The B-17, formerly known as “Shady Lady” is undergoing work to return to flight. This B-17 is owned by the Collings Foundation. For a detailed history on this aircraft, please visit the Collings Foundation website for information.

At American Aero Services, the restoration of a Japanese Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu “Rex” is about to begin. This aircraft known as “Rex” 565 was part of the 951st Kokutai (Air Group) at the tail end of WW2. Its role with the Imperial Japanese Navy was to be a floatplane fighter. It is believed that less than 100 airframes were built.

This aircraft was 1 of 4 that were brought back to the United States for technical evaluation.

After the evaluation, the aircraft was displayed at Willow Grove NAS from 1946 until 1982 when it placed into storage by the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Now in the possession of American Aero Services, this aircraft will be restored for display purposes.

This should be an amazing restoration to follow.

The Fantasy of Flight Lite museum re-opened on 4 November. They will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s from 11am to 3pm through April 2023. I will be making a post from my last visit.

Aircraft on display from earlier this year included this P-40, P-51, P-47 and Spitfire.