Navy
Once-Stricken Sea Fury Set To Be Back In Service
The Royal Navy's Hawker Sea Fury is set to be back in service in 2016, with the overhaul of the aircraft progressing well after the dramatic events of last year.
Built in the early 1940s, the Sea Fury is one of the last airworthy survivors of the era.
The historic aircraft crash-landed last year during a display manoeuvre at RNAS Culdrose Air Day after suffering from engine failure.
Royal Navy AFC lieutenant commander Chris Götke said: "The structural repairs to the airframe have been completed and the aircraft is now being reassembled.
During the emergency landing, the aircraft suffered damages to the landing gear, a wing tip and the propeller blades.
"The tailplane, rudder, and elevators are back on and the wing repairs are also well in hand."
The repair work includes replacement of the propeller blades and repairs to the wing tip.
Chris added: "The core of a replacement Centaurus Mk 18 engine was purchased as soon as possible and the engine rebuild, is also now underway."
Based at RNAS Yeovilton, the Sea Fury flies with the Royal Navy Historic Flight and the financial support is provided by the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, the Royal Navy charity that formed to preserve and promote the Nation's Naval Aviation Heritage.
The total cost of the repair works is estimated to be around £200,000 and the trust is still required to raise £85,000 to reach the target, the Royal Navy stated.
In July of last year Lieutenant Commander Chris Gotke successfully landed a 1944 Sea Fury aircraft last July when it suffered engine failure, avoiding a packed crowd of spectators who were watching the display.
The Sea Fury T20 was part of the Historic Flight display, but began to lose power during his aerobatics.
As 21,000 people watched on, the plane began billowing smoke and started to lose altitude rapidly, leaving Lt Cdr Götke with the unenviable choice of bailing out or staying with the aircraft.
Thankfully, due to Lieutenant Commander Gotke's brave actions no-one was hurt.
He was hailed a hero for the emergency landing, and awarded the Air Force Cross.
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