Maralinga tests

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Keith Webb
Yes, there were 6, and the best of them was the pattern aircraft, A68-1001.
They were put up for tender in the late 60s, towed back to the Emu Claypan all weather airstrip and all of them actually had their engines run, but A68-1001 was the only one to be ferried out by air, with the undercarriage locked down. It was an unauthorised flight and DCA prosecuted, but a sympathetic judge fined the pilot $40.00.
At that time the P51s could not be legally flown in private hands in Australia, and 5 of them were exported to the USA. A68-1001 was kept here for a time in the hope the ban on flying would be revoked, but was eventually sold to the US where it is still airworthy.

Intriguing stuff! According to http://www.mustangsmustangs.net/, 44-15757a or A68-1001 now flies as N51WB " Jeannie Too". Pic below shows her at Tico, FL, USA in February 1983:



Speaking of intgruing stuff, I wonder how long it will take before we see this Iraqi Sea Fury rounding the pylons in the Reno Air Races?!?

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