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Official publication of the |
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| Vol. IX, No. 4 | 2004-2005 |
WINTER |
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Don Brooks’ B-17 Projects
The Square J takes to the air again. Liberty Belle made its maiden flight on the 8th of December 2004 after probably one of the most extensive reconstruction jobs ever attempted. The aircraft at one time underwent a major modification to serve as a test bed for a fifth large turboprop engine mounted in the nose. It later was destroyed by a tornado in 1979. It is now flying back into combat configuration.
Don Brooks and a unique team of salvage experts have recently salvaged another B-17 after a five day search on the bottom of a remote lake in Labrador Canada. The B-17 was enroute from Greenland to Goose Bay in December 1947 when weather and fuel supply forced them to land safely on the frozen lake. The major toll on the airplane after over 55 years under water was the shearing off of the tail from the action of the currents and the tail being frozen in the ice. Future plans are under study with the salvaged aircraft now in Douglas, Georgia. 390th Airborne Again The story of “Liberty Belle’s” revival can best be related by Don Brooks and his web site, www.libertyfoundation.org The following was the update published status following the first flight. December 8, 2004, 2:40 EST - the B-17 “Liberty Belle” was taken airborne for the first time in over 45 years! Following an extensive 15-year restoration, our B-17’s first test flight was a huge success! While there is still much to do to prepare the Liberty Belle for her extensive 2005 tour schedule, the aircraft flew effortlessly around the Kissimmee Airport and was a pleasure to fly. This now brings the number of airworthy B-17s to 14 in the world.
First Flight Report: On December 7th, our first flight was delayed due to a left magneto problem on the #1 engine. Following extensive taxi and ground checks, the aircraft performed a high-speed taxi and abort to evaluate the brakes and handling. Watching the tail fly up during this test was a thrill, but still a disappointment for those waiting to see her go airborne. Following the repair of the magneto, as well as a few other small items, the Liberty Belle taxied again for another attempt the following day. At exactly 2:40 PM EST, we were cleared for takeoff and began our takeoff roll. With all four engines performing well, the Liberty Belle had no problems getting airborne and thrilled all of the individuals who stayed around to watch the second attempt.
Originally scheduled for 1-hour, the test flight lasted just short of 30-minutes. It was cut short due to high operating oil temperatures and a few small electrical squawks. Following two large circuits around the field, we were cleared to land and the Liberty Belle settled smoothly back to earth. Many friends of the Liberty Foundation flew in from throughout the country to see this historic first flight. We want to thank everyone that took time out of his or her busy schedule to join us during this exciting time. We also want to thank all of those who have generously donated funds to the Liberty Foundation to support the B-17. It is only through these donations that we will be able to accomplish our mission. We greatly appreciate your patronage and support! Please check back for more flight test news, as well as our 2005 tour schedule.
We are indeed very proud of Don Brooks and his accomplishments and are very fortunate to have him as our Director and member. Shown at right is Don Brooks with the top turret that he salvaged from under the Greenland ice cap and donated to the museum. |
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