Corsair NZ5648

[Deleted]

I saw on the project Facebook page (link) the propeller is now off!

The Historic Aviation Film Unit website has an interview with/profile of the new owner and covers his plans for the airframe, including RNZAF markings and an appearance at Wings Over Wairarapa in November! It can be read here: www.aviationfilm.com/articles/corsairjones/index.shtml

Sept 4, 2023 19:20:21 GMT 12 JW said:

Zac, that last pic certainly makes COR look rather large!

That she is!! It looks like a bit of a hike to get into that very coveted seat.

Sept 3, 2023 15:56:27 GMT 12 Venomnut said:

Something I've only just noticed on Corsairs, is that their oleo's are completely compressed on the ground. Does anyone know how a pilot/ground crew determines they are serviceable before flight if there is no extension visible?  

I asked a friend who’s been doing some reading into the type and he had this answer for you, Jason:

They aren't quite completely compressed, it's how they normally sit. The pressure in them is quite a specific figure so they extend and compress the correct amount.

Originally they used to bounce badly, not good for carrier ops, so they came up with a bleed valve in the oleo which more slowly releases the pressure internally on touch down stopping the bounce and rebound. There are quite a few complex bits and pieces with the gear to allow it to rotate and also to not over extend and jam the wheel well. Clever aeroplane.

[baz62]

Sept 5, 2023 21:00:35 GMT 12 ErrolC said:

Cracker shot from Gavin.
BTW, do we know if it was wheels-up at any point?

Edit: I see elsewhere that wheels were locked down.

www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=848077496677283&set=a.204409957710710

Definitely left the wheels down until she can be serviced and tested safely on the ground.

[baz62]

Sept 2, 2023 17:35:06 GMT 12 campbellbox said:

Really cool news. I’m surprised (and impressed) it was fit for a decent ferry flight to Omaka after being dormant for so long.

I think it's a credit to the engineers at Masterton who had to have followed standard
practice for an aeroplane that was going to be stored. Usually entails draining the engine oil and replacing it with an inhibiting oil. Engine is run to allow it to get everywhere internally. Once it is cold the metal surfaces inside the engine are left with a nice waxy coating to prevent corrosion. As a comparison the Air Force Museum Avenger had this done in 1959 and in 1978 was, after suitable maintenance, able to be started and run. The bores were in great condition after inspection before the run.

[ErrolC]

Sept 6, 2023 14:23:32 GMT 12 baz62 said:

Sept 2, 2023 17:35:06 GMT 12 campbellbox said:

Really cool news. I’m surprised (and impressed) it was fit for a decent ferry flight to Omaka after being dormant for so long.

I think it's a credit to the engineers at Masterton who had to have followed standard
practice for an aeroplane that was going to be stored. Usually entails draining the engine oil and replacing it with an inhibiting oil. Engine is run to allow it to get everywhere internally. Once it is cold the metal surfaces inside the engine are left with a nice waxy coating to prevent corrosion. As a comparison the Air Force Museum Avenger had this done in 1959 and in 1978 was, after suitable maintenance, able to be started and run. The bores were in great condition after inspection before the run.

I was concerned that the required practices were not allowed to be followed due to the complexities of the situation. Either they were, or the lack of them was addressed before the tender last year - great!

[corsairarm]

It great to see her flying again and even better that it is going to be operating out of Ardmore. I first saw her when, as a young teen, I was on a school trip to MoTaT and saw her in the workshop. I went back the fpllowing weekend and joined up as a volunteer. Unfortunately at the same time it was announced that she had been sold to an overseas buyer but MoTaT was given another one as compensation. My father was an armourer attached to as Corsair squadron so it has a special place for me.

[baz62]

I was chatting with some Corsair fans (otherwise known as nerds: Anthony Galbraith, Greg Jacques, Zac Yates I'm looking at you ) and Greg pointed out that NZ5648 no longer has the stall strip on the right wing leading edge. For those going "the what now?" see the photo. Early in the Corsairs operation it was found the port wing tended to stall slightly before the starboard one. Not ideal when you are trying to land wings level as if one wheel touched first things could get a bit (checks notes) squirrelly especially for new pilots. So a mod was made where a little wooden triangular block was attached to the leading edge of the starboard wing. This had the effect of "causing" the starboard wing to stall pretty much as the port one did. Apprently the -1D Corsairs came with this from the factory.
So the concensous seems to be with the rebuild of the wings, removal of the gun bays and metal skinning instead of fabric for the outer wing panels, clipped wing tips and lighter weight she didn't need the stall strip anymore. I'm sure it didn't just drop off and noone noticed so be nice if someone who has flown her might have some insight?
I thought clipped wings might also be the reason so had a look at photos of FAA Corsairs but they have them so its not that.
web1_M1-FlightPathsSpoiler-edh-170703-1200x675 by Barry Tod, on Flickr

[Deleted]

The stall strip is a very interesting point for sure...one wonders if Jim Landry is still around?

Speaking of the wing mods, today I took these pics to try and give an idea of what the wing looks like - unfortunately as this is the only Corsair I’ve seen in person I’ve no comparable photos to show the differences (hopefully some light Googling can help). I hope some folk find them useful.
NZ5648/ZK-COR at JEM Aviation by Zac Yates, on Flickr
NZ5648/ZK-COR at JEM Aviation by Zac Yates, on Flickr
NZ5648/ZK-COR at JEM Aviation by Zac Yates, on Flickr
NZ5648/ZK-COR at JEM Aviation by Zac Yates, on Flickr
NZ5648/ZK-COR at JEM Aviation by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[ErrolC]

Honduran one.
G'day! by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

[ErrolC]

Write-up from James Kightly at Vintage Aviation News.
warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/rnzaf-fg-1d-corsair-flies-again.html

[Deleted]

Jul 29, 2017 15:25:57 GMT 12 shorty said:

Jul 29, 2017 13:40:29 GMT 12 @zacyates said:

Early photos at Asplin's show her with flat-tipped blades and someone suggested they were Mustang blades:

It would be pretty unlikely that Mustang blades would be fitted when Aspin/Larsen never broke up any Mustangs which brings up the question why would you bother when they had Corsair props coming out their ears.
I personally think the Mustang story is just uninformed talk from some "enthusiast" who was unaware of the disposal set up.

Gem Asplin, who's married to Jack's son, is a member of Mike Jones' RNZAF Corsair Supporters group on Facebook. Last night I posed the question about the what and why of these odd blades and she said:

Yes Mustang blades. Father in law had quite a few brand new blades purchased through the Government Stores Board and possibly held at TeRapa.

Still unclear about why, but at least that's myth = confirmed!

[Deleted]

Gem Asplin has explained why NZ5648 ended up with Mustang blades:

Father in law wanted her to look the part but no Corsair blades were left they had all gone into the smelter. Webbing cut from an airforce tow rope was wrapped around the Mustang blades to try and roughly hold them in the correct position. Remained like this until restored to Josephine.

Mystery solved!

[komata]

Although the last posts on this thread were in 2021, it is now 2023 and significant progress has been made in regards to this aircraft. I am advised that NZ5648 / ZK-COR (Aka 'Josephine') is both under new ownership and undergoing an extensive refit at Omaka, with the intention that it will return to 'exhibition flying' next year, yet this information doesn't seem to have made it's way to either this site or, more specifically, to this page.

We have been wowed by Zac's photos of the BTH Mustang, so can someone please do an 'Official' update on what has been / is happening to 'Josephine' (Possibly in a manner similar to BTH?), especially as 'she' is a significant aircraft on the NZ aircraft preservation scene.

Thank you.

[skyhawkdon]

There is a group on Facebook and there are great updates being posted there almost every day by the new owner Mike Jones. www.facebook.com/groups/726635422569297/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=818150820084423

[ErrolC]

Nov 11, 2023 8:38:01 GMT 12 komata said:

Although the last posts on this thread were in 2021, it is now 2023 and significant progress has been made in regards to this aircraft. I am advised that NZ5648 / ZK-COR (Aka 'Josephine') is both under new ownership and undergoing an extensive refit at Omaka, with the intention that it will return to 'exhibition flying' next year, yet this information doesn't seem to have made it's way to either this site or, more specifically, to this page.

We have been wowed by Zac's photos of the BTH Mustang, so can someone please do an 'Official' update on what has been / is happening to 'Josephine' (Possibly in a manner similar to BTH?), especially as 'she' is a significant aircraft on the NZ aircraft preservation scene.

Thank you.

Covered in this thread
rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/10604/josephine?page=7

But yes, it would be good if someone who is prepared to have an FB login could share the high points occasionally. Has any sort of appearance at Wairarapa been ruled out?

[Mustang51]

No, Should be there the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise......

[Dave Homewood]

It is scheduled to appear at the airshow, so long as no unforeseen issues crop up in the meantime, Errol. It will pretty much be the highlight of the airshow.

[chrisr]

In one of the videos posted on facebook today, RNZAF roundels are visible under the wings. Wairarapa will be the official unveiling of it's new (old/correct/about time) RNZAF scheme.

[ErrolC]

Engine run on Friday.
www.facebook.com/wingswairarapa/videos/the-team-at-jem-aviation-ltd-reach-an-exciting-milestone-yesterday-in-their-effo/1614410645756460/
The team at JEM Aviation Ltd reach an exciting milestone yesterday in their efforts to get the Corsair ready for Wings Over Wairarapa. The propeller has been overhauled and all the systems have been check over.
Yesterday was the first engine run after all the work that they have completed. She has always been known as a difficult aircraft to start but after all the work and in the hands of Ryan Southam, she started beautifully.
We are looking forward to seeing her back in the skies over Masterton at the end of the month.

[Deleted]

Nov 11, 2023 10:10:43 GMT 12 ErrolC said:

Nov 11, 2023 8:38:01 GMT 12 komata said:

We have been wowed by Zac's photos of the BTH Mustang, so can someone please do an 'Official' update on what has been / is happening to 'Josephine' (Possibly in a manner similar to BTH?), especially as 'she' is a significant aircraft on the NZ aircraft preservation scene.

Thank you.

But yes, it would be good if someone who is prepared to have an FB login could share the high points occasionally.

I asked Mike and he's happy for me to share his updates! Here are some highlights:
- Airbus have overhauled the prop
- JEM Aviation has done a TON of work including new radios, fixing various hydraulic and other niggles, fitting new (FG-1D-appropriate) wheels and brakes
- three engine runs were conducted on Friday
- the CAA has approved the identifiable colour scheme and the said scheme will be revealed at Wings Over Wairarapa
- the callsign "Corsair Four Eight" has been approved
- ADSB is installed and live with the ID "CORS48"
- high power runs were carried out today

I'll share some updates with photos shortly (unfortunately because the group is private I'm not sure videos will show up but I'll give it a crack) but I feel an early night coming on as I'm still fairly unwell. In the meantime here are some highlights from the last week.

08/11 link

JEM Aviation Ltd have made great progress and one of the key outstanding jobs is improving brake performance.
Jeremy and Michael have been hard at work on the brakes today. A short while after closing Jeremy identified that the new master cylinder push rods don’t have the correct internal vent and Jay organised a trusted partner to upgrade the push rods over the weekend ready for refitting Monday.
It’s a thankless job with ‘eau de brake fluid’ permeating the cockpit during the brake bleeding attempts.
Jeremy pulled out then stripped both master cylinders, identified the likely problem being venting leading to the discovery of the lack of internal vent.
Dull and green seal rods - WW2 originals with internal vent.
Shiny rod - modern unit. Externally the same but missing internal vent. Easy fix if you understand how (in sub component level detail) a hydraulic brake system works.

ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 04 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 05 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 06 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 07 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 08 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

link

Vultures Row Aviation FG-1D Brakes assembled, fitted and ready to bleed first thing tomorrow!
Thanks JEM Aviation Ltd

ZK-COR Omaka 20231108 Mike Jones 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

10/11 (link)

Hydraulic Accumulator. The yellow hydraulic accumulator is the WW2 original FG-1D accumulator. The black one is a modern replacement. We have fitted a replacement modern hydraulic accumulator similar to the black worn out modern unit we removed fron]m NZ5648 and will be sending the original WW2 unit off to be restored.
- The modern failed unit is a throw away.
- The 80 year old WW2 unit can still be reconditioned.
A hydraulic accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir in which an incompressible hydraulic fluid is held under pressure that is applied by an external source of mechanical energy. The external source can be an engine, a spring, a raised weight, or a compressed gas.[note 1] An accumulator enables a hydraulic system to cope with extremes of demand using a less powerful pump, to respond more quickly to a temporary demand, and to smooth out pulsations. It is a type of energy storage device.
Compressed gas accumulators, also called hydro-pneumatic accumulators, are by far the most common type.

ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

link

The Jem team worked prop -er hard today with Jay McIntyre leading the charge on reinstalling the Propellor after it’s overhaul by Airbus (Safeair).
The prop is now working very well and With 2000HP (a P40 is 1100HP) so any play is magnified and could cause significant damage so the prop is fitted very precisely.

ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 10 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 11 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 12 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 13 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 14 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 15 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 16 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 17 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 18 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 19 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 20 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 21 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 22 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 23 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

11/11 link

Shiny? Well new Red rocker cover gaskets at the bottom of the R2800to reduce oil leaks

ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

link

While the engine runs were happening the ADSB was fired up and happily acquired satellite GPS/WAAS fixes to we now have the mandatory CAA ADSB solution fitted.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is an aircraft surveillance system.
Aircraft receive accurate and precise location data from a satellite constellation and then broadcast this information through a transponder. This data can then be used by air traffic management services to maintain aircraft separation.
The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) provides extremely accurate navigation capability by augmenting the Global Positioning System (GPS). It was developed for civil aviation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The steel hangars act as a faraday cage making testing inside difficult.
A Faraday cage is a container or shield made of conductive material that blocks electromagnetic radiation (including radio signals) around the exterior of the cage, protecting whatever is inside from any static or non-static charge or radiation.

ZK-COR Omaka 20231110 Mike Jones 09 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

Today (link)
link

Right wing stall block now fitted and doped

ZK-COR Omaka 20231113 Mike Jones 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231113 Mike Jones 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231113 Mike Jones 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-COR Omaka 20231113 Mike Jones 04 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[ErrolC]

Nov 13, 2023 18:52:06 GMT 12 @zacyates said:

I asked Mike and he's happy for me to share his updates!
- new radios have been installed
- three engine runs were conducted on Friday
- the CAA has approved the identifiable colour scheme and the
- the callsign "Corsair Four Eight" has been approved
- ADSB is installed and live with the ID "CORS48"
- high power runs were carried out today

I'll share some updates with photos shortly. Unfortunately because the group is private I'm not sure videos will show up but I'll give it a crack.[/quote]

Thanks Mike and Zac.
The 'Josephine' thread is probably the better place here.