#Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

[monkeyssalad-blog]

de Havilland DH98 Mosquito T.III J-UP RAF TV959 NS838 N956TV by Chris Murkin Via Flickr: de Havilland DH98 Mosquito T.III J-UP RAF TV959 NS838 N956TV Photo taken at The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum Paine Field Everett Washington USA 18th July 2024 DAF_3714

[nocternalrandomness]

John Penney in the pattern with the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum's Shturmovik

[usafphantom2]

Randy’s Warbird Profiles: Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-5 “White A”

August 30, 2024 Zac Yates Warbirds News 0

[Photo by Randy Malmstrom]

Aircorps Art Dec 2019

By Randy Malmstrom

Since his childhood, Randy Malmstrom has had a passion for aviation history and historic military aircraft in particular. He has a particular penchant for documenting specific airframes with a highly detailed series of walk-around images and an in-depth exploration of their history, which have proved to be popular with many of those who have seen them, and we thought our readers would be equally fascinated too. This installment of Randy’s Warbird Profiles takes a look at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum‘s Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-5, currently the only airworthy example of the legendary Luftwaffe fighter.

RWW FHCAM 190A 02

[Photo by Randy Malmstrom]

This particular aircraft was built in Bremen in April 1943. It is an example of the Jagdbomber (“Jabos” for short) or fighter bomber modification. It was based at Siversky (southwest of Leningrad) and so has come down through history as the “Leningrad 190.” It is the aircraft of Feldwebel Paul Rätz, Jagdgeschwader 54, Staffel 4 and a veteran of 117 combat missions. I have heard variously that it was painted in forest camouflage using paints scrounged from local residents by Luftwaffe field mechanics, or it was pained in RLM colors being tested at the time. The yellow stripe indicates Russian Front and a letter marking generally refers to ground attack rather than a number for air attack.

RWW FHCAM 190A 04

[Photo by Randy Malmstrom]

While on a “free hunt” for trains with his wingman in the “Corridor of Death” near Voybokalo, east of Leningrad, on July 19, 1943 Rätz encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire. He reported having been hit by flak and made a nearly perfect belly landing. He was reported missing in action, but in fact survived the crash and was taken prisoner in the Soviet Union and was later repatriated to Germany in 1949. The aircraft was found in 1989 where he left it near Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) with his helmet and radio gear on the pilot’s seat.

It is believed that slave laborers sabotaged this aircraft as there was no bullet damage, and a rag was found in one of the oil lines. It was rebuilt with as much original skin as possible (I am told as much as 80-90%) and powered by a BMW 801 D-2 air-cooled engine (note the 12-bladed fan behind the propeller) — I have heard that an unused engine still in its crate was found for this project — which was rebuilt at Vintage V-12s in Tehachapi, CA. What was amazing about this aircraft was the Kommandogerät (control device), an electro-mechanical computer that sets the fuel mixture, propeller pitch, boost, and magneto timing all at once. It is my understanding that the famous KommandoGerät in and of itself was half the cost of the BMW 801 “Power Egg” engine (there seems to be question as to any use of that moniker in German-language regions), and that there were disputes between manufacturers Fw and BMW over all the early engine problems (who was to blame); a Luftwaffe officer helped the two companies come to some agreement.

RWW FHCAM 190A 10

[Photo via Randy Malmstrom]

It was acquired by Vulcan Warbirds Inc. for display and flight at Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM) on Paine Field in Everett, WA. The BMW sticker has been removed for safe keeping but you can see the disk where it belongs. The canopy is largely original and I’ve heard reports that the plastic was recovered from the Bodensee (Lake Constance) or possibly Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Final restoration was at GossHawk Unlimited in Arizona and Steve Hinton flew it for the first time on December 1, 2010. It is the only flying example of this version with a BMW 801 engine as of this writing, with Steve Hinton and Kevin Eldridge the only two pilots checked out in the aircraft since it was restored.

RWW FHCAM 190A 07

[Photo by Randy Malmstrom]

This Jabos modification was armed with two Rheinmetall MG 17 7.92 mm machine guns in the cowling (disparagingly referred to by German pilots as “Türklopfer” or “doorknockers” for their lack of penetrating power) – two of the MG/FF 20 mm cannons in the wings were removed to carry up to 1,320 lbs. of ordnance. It has red mechanical landing gear indicator rods or bayonets which you can see protruding on top of the wings and where it attaches to the landing gear strut.

Note that in this vintage of Fw-190 there is a spring-loaded pulley on the canopy to keep the antenna wire taught regardless of the the canopy’s position; this was skipped on later 190’s such as the D-13 Dora (I have photos of that aircraft without the pulley). Flaps are metal whereas the Dora uses wood. Also, since the canopy rails are not parallel the canopy has a hinge on the top to make it flexible. There is a cable from the right landing gear strut to the tailwheel that retracts the tailwheel when the main gear goes up; there is an access panel on the left side of the tail fin to adjust the cable mechanism (see photos and diagrams). The right wheel rim of the aircraft is painted red indicating synthetic fuel (as far as I have determined).

RWW FHCAM 190A 05

[Photo by Randy Malmstrom]

The “Achtung” warning on the armor behind the pilot’s seat reminds ground crews that there is an explosive canopy release – this is due to the difficulty of opening it manually when the aircraft is at speed.

RWW FHCAM 190A 06

[Photo by Randy Malmstrom]

About the author

Randy Malmstrom grew up in a family steeped in aviation culture. His father, Bob, was still a cadet in training with the USAAF at the end of WWII, but did serve in Germany during the U.S. occupation in the immediate post-war period, where he had the opportunity to fly in a wide variety of types which flew in WWII. After returning to the States, Bob became a multi-engine aircraft sales manager and as such flew a wide variety of aircraft; Randy frequently accompanied him on these flights. Furthermore, Randy’s cousin, Einar Axel Malmstrom flew P-47 Thunderbolts with the 356th FG from RAF Martlesham Heath. He was commanding this unit at the time he was shot down over France on April 24th, 1944, spending the rest of the war as a prisoner of war. Following his repatriation at war’s end, Einar continued his military service, attaining the rank of Colonel. He was serving as Deputy Wing Commander of the 407th Strategic Fighter Wing at Great Falls AFB, MT at the time of his death in a T-33 training accident on August 21, 1954. The base was renamed in his honor in October 1955 and continues to serve in the present USAF as home to the 341st Missile Wing. Randy’s innate interest in history in general, and aviation history in particular, plus his educational background and passion for WWII warbirds, led him down his current path of capturing detailed aircraft walk-around photos and in-depth airframe histories, recording a precise description of a particular aircraft in all aspects.

Author ProfileRelated Posts

Zac Yates

Zac, born and raised in New Zealand, grew up immersed in aviation, with his father working as a helicopter crewman and living at Wanganui Airport. His passion for aviation started in childhood, building scale model kits and following the global warbird scene. He later trained as a journalist but found mainstream media unfulfilling, leading him to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Now residing in Blenheim, near the historic Omaka Aerodrome, Zac studies at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and aspires to become a private and warbird pilot. Known as "Handbag" in aviation circles, he shares his love for aviation through photography and writing, connecting with enthusiasts worldwide.

@VintageWarbirdNews via x

[xasha777]

In the year 2047, the skyline of Neo-Boston glittered with the neon dance of progress and tradition. Among the high-rises and the buzz of drone traffic, Harvard University stood as a beacon of knowledge, now a blend of ancient stone and smart-glass technology.

Jaxon Yu was the pride of Harvard's ROTC, not just for his strategic mind, but for the experimental armor he wore—a masterpiece of engineering, infused with AI and etched with golden filigree that honored his family's heritage. This was the night before the "Crimson Trials," an event where cadets from ROTCs across the nation demonstrated their prowess in tactics and technology.

Jaxon, standing on the balcony of the ROTC headquarters, gazed at the vibrant city. His armor's core pulsed with a soft light, the energy source not merely a battery, but a miniaturized fusion reactor, a triumph of the university's latest research.

The "Crimson Trials" were more than a competition; they were a showcase of potential military leaders in the age of interstellar exploration and conflict. Jaxon's participation was not by chance. His thesis on extraterrestrial warfare tactics had caught the attention of the Pentagon, and this was his opportunity to demonstrate his theories in practice.

As the night deepened, a coded transmission was received by his armor's communication array. It was a real-time mission directive, not a simulation. An unknown craft of apparent extraterrestrial origin had been detected entering Earth's atmosphere. Jaxon was to lead a squad to intercept, his armor's systems ideal for first contact protocols.

With swift precision, Jaxon assembled his team, their footsteps echoing in the hallowed halls of the ROTC building. They were a diverse group, each member an expert in linguistics, engineering, combat, and diplomacy, trained for situations exactly like this.

The squad boarded a VTOL, ascending above the cityscape where the stars waited. Their target was a clearing outside the urban sprawl, the craft's predicted landing site. As they disembarked, the night came alive with the hum of an approaching entity. The craft was unlike any human design—sleek and silent, it touched down with a grace that defied its size.

Jaxon stepped forward, his armor's AI already analyzing the alien vessel's language—a stream of mathematical precision broadcast in a frequency just beyond human hearing. His team formed a protective semicircle as Jaxon initiated first contact.

"Welcome to Earth," he broadcasted, the AI translating his words into the alien syntax. "I am Cadet Jaxon Yu of Harvard ROTC, representing the United Earth Coalition."

There was a moment of silence, then a burst of light and data. Jaxon's armor absorbed the communication, shielding his team from the raw informational onslaught. The alien message was clear: they were explorers, much like humanity aspired to be, seeking knowledge among the stars.

The encounter marked the dawn of a new era. The technology and insights gained from the aliens propelled human understanding forward by leaps and bounds. And at the heart of this revolution was Jaxon, the Harvard ROTC cadet who first greeted our neighbors among the stars.

Jaxon's story was retold for generations—not as a tale of conquest, but one of courage and the unyielding quest for knowledge. His armor, standing in the Harvard museum, became a symbol of a pivotal moment when humanity stepped into the larger cosmos as equals, allies, and students.

[maikomaiko1]

Unveiling the Legacy: Samurai Museum Tokyo

In the bustling streets of Tokyo, amidst the modern skyscrapers and neon lights, lies a place that serves as a portal to Japan's rich and storied past - the Samurai Museum Tokyo. This cultural gem stands as a tribute to the samurai warriors, iconic figures of Japan's feudal era, whose legacy continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.

Stepping into the Samurai Museum Tokyo, visitors are immediately transported back in time to an era of honor, discipline, and martial prowess. The museum's exhibits are a treasure trove of artifacts, including authentic suits of armor, ancient weapons such as katana swords, and intricate ceremonial garments that once adorned the noble warriors.

But the museum is more than just a showcase of historical relics; it's an immersive experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and ethos of the samurai. Through interactive displays, live demonstrations, and guided tours, guests have the opportunity to delve deep into the fascinating world of these legendary warriors.

One of the highlights of the Samurai Museum Tokyo experience is the chance to witness a demonstration of ancient samurai techniques, including the art of combat and self-defense. Visitors can marvel at skilled practitioners showcasing the fluid movements and precision strikes that were once integral to samurai warfare.

For those seeking an even more authentic experience, the museum offers special events and performances that bring the spirit of the samurai to life. One such event is the traditional practice of samurai choking, a martial arts technique known as "sakkatsuchi" or "kogusoku" in Japanese. This age-old practice involves immobilizing an opponent through precise pressure points and controlled breathing techniques, demonstrating the samurai's mastery of both physical and mental discipline.

To truly immerse oneself in the world of the samurai, visitors can also participate in workshops where they can learn basic swordsmanship techniques or try on replica armor and garments. These hands-on activities provide a deeper understanding of the samurai's way of life and the rigorous training they underwent to uphold their code of honor, known as "bushido."

In addition to its educational and entertainment offerings, the Samurai Museum Tokyo also serves as a poignant reminder of Japan's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of the samurai. Through its exhibits and programs, the museum strives to preserve and promote appreciation for this iconic aspect of Japanese history.

For those eager to embark on a historical adventure like no other, a visit to the Samurai Museum Tokyo is an unforgettable journey back in time. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a martial arts aficionado, or simply curious about Japan's fascinating past, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into the world of the samurai, where honor, courage, and tradition reign supreme.

So, take a step through the gates of the Samurai Museum Tokyo, and prepare to be transported to a bygone era of noble warriors and ancient traditions. It's an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for Japan's enduring cultural heritage.

To witness the age-old practice of samurai choking and embark on this historical adventure, visit Mai-ko.com for more information and to plan your visit to the Samurai Museum Tokyo.

[battlingblades24532]

Unveiling the Majesty of the Gladiator Sword and the Great Sword: A Dual Heritage of Power and Prec

In the realm of historical weaponry, two iconic blades have etched their names in the annals of combat history – the Gladiator Sword and the Great Sword. These formidable weapons, each possessing a unique blend of strength and finesse, have become symbols of martial prowess and skilled craftsmanship.

The Gladiator Sword, with its origins deeply rooted in ancient Rome, is a testament to the gladiatorial arenas where warriors once fought for honor and glory. Characterized by a distinctive short blade and a sharpened point, the gladiator sword was designed for swift and precise strikes. Its compact size allowed for agility in close combat, making it a preferred choice for the gladiators who entertained audiences with their skillful duels.

In contrast, the Great Sword, also known as the two-handed sword, represents a different era and style of combat. Originating from medieval Europe, the great sword is a massive weapon, often measuring over six feet in length. Crafted for knights and warriors clad in heavy armor, the great sword was a symbol of sheer power. Its extended reach and imposing blade made it a formidable choice on the battlefield, capable of delivering devastating blows to adversaries.

What sets these two legendary swords apart is not just their historical context but also the distinct techniques required to wield them effectively. The gladiator sword demands precision and speed, allowing warriors to navigate the confined spaces of the arena with finesse. On the other hand, the great sword relies on strength and calculated movements, requiring a skilled wielder to harness its immense power without sacrificing control.

In the middle of these two iconic weapons lies a convergence of martial artistry and craftsmanship. The gladiator sword and the great sword share a common thread in their use of high-quality materials and meticulous design. Both blades showcase the ingenuity of blacksmiths who, centuries apart, forged weapons that have become synonymous with martial excellence.

Whether displayed in a museum, portrayed in historical reenactments, or featured in fantasy epics, the gladiator sword and the great sword continue to captivate the imagination of enthusiasts and historians alike. These weapons stand as a testament to the evolution of combat, each carrying the legacy of the warriors who once wielded them in the pursuit of honor, glory, and victory.

In conclusion, the Gladiator Sword and the Great Sword stand as formidable representatives of distinct epochs in history. From the gladiatorial arenas of ancient Rome to the battlefields of medieval Europe, these weapons embody the craftsmanship and martial skill that have left an indelible mark on the world of arms and armor.

[seattlereddit]

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum to Reopen Soon

https://www.reddit.com/r/SeattleWA/comments/11rh7eb/flying_heritage_combat_armor_museum_to_reopen_soon/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[greatworldwar2]

• Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (隼, "Peregrine Falcon" was a single-engine land based tactical fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II.

The Ki-43 was designed by Hideo Itokawa, who would later become famous as a pioneer of Japanese rocketry. The Ki-43 prototype was produced in response to a December 1937 specification for a successor to the popular fixed-gear Nakajima Ki-27 Nate. The specification called for a top speed of 500 km/h (311 mph), a climb rate of 5,000 m (16,400 ft) in five minutes and a range of 800 km (500 mi). Maneuverability was to be at least as good as that of the Ki-27. When first flown in early January 1939, the Ki-43 prototype was a disappointment. Japanese test pilots complained that it was less maneuverable than the Ki-27 Nate and not much faster. In order to solve these problems, Nakajima produced a series of progressively modified prototypes through 1939 and 1940. These changes involved a major weight saving program, a slimmer fuselage with the tail surfaces moved further aft and a new canopy.

Crucially, the 11th prototype introduced the unique differential "butterfly" maneuvering Fowler flaps, which dramatically improved performance in tight turns. The 13th prototype combined all these changes, and tests of this aircraft resulted in an instruction for Nakajima to place the Ki-43 into production, the Ki-27 jigs being transferred to the Mansyu factory at Harbin in Japanese occupied Manchukuo. The Ki-43 (Oscar) was initially produced in November 1939, given the designation Ki-43-I. Deliveries from Nakajima's Ota factory commenced in February 1941. In addition to outstanding maneuverability, the Ki-43-I had an impressive rate of climb due to its light weight. Power was provided by the Nakajima Ha-25 engine turning a two-bladed, two-position variable-pitch metal propeller. The Ki-43 was equipped with two synchronized cowling machine guns in various configurations, with either two 7.7 mm (.303 in) Type 89 machine guns, one 12.7 mm (.50 in) Ho-103 machine gun and one 7.7 mm (.303 in) gun, or two 12.7 mm (.50 in) Ho-103 guns; the aircraft was given various sub-designations to reflect these differences.

Prototypes for the Ki-43-II flew in February 1942. The Ha-25 engine was upgraded with the 2-stage supercharger, thus becoming the more powerful Nakajima Ha-115 engine, which was installed in a longer-chord cowling. The new engine turned a three-bladed propeller. The wing structure, which had suffered failures in the Ki-43-I, was strengthened and equipped with racks for drop tanks or bombs. The Ki-43-II was also fitted with a 13 mm armor plate for the pilot's head and back, and the aircraft's fuel tanks were coated in rubber to form a crude self-sealing tank. This was later replaced by a 3-layer rubber bladder, 8mm core construction; with 2mm oil-proof lamination. The pilot also enjoyed a slightly taller canopy and a reflector gunsight in place of the earlier telescopic gunsight. Nakajima commenced production of the Ki-43-II at its Ota factory in November 1942.

The Ki-43 was the most widely used Army fighter, and equipped 30 sentai FR,(flight regiment) and 12 chutais IS,(independent squadrons). The first unit equipped with the Ki 43-I was the 59th FR at Hankow Airfield, during June–August 1941 and began operational sorties over Hengyang on October 29th, 1941. The second unit to re-equip with the new Aircraft was the 64th FR, from August to November 1941. The first version, Ki-43-I, entered service in 1941, the Ki-43-II in December 1942, the Ki-43-II-Kai in June 1943, and the Ki-43-IIIa in summer 1944. The aircraft fought in China, Burma, the Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, the Philippines, South Pacific islands and the Japanese home islands. Like the Zero, the Ki-43 initially enjoyed air superiority in the skies of Malaya, Netherlands East Indies, Burma and New Guinea. This was partly due to the better performance of the Oscar and partly due to the relatively small numbers of combat-ready Allied fighters, mostly the Curtiss P-36 Hawk, Curtiss P-40, Brewster Buffalo, Hawker Hurricane and Curtiss-Wright CW-21 in Asia and the Pacific during the first months of the war.

As the war progressed, however, the fighter suffered from the same weaknesses as the slower, fixed-gear Ki-27 "Nate" predecessor to the Oscar, and the more advanced naval A6M Zero; light armor and less-than-effective self-sealing fuel tanks, which caused high casualties in combat. Its armament of two machine guns also proved inadequate against the more heavily armored Allied aircraft. As newer Allied aircraft were introduced, such as the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, North American P-51 Mustang. The Japanese were forced into a defensive war and most aircraft were flown by inexperienced pilots. However, even near the end, the Oscar's excellent maneuverability could still gain advantage over rash Allied pilots. Like most Japanese combat types, many Hayabusas were at the end expended in kamikaze strikes.

The Ki-43 also served in an air defense role over Formosa, Okinawa and the Japanese home islands. Some examples were supplied to the pro-Japanese regimes of Thailand, Manchukuo and Wang Jingwei Government as well. The Thai units sometimes fought against the USAAF in southern China. Hayabusas were well liked in the JAAF because of the pleasant flight characteristics and excellent maneuverability, and almost all JAAF fighter aces claimed victories with Hayabusa in some part of their career. At the end of the war, most Hayabusa units received Ki-84 Hayate "Frank" fighters, but some units flew the Hayabusa to the end of the war. The top-scoring Hayabusa pilot was Sergeant Satoshi Anabuki with 39 confirmed victories, almost all scored with the Ki-43.

After the war, some captured examples served in limited numbers in the French Air Force in Indochina against Viet Minh rebels. Ki-43s abandoned in the Netherlands East Indies were taken over by the newly declared Indonesian government and put into service during the fight against Dutch forces. Over the course of the war 5,819 Ki-43-I, Ki-43-II and Ki-43-IIIa builds were produced. Several surviving examples are a Ki-43-I on display at Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington, a Ki-43-II displayed unrestored at the Australian War Museum in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Ki-43 originally under restoration/rebuild at Texas Airplane Factory, Meacham Field, Fort Worth, Texas, and a Ki-43 awaiting restoration at The Fighter Collection in Duxford, United Kingdom.

[airmanisr]

51-13067 (N168SE) 1951 North American F-86E Sabre USAF Chino 03.94 by Phil Rawlings Via Flickr: Constructed 1951 as a F-86E-15-NA by North American at Inglewood, California. Taken on charge with the United States Air Force with serial 51-13067. 1952 transferred to Nellis AFB, NV. By 1965 displayed at a memorial at Banning, CA. From November 1994 to By 2002 flew as N186SE markings applied FU-067, 13067. 06.10.96 crashed Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) Salinas, CA, United States while landing. The airframe was repaired using parts of other Sabres and other sources. 1997 returned to airworthiness. 08.05.02 to Warbird Aircraft Llc, San Diego, CA as N186SE. To Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino Airport, Chino, CA. Restoration started 01.04.13 with new owner. To Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum, Paine Field, Everett, WA.

[huntedfoxml]

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

3407 109th St SW, Everett, WA 98204, USA

+1 877-342-3404

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5d63rafa5K2fFqwM7

[monkeyssalad-blog]

1944 North American P-51D Mustang N723FH USAAF 44-72364 SX-L 472364 Upupa Epops by Chris Murkin Via Flickr: 1944 North American P-51D Mustang N723FH USAAF 44-72364 SX-L 472364 Upupa Epops This P51 is a Combat Veteran and served with the Eighth Air Force's 353rd Fighter group and was assigned to Captain Harrison Bud Tordoff who flew many air to air combats including shooting down a Me 262 Jet fighter Photo taken at The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum Paine Field Everett Washington USA 18th July 2024 DAF_3793

[wingnutz360]

Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage museum sold to Walton family aviation enthusiast.

Paul Allen with one of the vintage warplanes at the Flying Heritage Combat and Armor Museum he started in Everett, Wash. (Flying Heritage Instagram Photo)

The Flying Heritage Combat and Armor Museum, an extensive collection of aviation and military artifacts started by Paul Allen in 2004, has been sold by the late Microsoft co-founder’s estate.

News of a proposed sale to entrepreneur and philanthropist Steuart Walton, the grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton, was first reported in April and became official on Thursday.

The Everett, Wash.-based museum’s assets are being acquired by Walton’s Wartime History Museum, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that launched earlier this year with a mission to preserve and restore wartime historical artifacts. The organization wants to continue to make warplanes and armor available through live exhibitions, museum properties and public spaces.

“It has been my honor and privilege to help develop and care for this amazing collection, share it with the public, and preserve and celebrate the important military history and human stories of which we are caretakers,” Adrian Hunt, Flying Heritage’s executive director, said in a news release.

Hunt added that he was thrilled that the museum would continue to educate and inspire the community.

The Wartime History Museum’s plan is to reopen FHCAM to the public, at its current location at Everett’s Paine Field, within the next year. No changes in branding have been announced and information about the opening or future plans for FHCAM was not yet available.

The museum was closed in March 2020, along with several other Allen properties, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Artifact care and restoration has continued during the closure.

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum

Paul Allen’s collection of aviation and combat artifacts was housed at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. (FHCAM Photo)

Since Allen’s death due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 65 in 2018, his sister and the trustee of his estate, Jodi Allen, has dramatically transformed his numerous holdings. Facilities such as Seattle’s Cinerama movie theater and the Living Computers Museum + Labs remain closed.

Walton is the co-founder of Runway Group, a holding company with investments in northwest Arkansas; and the co-founder and chairman of Game Composites, a company that designs and builds small composite aircraft.

He serves on the board of directors for Walmart and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, among other organizations, and is a licensed pilot as well as an aircraft collector. His net worth has been estimated at $300 million.

Steuart Walton. (Walton Family Foundation Photo)

“This incredible collection reminds us of the significance vintage aircraft and other historic vehicles have had on our nation and globe,” Walton said in a statement. “On behalf of my fellow WHM board members, we hope to share these important artifacts for generations to come and unearth inspiring stories to help fuel innovation, understanding, and exploration.”

The museum showcases airplanes, tanks, and armaments from the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan, and the former Soviet Union, with many restored to original flying or driving condition and emphasizing authentic paint schemes and mechanical systems.

Among the gems in the Flying Heritage collection are a British de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber that was built at the end of World War II; a Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik attack aircraft; a German Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive bomber; and the White Knight carrier airplane that helped SpaceShipOne win the $10 million X Prize for private spaceflight in 2004 with Allen’s backing.

“Paul curated an amazing collection of significant aircraft and machines that tell strong and important stories that need to be remembered and celebrated,” said Steve Hinton, president of the Planes of Fame Air Museum and former FHCAM principal test pilot.

Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

[usafphantom2]

Randy’s Warbird Profiles: Grumman F7F-3P Tigercat

June 28, 2024 Angela Decker Warbirds News 0

By Randy Malmstrom

Since his childhood, Randy Malmstrom has had a passion for aviation history and historic military aircraft in particular. He has a particular penchant for documenting specific airframes with a highly detailed series of walk-around images and an in-depth exploration of their history, which have proved to be popular with many of those who have seen them, and we thought our readers would be equally fascinated too. If Randy’s last name seems familiar, it is because the U.S. Air Force’s present-day Malmstrom AFB, near Great Falls, Montana is named in honor of his cousin, Col Einar Axel Malmstrom. Col Malmstrom commanded the 356th Fighter Group during WWII, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, the first of Randy’s articles featured an example of the type, P-47D 45-49406 (N7159Z) at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington.

This installment of Randy Malmstrom’s aircraft profiles takes a look at the Grumman F7F Tigercat. On January 2, 1930, Grumman Aircraft Engineering Aircraft Corporation was founded by Leroy (“Roy”) Grumman three of his friends, Leon (“Jake”) Swirbul, William Schwendler, and Edmund Ward Pool, when they left Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corporation. First located in Baldwin, New York, the plant was moved to Valley Stream and Farmingdale before moving to Bethpage, New York in 1937. Initially nicknamed the “Tomcat” (but considered too suggestive), what became the “Tigercat” was designed as a carrier-based aircraft for the larger U.S. Navy Midway-class carriers.

Detail design began in 1941 but was delayed by including an “unsatisfactory” tailhook design and poor directional stability with only one engine operational, but the biggest delays came from the Navy asking Grumman to give priority to the development and production of the Hellcat. The Tigercat was powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W Double Wasp radial engines and was fitted with four M2 cannons (two in each wing root) and four 0.50 cal. M2 Browning machine guns in the nose. It had a max payload of 2,000 lbs. and could be configured to as a single or two-seater.

XF7F 1 at Moffett Field 1946

XF7F-1 BuNo 03550, the second prototype, at Moffett Field, California in 1946. NASA photo

In November 1944, F7F-1 BuNo 80291 completed the type’s carrier qualification trials aboard USS Shangri-La (CV-38), but by that time the land-based VMF-911 had been training on F7F-1s at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina since the summer of 1944. After producing just 34 -1s, Grumman began turning out F7F-2s, which, at the Navy’s request provided space for a radar operator, which required the capacity of the reserve fuel tank to be reduced from 426 to 375 gallons.

The story of the Tigercat in World War II is a case of so close, yet so far. The first squadron to receive the F7F-2N was Marine Night Fighter Squadron Five three One (VMF(N)-531) Grey Ghosts, which embarked aboard USS Attu (CVE-102) on July 24, 1945. As the ship neared Guam, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6. After unloading in Guam, the squadron arrived on Okinawa on September 1, the day before the Japanese signed the “Japanese Instrument of Surrender the following day. The same fate befell Marine Photographic Squadrons Two Five Four (VMD-254) and Three Five Four (VMD-354), both of which operated the F7F-3P. The combat debut of the Tigercat would have to wait five years just across the Sea of Japan. During Korea, VMF(N)-542 Tigers and -513 Flying Nightmares flew night interdiction and close air support sorties with the latter squadron shooting down a pair of Po-2 biplanes on night harassment raids. Combat operations for the Tigercat ended in April 1952, when the Flying Nightmares flew it final combat sortie, although a number of F7F-3N/-4N/-3Ps continued to fly in non-combat roles until the end of the war.

While 1,500 Tigercats were commissioned, fewer than 500 were delivered, and, to my knowledge, only eight remain airworthy. This particular F7F-3P, BuNo 80483, was delivered to the U.S. Navy on July 24, 1945 and was assigned to NAS San Diego. After 46 hours of non-combat flying time, it was relegated to the boneyard at NAS Litchfield Park, Arizona but became one of less than twenty Tigercats eventually rescued from Litchfield. This example flew for SIS Q Flying Services out of Santa Rosa, California. In 1962, SIS Q Flying Services of Santa Rosa, California won a National Forest Service contract to provide airborne forest fighting services in California and Oregon and acquired a number of Tigercats, including 80483, and outfitted them for aerial fire fighting operations. Registered as N6178C, this aircraft flew over 1,300 hours with SIS Q Flying Services before eventually being sold.

Grumman F7F 3N Tigercat Sis Q Santa Rosa CA March 3 1988 RuthAS

Our subject Tigercat in Santa Rosa, California on March 29, 1988 during its career with Sis Q Flying Services. RuthAS photo.

In November 1988, it was shipped to Duxford, U.K., and for a time was painted as a Tigercat of U.S. Marine Corps VMF(N)-542. It was then acquired by a John Sessions entity in 2003 for the Historic Flight Foundation which is now shuttered but was previously located in Spokane, Washington. In 2016, it was sold to Comanche Maverick Air, L.L.C., a Houston, Texas-based entity, owned by Dan Friedkin. It is currently painted as an F7F-3P with tail code “MW” of U.S. Marine Corps VMJ-1, and in the name of a former Tigercat pilot, aeronautical engineer and author Lieutenant Commander A.M. “Mike” Granat, United States Navy (Ret.), Lt Commander Granat flew over 30 aircraft, including the Tigercat.

About Randy Malmstrom

Randy Malmstrom grew up in a family steeped in aviation culture. His father, Bob, was still a cadet in training with the U.S. Army Air Forces at the end of WWII, but did serve in Germany during the U.S. occupation in the immediate post-war period, where he had the opportunity to fly in a wide variety of types which flew in WWII. After returning to the States, Bob became a multi-engine aircraft sales manager and as such flew a wide variety of aircraft; Randy frequently accompanied him on these flights. Furthermore, Randy’s cousin, Einar Axel Malmstrom flew P-47 Thunderbolts with the 356th FG from RAF Martlesham Heath. He was commanding this unit at the time he was shot down over France on April 24th, 1944, spending the rest of the war as a Prisoner of War. Following his repatriation at war’s end, Einar continued his military service, attaining the rank of Colonel. He was serving as Deputy Wing Commander of the 407th Strategic Fighter Wing at Great Falls AFB at the time of his death in a T-33 training accident on August 21st, 1954. The base was renamed in his honor in October 1955 and continues to serve in the present U.S. Air Force as home to the 341st Missile Wing. Randy’s innate interest in history in general, and aviation history in particular, plus his educational background and passion for WWII warbirds, led him down his current path of capturing detailed aircraft walk-around photos and in-depth airframe histories, recording a precise description of a particular aircraft in all aspects.

Author ProfileRelated Posts

Angela-Decker

Angela Decker, from McPherson, Kansas, discovered her passion for aviation after earning a Master’s in Military History from Norwich University in 2011. Since 2012, she has volunteered with vintage aviation groups, excelling as a social media content creator and coordinator. Angela has coordinated aviation and WWII events, appeared as Rosie the Riveter, and is restoring a Stearman aircraft. She is the Operations Logistics Coordinator at CAF Airbase Georgia and an accountant with a degree in Economics from the University of Georgia. Her son, Caden, shares her love for aviation and history and is studying Digital Media Arts.

@VintageAircraftNews.com

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Proud to have met this veteran. A ball turret gunner from WW2! (at Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum)

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Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo: An Immersive Historical Journey

In the heart of Tokyo, amidst the modern skyscrapers and bustling streets, lies a hidden gem that beckons travelers to embark on a journey through Japan's rich martial heritage—the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo. Formerly known as the Samurai Museum Tokyo, this esteemed institution has undergone a transformation to embrace not only the legendary samurai but also the enigmatic ninja. With its immersive experiences, captivating exhibits, and authentic demonstrations, the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo promises visitors an unforgettable and poignant historical adventure.

As you enter the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo, you're transported back in time to feudal Japan, a world of honor, loyalty, and martial prowess. The museum's halls are adorned with an impressive array of artifacts, from intricately crafted samurai armor to stealthy ninja weaponry, each telling a story of courage and skill passed down through the ages.

What sets this museum apart is its commitment to providing visitors with hands-on experiences that bring Japan's martial heritage to life. From donning traditional samurai or ninja attire to participating in swordsmanship and stealth technique workshops led by expert instructors, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the traditions of these iconic figures. It's not just a visit—it's an opportunity to step into the shoes of a samurai or ninja and experience their world firsthand.

A highlight of the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo experience is the chance to witness live demonstrations of samurai and ninja techniques. From dynamic sword fights to mesmerizing displays of agility and precision, these performances showcase the unparalleled skill and bravery of Japan's martial elite, leaving audiences spellbound and inspired.

Among the most intriguing demonstrations offered by the museum is the age-old practice of samurai choking M—an authentic display that offers a rare glimpse into the martial prowess of the samurai and their unwavering commitment to mastering the art of combat. This captivating demonstration serves as a poignant reminder of the discipline and skill of Japan's legendary warriors.

In addition to its captivating exhibits and demonstrations, the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo also offers educational workshops and lectures that delve deeper into the history, philosophy, and techniques of the samurai and ninja. Whether learning about the Bushido code of honor or the tactics of ninja espionage, visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for Japan's rich martial heritage.

For those seeking an unforgettable historical adventure, a visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo is a must. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a martial arts aficionado, or simply curious about Japan's fascinating past, this museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit of the samurai and ninja and embark on a thrilling journey through time.

To witness the age-old practice of samurai choking M and experience the wonders of the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo for yourself, visit Mai-ko.com to book your tickets. Prepare to be transported to a world of honor, courage, and tradition, where the legacy of Japan's legendary warriors awaits.

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Two different versions of the Japanese naval ensign? From a model of the IJN Musashi. (at Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum)