Ripon restoration

[Dave Homewood]

Take a look at this gorgeous Blackburn Ripon that is under restoration in Finland.

www.virtualpilots.fi/feature/photoreports/ripon/

The Ripon is very much like the Baffin which were used in the RNZAF from 1937-41, and which from 1939-41 formed the frontline of NZ's defence along with the Vincents and Vildebeests. In fact many of the Baffins the RNZAF had were converted from Ripons.

This is the only example ofmthe Ripon left I think. There are remains of just one Baffin left too here in NZ

[corsair67]

That aircraft is in remarkable condition, and she looks fantastic. I can't believe that the Ilmavoimat were still using these aircraft during the Continuation War (1941-44) against the Soviets.

It is interesting to read that the Lahti Aviation Guild has had the same problems that other similar preservation groups have had over the years - namely, people who just want to get rid of all this old "junk", and don't have the foresight to preserve it for the future!