Dedicated Australians Restore an Aviation Icon
- 14 years ago
Now on to Australia, where an extensive project is underway to restore one of the country's most significant wartime airplanes. It's a prime example of dedication, perseverance and patriotism. Our Australian correspondent John Dowie caught up with the individuals who are driving the project forward.
Here in country Australia a dedicated group of enthusiasts are on a special mission. They're piecing together one of Australia's most significant World War II planes, the Bristol Beaufort Bomber.
[Ralph Cusack, Project Co-ordinator: Beaufort Restoration Group]:
"It will honor the people who have lost their lives, and honor the people who worked on it in the factory. Not honoring war per se, but honoring what we have done in Australia."
The Beaufort marked a milestone in the Australian Aviation Industry. Prior to WWII, Britain supplied most of Australia's military aircraft. But amidst the battle in WWII, the supply lines were cut by the Japanese. The urgent need for military aircraft forced the pivotal decision to build 700 of these Bombers in Australia.
Despite the large number produced, there are no flying examples left in the world today, which is what makes the project so significant.
[John Lemcke, WWII Beaufort Pilot]:
"Ralph has a lot of credit to come his way, he's put his life into it really and I'd say approaching millions of dollars and he does practically nothing else. Very sincere about it and we've always wished him all the luck in the world, but it's a terrific job."
[Wally Delitz, WWII Beaufort Pilot]:
"I think its a fantastic project and it needs an injection of course of money, because there's all sorts of expenses which are not obvious."
There are approx. 40,000 parts that make up the plane. Every part needs to meet stringent Air Safety Regulations.
John Dowie, NTD News, Queensland Australia
Here in country Australia a dedicated group of enthusiasts are on a special mission. They're piecing together one of Australia's most significant World War II planes, the Bristol Beaufort Bomber.
[Ralph Cusack, Project Co-ordinator: Beaufort Restoration Group]:
"It will honor the people who have lost their lives, and honor the people who worked on it in the factory. Not honoring war per se, but honoring what we have done in Australia."
The Beaufort marked a milestone in the Australian Aviation Industry. Prior to WWII, Britain supplied most of Australia's military aircraft. But amidst the battle in WWII, the supply lines were cut by the Japanese. The urgent need for military aircraft forced the pivotal decision to build 700 of these Bombers in Australia.
Despite the large number produced, there are no flying examples left in the world today, which is what makes the project so significant.
[John Lemcke, WWII Beaufort Pilot]:
"Ralph has a lot of credit to come his way, he's put his life into it really and I'd say approaching millions of dollars and he does practically nothing else. Very sincere about it and we've always wished him all the luck in the world, but it's a terrific job."
[Wally Delitz, WWII Beaufort Pilot]:
"I think its a fantastic project and it needs an injection of course of money, because there's all sorts of expenses which are not obvious."
There are approx. 40,000 parts that make up the plane. Every part needs to meet stringent Air Safety Regulations.
John Dowie, NTD News, Queensland Australia