Three new projects arrived recently at Pioneer Aero’s restoration shop in Ardmore, New Zealand for restoration.

Bell P-39Q Airacobra:

“Ex Soviet Airforce, recovered circa 1995 being restored to fly as USAAC 220341. This aircraft is currently being assessed prior to the final phase of restoration to flying condition. ”

Vought OS2U Kingfisher Bu. 5982:

“Originally intended for use by the Netherlands East Indies. Arrived in Australia April 1942 and received at Rathmines Put into Service September 1942. Served with the Seaplane Training Flight, later 3 OTU and 107 Sqn  Coded JE-H. On the 7th of December 1943 the controls became jammed and the aircraft flipped on takeoff near Wangi Point, Lake Macquarie. Crew; FO K Drury and FltSgt A Larsen both unharmed. The aircraft was towed to shore and righted, as the aircraft was submerged it was not flown again and reduced to spares. ”

Vought OS2U Kingfisher Bu. 5985

” Originally intended for use by the Netherlands East Indies. Arrived in Australia April 1942 and received at Rathmines. Into Service June 1942. Served with the Seaplane Training Flight, later 3 OTU and 107 Sqn in May 1943. Coded JE-B. Flown to Lake Boga VIC August 1945 where the last 9 remaining Kingfishers were stored. Sold in April 1947 to Mr Norman Padgett but not delivered. Displayed at the  Mildura Museum VIC and restored using other Kingfisher parts. Displayed, partially restored, at the Malcolm Green Aircraft Museum, Whaleworld,…”

Source: Pioneer Aero