TU-2 Survivors

Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:52 am

Wixers, Anyone know how many TU-2 survivors are out there. Didn't someone from the states get a bunch out of China? Do you think we will ever see one of these fast looking types fly? Are Ash-82's still available or would a American reengine be the way to go? Thanks, Rob

Fri Mar 24, 2006 1:17 am

My guess is that one will never fly again. They aren't worth much, are about the size of a B-25, and would cost a fortune to restore to airworthy condition. Hope I'm wrong!

Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:26 am

Approximately 26 survivors. John MacGuire, a Texas warbird collector now deceased, acquired a number of Tu-2 airframes. One is on static display at the museum he founded, War Eagles Air Museum, Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The rest of the airframes were in storage there but I don't know if they still are. They've been listed for sale occasionally over the years in Trade-A-Plane and other aviation magazines and newspapers. See their website for a picture: http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/

Kermit Weeks is reported to have two Tu-2s in storage. I count 13 airframes, either on static display or stored, at museums in China, Russia, Poland and Bulgaria. There might be more.

Dennis

Fri Mar 24, 2006 9:39 am

A long time ago there were two disassembled airframes at the museum proper, as well as the assembled example. I was told that there were more on the ranch, but I don't remember how many total.

I do remember that the one on display was pulled out of a cave using large ropes.

Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:59 am

I could be wrong but it seems like I had heard there was an outfit in Arizona with access to a couple and they were going to restore them to flying but the airport they were based at was giving them the "economic development" blues.

Tom P.

Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:13 am

Dennis Bergstrom wrote:John MacGuire, a Texas warbird collector now deceased, acquired a number of Tu-2 airframes. One is on static display at the museum he founded, War Eagles Air Museum, Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The rest of the airframes were in storage there but

Yep...good way to put it...a number...not sure what the number is, but it was quite a few. Mr. MacGuire had a second TU-2 under restoration to flying condition at War Eagles. I saw it a couple of years ago. I'm not sure if the status changed after Mr. MacGuire's death or if they are still working on it.

Jim

Fri Mar 24, 2006 1:45 pm

I heard (or read?) that the number of Tu-2 airframes he had was over 10. And IIRC, Aero Trader at Chino was also involved in the recovery of these aircraft from China and kept several airframes in storage. It's been awhile ago so I may be wrong about that.

Dennis

Fri Mar 24, 2006 9:46 pm

Thanks for the info Wixers! It would be great to see one in formation with a Yak-3. Does anyone know anything about the Ash-82 Radials? How common, parts, servicability? The Flug Werks 190's are using them. With 1900 fuel injected horse power you'd think they would put them on Yak-3's also. Thoughts? Thanks, Rob