Images Dated 26th May 2021

Grumman TBF-1C Avenger NZ2504

(ex Royal New Zealand Air Force) - Grumman TBF-1C Avenger NZ2504 (msn 5219, ex INST182, ex BuNo 24336), on gate guard at RNZAF Te Rapa, near Hamilton. Taken before the underside was painted in target-tug black and yellow stripes, with the reflections from the concrete plinths giving amazing lighting effects. Date: circa 1972

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans

Beechcraft F-2-BH

United States Army Air Corps - Beechcraft F-2-BH. (The 14 F-2s were given the msn 340 to 353 and serial numbers 40-682 to 40-695) This variant was the first specialised high-altitude photographic reconnaissance type used operationally by the USAAC. The F-2 had two 450hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 -19 engines, two multiple-lens mapping cameras mounted in tandem in the cabin, and a piped oxygen system for the crew. A special device was installed in the entry door permitting side-view or oblique-angle photography. The first aircraft was delivered to the USAAC on 21 December 1939 and the last one in July 1940. Date: circa 1940

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans

Lockheed SR-71A 61-7964

United States Air Force - Lockheed SR-71A 61-7964 (msn 2015), of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, based at Beale Air Force Base, California. First flown on 11 May 1966 and taken on charge by the USAF in July 1966, assigned to the 9th SRW. Made its final flight on 18 January 1990 from RAF Mildenhall to Beale AFB in 4.5 hours. Currently on display at the new SAC museum facility in Ashland, NE.. Date: circa 1985

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans