The Grumman F7F Tigercat was the U.S. Navy's first twin-engine fighter airframe. Originally, the Tigercat was designed for carrier operations but later became a land based attack or night fighter in the Korean war. Early in production, a second seat was added for the radar operator in the F7F-2N version. The two Pratt&Whitney R-2800-34's developed 2,100 hp each and enabled incredible performance figures of 460 mph(400 knots), a maximum ceiling of 40,400 feet, and a range of 1,200 miles. The F7F could unleash a wall of lead at the enemy with it's four 50 cal.
The Watsonville Antique Fly-In and Airshow is a classic event featuring numerous vintage flying events. From the antiques, WWII aircraft, and aerobatic performers, the Watsonville show is one of the best flying events in the country. This 1995 video is a classic with Bill Turner interviews on the D-88 Comet, the 1934 pylon racer "Miss Los Angeles", formula and unlimited racer"Pete", and Scott Crosby talks about his Gee Bee 'E" racer.
The show was about Wayne Handley's airshow crash in the Turbo-Raven and how he survived the horrific crash landing. At the 1999 California International Airshow, Wayne's Saturday performance was perfect and a great crowd pleaser. On Sunday, Wayne experienced an engine failure below bailout altitude and was left with no choice but to fly the Turbo-Raven into the ground. Compounding the problem was the propeller going into a "zero pitch" condition and acting like a giant air brake.
Rob Harrison puts the Zlin 50LX through it's paces and creates a crowd pleasing display of aerobatics. The "Tumbling Bear" fills the sky with twisting and tumbling smoke trails that display Rob's aerobatic talent and the capability of the Czech built Zlin 50LX. Rob honed his aerobatic skills at the Zlin advanced aerobatics school and then ordered his first Zlin 50.
The Worldwide Warbirds, Inc. are based out of Chino, California and import the L-39 for customers. The aircraft are completely torn down to inspect, then each and every part is refurbished to factory new condition. The finish of the components, interior and exterior painting, and custom cockpit treatments result in the aircraft looking more like an expensive sports car. Customers can order just about anything for the look of the interior and exterior. Most noted was Gold, Chrome, leather, and carpeting treatments that add the extra touch to the already beautiful aircraft.