U.S. Army/USMC Curtiss A25-A (SB2C-1A "Helldiver")
This is quite an unusual find. This rare aircraft started its life as a United States Navy SB2C "Helldiver". During the Second World War the Army ordered 900 "Helldivers" and renamed them A25-A. The U.S. Army later realized the "lack of need" for a dive bomber and the aircraft were transferred to the USMC and renamed the SB2C-1A. The history of this aircraft is unknown to the Author. The aircraft is seen (recovered from Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Hawaii) in an overall olive green paint sceme with grey undersides. It is interesting to note that two U.S. national insignia are painted on the sides of the aircraft (this is due to war time repainting at differant periods - exposure to the elements have uncovered both insignia).
U.S. Army P-47 R-2800 "Double Wasp" Engine
This Pratt & Whitney R-2800 "Double Wasp" 18 cylinder radial air-cooled engine was recovered from Normandy France. No history of the aircraft that the engine served with is know to the author. The engine was recovered from the water (believed to be the English Channel, but not confermed), and has extensive damage and corrosion. The engine was recovered with the four bladed propeller, but is not included in the photograph. Most of the engine cylinders have broken off on the bottom of the engine due to impact. No battle damage to the engine was noted upon inspection.
U.S. Navy TBM-1C "Avenger"
This Navy TBM-1C "Avenger" was also found on Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Hawaii. The aircraft was recovered by QuestMasters and is seen prior to disassembly for shipment. This aircraft served with a training squadron on Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Hawaii U.S.A., until a young U.S. Navy Ensign decided to "ground-loop" the ill-faited plane (his third and yes final crash). The Ensign was un-hurt but the aircraft was struck from inventory due to extreme damage. This TBM-1C sat for 50 years in the runway bushes of Barbers Point NAS until recovered in the mid-1990's.
