Mon, Oct 05, 2009
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.
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