Where's Flak Bait?

[maxum96]

I was at the Udvar-Hazy Annex this week. I saw the wings, engines, center section and tail section in the restoration facility. But the forward fuselage section was MIA. Anyone know where it's at right now?

[Marauderman26]

"Flak-Bait"s nose section was moved into one of the large paint booths for infrared and UV photography.

[maxum96]

Thanks for the info.

[Airlift48]

Yes, I had the privilege of going down on the floor this past week, and yes, the nose section is in the large paint booth undergoing preservation. Its engines are just about completed as well.

[sandiego89]

Peeked in on Flak Bait today (Feb 26, 2018). Cockpit looked striped, but was my first time seeing all the bits.

[JohnB]

Interesting to see the paint loss at the cockpit/fuselage break.
Shows you what 40 years of handling by visitors will do.
I'm surprised they didn't protect the area.

[StangStung]

Great pics.

Makes me wonder where the JRS-1, the Kikka and the Lippisch glider are now that Flak Bait is taking up so much real estate.

[Marauderman26]

Great pics.

Makes me wonder where the JRS-1, the Kikka and the Lippisch glider are now that Flak Bait is taking up so much real estate.

The "Flak-Bait" project is currently taking up LESS space than previous due to the nature of work currently being done and the need for additional space for the NMB project.
Like wise the Sikorsky JRS-1 was moved to the main museum floor on the north end, the Kikka is under the tail of the Boeing B-29 and the Lippish is between the Arado 234 and Dornier 335.

[DaveM2]

Great pics.

Makes me wonder where the JRS-1, the Kikka and the Lippisch glider are now that Flak Bait is taking up so much real estate.

JRS and the Kikka are on the display floor, the latter since 2015. Not sure re the Lippisch.

[StangStung]

I was last up there in May 2015, and all three were still in resto.

Glad to hear they've been put on display!

[sandiego89]

The positioning for the Kikka, JRS and Lippish that Maraudeman man mentions all jive with my visit on Feb 26, 2018. The Kikka is without engines. The JRS looks very rough (no fault to the museum implied) with the wing coverings in tatters. She is at the extreme northern end up against the hanger doors. I must say floor space is getting tight. f-100 and Irving new to me and a few other moves with perhaps the P-61 and unrestored P-38 being the most noticible since my last visit. He-219 seems ever closer to coming together. The 190 cowl was wide open for engine work and photography.

[FuryFB11]

On a slightly different topic, are they going to reassemble the HE219?

[StangStung]

Looks like the Lippisch isn't entirely together either.

I believe I recall reading that the 219 is slated for reassembly sometime this year, but I cannot find the source. It's an impressive beast. Looks great, even in pieces!

[DaveM2]

I can't spot the Lippisch, maybe it is being confused with the Horten?

[StangStung]

I can't spot the Lippisch, maybe it is being confused with the Horten?

No confusion here. Look harder.

Landing gear is peeking out under the Ar234 tail feathers. The horizontal bits are tucked between the Blitz and the Do 335. Evidently the vertical is still in the works.