Foundation Looks To Restore What Was The First Homebuilt Air Racer Since 1939

For 18 years, the remains of Tsunami, billed as the first original homebuilt unlimited air racer since 1939, have been collecting dust. First for 10 years sitting idle in a hangar, and then 8 years in a trailer in Princeton, Minnesota. Now, the daughter of Tsunami's late owner, John Sandberg, is launching a fundraising campaign to restore the iconic airplane to a flyable condition.

Tsunami Photo Credit Gary Watts

Flight tests and air race records indicated that Tsunami was capable of speeds in excess of 500 mph, and the airplane remains the first homebuilt air racer to qualify in the Gold heat races at the Reno Air Races, just one month after its first flight.
 
"The 25th Anniversary of Tsunami's first flight is August 17, 2010, and our first goal by that date is to know that Tsunami is on its way to a flyable condition," said Sharon Sandberg.  "My hope is that all the pilots and aviation enthusiasts who marveled at the speed and sheer beauty of Tsunami will want to be part of our effort to have Tsunami fly again."
 
Sandberg estimates that approximately $600,000 is necessary to rebuild Tsunami.  Once flyable, the initial plans call for Tsunami to make a tour of various aviation events and museums before settling into a permanent home at an aviation museum. "Tsunami is an historic airplane," says Sandberg, "and I have vowed that, with help of the aviation and air racing communities, we will see Tsunami fly again.  Once that happens, Tsunami will take its rightful place along with other important airplanes in a museum."

Tsunami Photo Credit Jerry Wilkens

Tsunami traces its roots back to 1979 when John Sandberg and Bruce Boland, forged an agreement.  Construction of the airplane began the following year.  Tsunami made its official debut at the 1986 Reno Air Races where it became the fastest homebuilt piston airplane in the world.
 
In addition to raising funds to restore Tsunami, Sandberg is also gathering a historical archive of the biographies for the more than 100 individuals whose names are inscribed on the landing gear of Tsunami. It is a tradition among Reno Air racers to list supporters of a particular racer on its landing gear.

FMI: www.rebuildtsunami.org