NEWARK AIR MUSEUM - Rattler Strike – Out! - News Release
As part of a series of integrated moves that are taking place around the Newark Air Museum site the Luscombe P3 Rattler Strike G-BKPG has been moved out of storage in the workshop and placed on display in Hangar 2, which was funded with a grant of £453,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
This move will enable more in-depth restoration work to be undertaken in the on-site workshop during the winter months. The forward canards have already been refitted to the fuselage and the wings will be refitted when some minor repairs have been completed.
Luscombe P3 Rattler Strike G-BKPG was the pre-production airframe and it flew for the first time on 2nd November 1983. The aircraft was designed to provide quick reaction close military support and also to be easily dismantled for quick deployment around the battlefield. During the design process advice on the optimum weapons mix was obtained from the Royal Ordnance Factory but it is not known whether any of the proposed weapon systems were ever tested on the aircraft. Weapons being considered were: 7.62 mm chain gun, optional rocket launchers and anti-personnel mine or chaff dispensers
The Rattler Strike has been positioned beneath the wing of the Vickers Varsity, which is itself once again receiving attention for the museum volunteers. Work is now ongoing in the application of the light grey to the lower fuselage sections and in some places the stencilling and badges are also being applied.
Luscombe P3 Rattler Strike G-BKPG
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Vickers Varsity WF369
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All Photo Credits: Howard Heeley - Down To Earth Promotions
Website: www.newarkairmuseum.co.uk
