Military Aviation Museum Welcomes SBD Dauntless

[Michel Lemieux]

Speaking of MAM...

I seem to remember they were also restoring a Fiat G-59 with the intent of converting it to a G-55 with a DB engine.

Meier Motor were working on it at one point.

Rings a bell?

[ErrolC]

So hopefully I get to see the fuselage progress!

https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryAviati ... 97/?type=3

The Fighter Factory has finalized the plan for the restoration of the Dauntless! Aircraft components will be split up to accelerate the project. The wings are going to be restored by the team at Aero Trader and the fuselage section is going to be dispatched to the dedicated team at Pioneer Aero of New Zealand!

http://www.pioneeraero.co.nz/2021/03/26 ... dauntless/

Pioneer Aero are very proud to be asked by The Fighter Factory and Military Aviation Museum to carry out the restoration of the SBD-5 Dauntless B-22 Serial Number 36175. To be involved with this iconic aircraft is a big honour. We feel that the relationship that was forged between The Fighter Factory and Military Aviation Museum and Pioneer Aero Ltd with the restoration of the P-39 Airacobra was very positive and remains so to this day. This was demonstrated by Tom Kurtz III asking us if we wished to take on this restoration.
...
{Photos at link}

Pioneer have just said on WONZ that "The aircraft will be rebuilt to fly at Ardmore, the wings, engine and prop will be sent to us to fit here."
Woot!

[Zac Yates]

Pioneer have just said on WONZ that "The aircraft will be rebuilt to fly at Ardmore, the wings, engine and prop will be sent to us to fit here."
Woot!

Double woot! I'm so excited! hopefully unlike the Airacobra I can get there to see it fly.

[LysanderUK]

Great choice of location for the restoration and first flights, considering the RNZAF use of SBD's.

RNZAF markings perhaps???

[Zac Yates]

RNZAF markings perhaps???

If I cross my fingers wishing for that they'll break!