White Lightning

Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:23 pm

Did anyone ever hear anything more about the P-38 White Lightning being sold overseas to Red Bull?

Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:28 pm

I just picked up an issue of Warbirds International 2 days ago. And on one of the 1st pages they had a nice 2 page shot of White Lightning. In the little blurb on those 2 pages they confirmed that she has been sold to Red Bull.

Shay

Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:31 pm

thanks Shay. Red Bull is based in Austria correct?

Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:38 pm

Pat
I believe Red Bull is based out of Austria. Or atleast that's what I read on here in an earlier post. It'll be sad to think of N25Y without Lefty or Lad at the controls but atleast she'll be restored to fly again.

Shay

Wed Jan 05, 2005 3:50 pm

Well guys, just because she's been sold to an overseas buyer doesn't mean she's going swimming to a far-off place.

Perhaps we US airshow visitors will be reading "Red Bull" on her wings as she once again performs those knife-edge passes of amazing duration. Sure hope so! :wink:

Wed Jan 05, 2005 5:28 pm

There was a very interesting discussion about this over at AAFO a few weeks ago which left me with the impression that even though it has been reported the deal is not final yet.

Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:05 pm

Austria - I wish it was Australia. I was in the deep south one day and a cute girl asked me where I was from. Told her Australia to which she replied isn't that where they made that movie The Sound of Music!

Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:45 pm

Oscar Duck wrote:Austria - I wish it was Australia. I was in the deep south one day and a cute girl asked me where I was from. Told her Australia to which she replied isn't that where they made that movie The Sound of Music!

In case you weren't sure, the correct answer is YES! :lol:

Thu Jan 06, 2005 7:25 pm

And yes Red Bull is from Austria.

John

Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:39 am

For those who want to read more about Red Bull and their operation, plese see:
http://www.flyingbulls.com

I'm surprised to read, that they P-38 is going to Red Bull. According to a statement on their website, they are not looking for any more airplanes:

"Are the Flying Bulls looking for more rare planes?

No, because the hangar space at our present location is already full.
"

Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:55 am

Hanger is full......... :shock:

Crikey, the photos I've seen of this so called full hanger, and there was what seemed like 100ft empty space around each aircraft...... :lol:

Just because it's owned by Red Bull doesn't mean it has to be based in the hanger in Austria...... :wink:

I wouldn't be surprised if White Lightnin' didn't stay in the USA, and just gain a silver/blue corporate paint scheme. It's a known fact that the company want's to raise the profile of Red Bull in the USA.....

Fri Jan 07, 2005 12:58 pm

When we visited Red Bull in Austria they gave us a tour of both Glass Hangars. They indicated that they also owned hangar space across the field as well. The Glass hangar with the maintenance facilities was packed with aircraft. The other glass hangar also included a bar and corporate dining facilities as well as aircraft displays. This space is always in flux for parties. On display in this hangar included the F4U-4, B-25, Pitts, and a couple Red Bull Jets. The other hangar next door had thier Caravan, Widgeon, Extra, DC-6, a couple ulralights, and a couple more jets. We asked them what aircraft they desired most...the answer was a P-38...well they got one.

JimH