laser scanned. This information would also be made available if someone discovered another Fw189 and wanted to restore it, or an enthusiast wanted to build a replica. I can only dream.

[marine air]

I think the Curtiss P-36 and Hawk 75s are an example of planes that are “ too rare to fly” but are operated safely and skillfully year after year. My hope is that the FW-189 is purchased, restored by Flug Werks or an other comparable shop and flown. The Argus engines are reliable and there are people rebuilding them.
The Horten flying winged jet was studied in detail several years ago to glean many of its aerodynamic secrets. The FW-189 was an incredible design. Designed before the war, they had time to get it right. It’s role and missions expanded as the war progressed. It’s design should be studied for future replacements of existing aircraft like the MC-12, OV-10, OV-1, O-2, etc still used around the world.
It's wing shape. maneuverability. adaptability to multi-role missions should be reviewed for study for future designs.

[Yak 11 Fan]

My hope is that the FW-189 is purchased, restored by Flug Werks or an other comparable shop and flown.

Are Flug Werke still in business?

If it were my money I would leave it exactly where it is and let the Aircraft Restoration Company complete it. They have a fantastic record of restoring some amazing and rare aircraft over many years to an incredible standard.

I do hope the 189 gets completed and displayed.

[Kyleb]

If it were my money I would leave it exactly where it is and let the Aircraft Restoration Company complete it. They have a fantastic record of restoring some amazing and rare aircraft over many years to an incredible standard.

I do hope the 189 gets completed and displayed.

I'd love to see it (and the Stuka and the ....) flown. If they can be "restored' from a hulk that sat in a forest or underwater for 60 years, they can be restored again from a data plate.

[DaveM2]

My hope is that the FW-189 is purchased, restored by Flug Werks or an other comparable shop and flown.

Are Flug Werke still in business?

If it were my money I would leave it exactly where it is and let the Aircraft Restoration Company complete it. They have a fantastic record of restoring some amazing and rare aircraft over many years to an incredible standard.

I do hope the 189 gets completed and displayed.

No, Flug Werk no longer exist.

[Michel Lemieux]

Makes me wonder if & when the Stuka will go under the hammer?

[DoraNineFan]

Makes me wonder if & when the Stuka will go under the hammer?

It would fetch a higher price if it was complete or perhaps test flown. From the status videos that the museum released, it looked like they were just months from having it assembled. If the current situation is permanent, the Stuka is really one that I hope some time and money could be found to finish. Not forgetting that they also have a shiny new CASA 2.111 that was coming together to fly. The Me-262 was at least moving under its own power.

[JohnB]

It would fetch a higher price if it was complete or perhaps test flown.

In the old car world that is certainly the case. Sometimes it doesn't have to be a lot of work, just fine tuning or minor repairs. But a half completed project doesn't usually inspire confidence in the buyer.
Here, we know why it was out on the market, and it wasn't a case of the seller running out of money or interest...or discovering the effort was hopeless and a bottomless money pit.

Of course, there are exceptions...like a barn find vehicle with exceptionally low mines or original finishes.

[Michel Lemieux]

How about another rare airframe acquired by Mr. Allen? Any news on this one?

Saw it once in Chino before it was acquired.

http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/wwii-japanese-aircraft-wrecks-salvaged-at-balalae.html

[DoraNineFan]

How about another rare airframe acquired by Mr. Allen? Any news on this one?

Saw it once in Chino before it was acquired.

http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/wwii-japanese-aircraft-wrecks-salvaged-at-balalae.html

Just my opinion, but I suspect that it will end up displayed as it is. I can't think of another museum that would invest the resources for a detailed rebuild like Flying Heritage is known for. Perhaps Kermit Weeks could add it to his collection. Mr. Harada in Japan is already building a beautiful Betty restoration for his museum so there is another example.

[DaveM2]

A nice Betty undergoing work on Guadalcanal (plus another in waiting)

[Michel Lemieux]

Care to expand Mr. Dave????

[DoraNineFan]

Care to expand Mr. Dave????

There were one or more Betty's sitting at Ballale Airfield a long time ago and one was recently salvaged. I don't know how many were recovered or where they are today.

[DaveM2]

Care to expand Mr. Dave????

PM me your address and I will send a copy.

Dave

[marine air]

On the FW-189, I think they have overhauled the two Argus engines. I have seen that type of engine , for an overhauled price of $150K USD. So The sales price of the FW-189 isn't terribly far off. The big question is how much would it cost to have finished?