Post by vgp on Aug 8, 2008 15:09:31 GMT 12
Rare WW1 French-designed workhorse at Omaka
Maike van der Heide - The Marlborough Express | Friday, 08 August 2008
A large, rugged aeroplane so versatile it was used as a bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and even an air ambulance is now on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Designed by Frenchman Louis Breguet in 1916, the rare Breguet 14 A2 replica at Omaka was built overseas and brought to New Zealand by the 14-18 Trust. It was prepared for display by The Vintage Aviator, a company which belongs to New Zealand film maker Peter Jackson. The biplane was repainted in the colours of 96 Aero Squadron based in France during World War 1. It now includes a scarff ring for the gunner, gunner's windows and engine detail.
Centre chief executive Jane Orphan said the Breguet had been on display for almost two weeks and would replace the usual R.E. 8 exhibition for a few months.
Bringing it into the showroom was no mean feat. The biplane was brought inside in pieces and assembled to its full size including a 14.9m wingspan and 8.9m length. Empty, the Breguet weighed more than a tonne.
More than 5000 of the 12-cylinder 300hp aircraft were built. They could fly with 300kg of bombs and two crew on board. They were able to cruise at a maximum speed of 110kmh.
Photo located here:
www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4648525a6008.html
Maike van der Heide - The Marlborough Express | Friday, 08 August 2008
A large, rugged aeroplane so versatile it was used as a bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and even an air ambulance is now on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Designed by Frenchman Louis Breguet in 1916, the rare Breguet 14 A2 replica at Omaka was built overseas and brought to New Zealand by the 14-18 Trust. It was prepared for display by The Vintage Aviator, a company which belongs to New Zealand film maker Peter Jackson. The biplane was repainted in the colours of 96 Aero Squadron based in France during World War 1. It now includes a scarff ring for the gunner, gunner's windows and engine detail.
Centre chief executive Jane Orphan said the Breguet had been on display for almost two weeks and would replace the usual R.E. 8 exhibition for a few months.
Bringing it into the showroom was no mean feat. The biplane was brought inside in pieces and assembled to its full size including a 14.9m wingspan and 8.9m length. Empty, the Breguet weighed more than a tonne.
More than 5000 of the 12-cylinder 300hp aircraft were built. They could fly with 300kg of bombs and two crew on board. They were able to cruise at a maximum speed of 110kmh.
Photo located here:
www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4648525a6008.html
