This link provides a little more flesh to the plans out in India!
By: Propstrike - 19th October 2013 at 20:19
I think this Tiger has been rigged for high-speed flight !
By: Jagan - 19th October 2013 at 17:12
To what extent is the Wapiti original material?
The entire undercarriage assembly, engine and prop are quite obviously “home-made” but it’s not clear how much original structure is there inside-does anybody know?
I am inclined to agree that they should start again from scratch…
The fuselage inner structure, rudder, elevators, wings all seem to be original construction. I did photographic analysis of it with period pictures and it retained the shape it should on these parts.
The fuselage panels, undercarriage, engine seem to be 1950s vintage “Base Repair Depot” construction. It remained untouched since then internally – though it changed its automobile wheels and outer paint over time.
A decent amount of facelift can be given just by addressing the fuselage panels , undercarriage and the Jupiter engine.
And yes I agree ‘restoration’ to static display should be attempted.. “airworthy status” not so much!
And regardign the tigermoth
http://www.flickr.com/photos/torqueaviation/10156819055/in/set-72157636288723606 (From October 8th)
By: sopwith.7f1 - 18th October 2013 at 16:35
You are correct in saying that the Wapiti used a substantial amount of DH 9a parts, however that was only the first “MK I” Wapiti. The airframe was progressively metalised through the various MK’s, untill the MK IIa, it’s airframe was all metal.
I am not sure if the Indian Wapiti, is a true MK IIa, or if it incorperates parts from earlier MK’s.
Bob T.
By: David Burke - 17th October 2013 at 12:49
It used D.H 9 wings and tail surfaces of wooden construction. Rear fuselage is also wood -how much of the rest is real Wapiti is open to debate.
By: sopwith.7f1 - 17th October 2013 at 11:57
I think maybe you should clarify that a little . There are the remains of Wapiti’s in Australia -there is however nothing in any way as substancial as the Indian example. The Indian example probably could fly once you have replaced 80-90 percent of the woodwork. Would that be a sensible thing to do when its survived this long -no!
From memory the Indian Wapiti is a MK IIa, which had mostly metal construction rather than wood.
Bob T.
By: David Burke - 16th October 2013 at 14:39
I think maybe you should clarify that a little . There are the remains of Wapiti’s in Australia -there is however nothing in any way as substancial as the Indian example. The Indian example probably could fly once you have replaced 80-90 percent of the woodwork. Would that be a sensible thing to do when its survived this long -no!
By: Avro Avian - 16th October 2013 at 14:30
Jagan,
The IAF Museum Wapiti at the very least deserves to be rebuilt to a historically correct standard, if only to preserve as an example of 1930’s technology for the education of future generations. It is not the only surviving Wapiti, although it is the closest to being the most intact – there are at least two other projects that I know of. If there is the opportunity to bring one of these back to life, it should be encouraged, because I do believe having a static machine is much like stuffed animals in a museum – it only tells part of the story to the viewer.
By: David Burke - 16th October 2013 at 13:42
I guess the former Skysport Wallace fuselage travelling to Leicester earlier on in the year is just an amazing coincidence!
By: Tin Triangle - 16th October 2013 at 12:37
To what extent is the Wapiti original material?
The entire undercarriage assembly, engine and prop are quite obviously “home-made” but it’s not clear how much original structure is there inside-does anybody know?
I am inclined to agree that they should start again from scratch…
By: Jagan - 16th October 2013 at 04:28
MikeJ,
The Tiggie was flying at the Air Force Day Parade last week on October 8th. So Unless something happened since then..
Yes, there are Jupiters “out there” and other Wapitis too, looking to be “reborn”. Yes, I would love to see a Jupiter running again, hopefully attached to a Wapiti, despite what some the damp squibs say here.
I am with AMB .. I wouldnt want to touch the IAF Museum’s Wapiti. If they are really interested they should restore the other aircraft (Spitfire, Hurricane, Tempest, Gnat, Marut etc) first.
And they can really afford to build a Wapiti from scratch.. why touch an existing genuine example..(even though incomplete in many aspects)
By: Avro Avian - 16th October 2013 at 00:41
Yes, there are Jupiters “out there” and other Wapitis too, looking to be “reborn”. Yes, I would love to see a Jupiter running again, hopefully attached to a Wapiti, despite what some the damp squibs say here.
By: David Burke - 15th October 2013 at 18:46
There are a number of Jupiter VIII’s around -however they probably wouldn’t be first choice. In terms of operating an aircraft in India – a Jupiter might well not be the most desirable engine to use.
By: The Blue Max - 15th October 2013 at 16:01
Bob, jupiters are out there.
By: sopwith.7f1 - 15th October 2013 at 14:54
Where did you hear this Mike??? I do hope not but then again I’m sure it can be repaired. Strange no mention of the Harvard that is in fact second in line and nearing completion here in the UK.
The Wapiti will be a huge undertaking but strange that some seem to immediately assume that the Jupiter will be replaced !!
Unless they have access to a Jupiter, they will have no option but to use a different engine, the one currently fitted is made out of wood.
Bob T.
By: David Burke - 15th October 2013 at 14:51
The Wallace traveling from Shuttleworth to Leicester might be entirely coincidental but I cannot forsee the Wapiti flying again unless they intend to make two out of one!
As for the Tomtit and Tutor I would be suprised if we still see them flying in ten years time -the Mew Gull has been rebuilt and damaged so much that the risk of losing original material must now be very slight.
By: Mike J - 15th October 2013 at 13:38
You’s better call Old Warden and tell them to ground the Tomtit, Tutor, ANEC, Wren, Elf, Desoutter, Comet, Mew Gull and probably a few others sharpish then AMB. 😉
By: AMB - 15th October 2013 at 13:31
This was the Wapiti ~ as seen back in Feb 2005.
I’m sure to some of of us it might see to leave a lot to be desired
Considering that this is the world’s sole surviving Wapiti (what’s left of it!), it would be criminal to restore this to fly! I am all for seeing historic aircraft rebuilt to fly, but not the very last one. If it crashed and was destroyed the type would become extinct with no example to be seen by future generations anywhere in the world. Look what happened to the Bulldog at Farnborough in 1964 – after its crash,it took over 40 years to get it restored as a part-replica in the RAF Museum at Hendon today.
By: Propstrike - 14th October 2013 at 21:40
The plans of the Indian Historic Flight will be explained at the Historic Aircraft Association event at Hendon on 16th Nov
The full-day programme starts at 10.00, and we are delighted to be able to host the following presentations.-
* BBMF:Spitfire TE311 – Sqn Ldr Dunc Mason and Chief Technician Paul Blackah will give an account of the restoration, rebuild and flight of their most recent Spitfire addition to the Flight.
* 50 years of service; the VC-10 in military and civilian use – Sqn Ldr Cat Thompson RAF
* The Indian Air Force Vintage Flight; history and current status – Mike Edwards MBE MRAeS
* Dornier from the ocean bed- A detailed overview of a unique survivor, from the RAF Museum team who oversaw the recovery.
http://www.haa-uk.aero/news-details.php?news-id=159
Some tickets still available.
By: Mike J - 14th October 2013 at 20:31
From a conversation at DX yesterday.
By: The Blue Max - 14th October 2013 at 20:19
Where did you hear this Mike??? I do hope not but then again I’m sure it can be repaired. Strange no mention of the Harvard that is in fact second in line and nearing completion here in the UK.
The Wapiti will be a huge undertaking but strange that some seem to immediately assume that the Jupiter will be replaced !!
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January 25, 2013 at 6:57 pm
