Warbird Information Exchange

Unfortunately I'd have to say that the chance of importing any flyable A-4s of any kind is difficult to slim, at best. DoD relies on the State Dept to vet and block the importation of US made military jets. Witness the debacle that is the KIWI A-4s and the Hoss Pearson transaction.

The State Dept hangs its hat on the International Arms Agreement, they claim that importing military aircraft and other former military weapons as a violation of that agreement. They are , however, hands off on non US equipment.

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"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass..."
Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto

here's the AZ TA-4

look under "Fighting Classics"

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Paul Filmer
skippyscage photography

David, Did you get my recent private message?

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Pat,
I just sent you a PM. I haven't received one from you in a while!
David

what's the story on those?
B

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documenting restored B-17s and those undergoing restoration to flight:

I'll have to refer to Rick H as to the Az airplanes. I'd be interested in hearing about them as well.
Here's a couple of photos of when we were looking the airplane over right after purchasing it. It's still in the EAA hangar at this time and some of the other jets are in the background.


This photo is after we moved the airplane and have started to open all of the wing fuel panels. The single point receptacle had been removed previously, so it left us to inspect each access point to make sure we had no rodents. We lucked out as the wings were very clean and no rodents made a home in there. Honestly, I think the fumes would have killed them.


I'll start a new thread in the maint hangar and start from the beginning of this project. I wasn't taking a ton of pictures, but I'll make sure to take some more now that I'll be posting them here.

David
WHF Maint

!!

the TA-4 is being built for a private buyer with the hope that they can make and sell more afterwards.

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Paul Filmer
skippyscage photography

Thanks for posting those in AZ. I can at least dream of owning an A-4 with a USN or USMC history.
The A-4 purchased from the EAA must have been left outside for a couple of years as when it was flying it had a gloss finish and was immaculate in every detail. I know the Hunter and T-33 were left outside for 10 or 12 years after having been donated in flying condition. That's what's "wrong" with the Hunter. As for their T-33, the story I heard is that last year Chris Rounds paid something like $25K for it. He put a tailpipe in it, and new fuel pump, and radios. Supposedly he flew it out of there.

All of those aircraft had been restored with no expense spared by Jim Robinson. He had the desire and a near unlimited checkbook when he started putting the collectin together. When the Cameron Iron Works fortune was finally split up, I believe he and his brother got something like 365 million,... each !

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"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass..."
Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto

All of those aircraft had been restored with no expense spared by Jim Robinson. He had the desire and a near unlimited checkbook when he started putting the collection together. When the Cameron Iron Works fortune was finally split up, I believe he and his brother got something like 365 million,... each !

The aircraft were in excellent condition when donated, it was a real shame that they were parked for so long.

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"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass..."
Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto

From the pictures I have of the restoration the airplane was painted dull gray and gloss white on the underneath of the wing and belly. This is exactly how it is right now. The gray has become a little chalky, but when cleaned up looks very good. It did spend some time outside, usually a few weeks during Airventure, but not a couple years worth.
I'll post some pictures I have of it when the EAA got it when I have time to scan them. The airplane is in very good shape and we intend to fly it out of Oshkosh with a fresh inspoection and no ferry permit.
David
WHF Maint

Does the EAA still have any of the "combat jets" they got from Texas a few years back or have they all been sold off?

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Well, the Mig 21 is in the background in David's picture. There were two F-86s and a Dehavilland Vampire. One F-86 was sold north, that was The Huff. The Hunter is still there, but for sale. Don't know about the Mig 15.

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"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass..."
Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto