P3351, seen during WOW2008, has since been exported to Europe but was again offered for sale early in 2022. A return to NZ skies would be highly appreciated. Unfortunately there will be no Warbirds over Wanaka 2022. Next edition: Easter 2024.
After arrival in New Zealand, Pioneer Aero at Ardmore fitted the aircraft with an Allison V-1710-111 engine. The Yak became ZK-YYY in February 2005. Here, under the early morning sun, Arthur Dovey's Yak is being prepared for Warbirds over Wanaka WOW 2008.
In the early 1990s six Polikarpov I-16 Ishaks and three I-153 Chaikas were recovered from crash sites in Northern Russia. The aircraft were restored by Aviarestavratsiya at Novosibirsk for the Alpine Fighter Collection. Here ZK-JIN leads I-153 ZK-JKM.
Ash-621R engined ZK-JIN made her first post-restoration flight on 9 September 1995 at Novosibirk. Two years later, on 10 October 1997, the Ishak made her first flight in New Zealand skies.
This 'Red 10' was one of three Chaikas recovered in Russia and restored in Novosibirsk for the Alpine Fighter Collection. The aircraft came to Wanaka in March 1998, but was damaged during her first flight there on the 23rd of that month.
The Yak's markings are based on those applied to the Yak-3 of Lt. Saveli Vasilevich Nosov of the 150 GIAP, 13 GIAD in 1945. The cyrillic text beneath the cockpit reads: 'Commander Arthur Dovey'. The Yak was extensively damaged during WOW 2018.
One of the stars of Warbirds over Wanaka 2008, Hurricane I P3351 left New Zealand in 2013 and is now residing in France. P3351 was dispatched to France on 1st June, 1940, as an attrition replacement to 73 Squadron, based at Echemines near Rouen.
Captain Clive Franklin Collett, born in Spring Creek near Blenheim was officially credited with 12 victories during WWI of which 4 in B3889 of 70 Squadron. Collett was tragically killed on 23 December 1917 flying a captured Albatros D.V over Scotland.
ZK-PBY of The Catalina Company NZ Ltd., started life as RCAF PBV-1A Canso 11054. 'NZ4017' is wearing the markings of 6 Squadron, RNZAF, as based at Halavo Bay, Forida Island, in late 1944. The original NZ4017 was broken up at Hobsonville in 1952.
Vampire T.35W A79-649 retired from RAAF service in 1970 and was restored at Bankstown, NSW, in 1986. Some T.35s had Mk.33 wing sets fitted following overstress or achievement of fatigue life and were subsequently designated T.35W.
In total the RNZAF operated 11 Vampire trainers: 6 T.55s (NZ5701-NZ5706) with 5 additional T.11s (NZ5707-5711) delivered in 1955/56. In 1997 this former Swiss T.55 (ex U-1225 and ex HB-RVM) came to New Zealand and is based at New Plymouth as 'NZ571'.
In May 1978 the RNZAF offered 32 Harvards for tender, with many finding their way to the Australian and New Zealand warbird scene. NZ1057 (RAF EX828, USAAF 41-33801) is retained in her former RNZAF light grey and 'Post Office' red training c/s.
NZ1098 (RAF EZ455, USAAF 42-85229) if the Harvard 98 syndicate is in a scheme similar to that of the 'Red Checkers', the 5-ship demo team of the RNZAF Central Flying School at Wigram, formed in the Harvard's twilight years until their disbandment in 1973.
Dragonfly 71-854 transferred from the USAF to the South Vietnamese Air Force in 1971. The aircraft was recovered from Bien Hoa AB in 1991 and shipped to Ardmore, New Zealand, for restoration by Aero Technology.
NZ7001 recently returned to 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland, after completion of a set of test flights at the Safe Air facility at Woodbourne in mid-February 2013. The C-130 NZ LEP (Life Extension Program) has been troubled by long delays.
The Old Stick & Rudder Company's P-40E NZ3009 is based at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, and is one of the regular stars at Warbirds over Wanaka. The aircraft is in an American Volunteer Group 'Flying Tigers' colour scheme.
GAF-built Canberra B.20 A84-207 entered service with the RAAF in August 1954. The aircraft came to New Zealand in March 1993 and is now on display at the Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum, which is located adjacent to the airport.
After years of operation with the Old Flying Machine Company at Duxford, Warhawk NZ3009 (US serial 41-25158) returned to her native New Zealand. The aircraft will forever be linked to legendary Kiwi warbird pilot Ray Hanna.
ZK-CAG sports two different RAAF schemes. On this side the P-40 is dressed as A29-105 'Currawong'. The port side shows her 75 Squadron, colourscheme, with serial A29-448. She is owned by Charles Darby and Garth Hogan.