Lockheed's first improvements added 11 feet to the wings and more vertical stabilizer to improve engine-out handling. They increased the horsepower of the engines to allow them to carry a heavier load. During the war the British ordered 1,000 airplanes, then discovered that because of their speed they were too easy to shoot down. They took delivery of on the first 500 manufactured.

This particular airplane, serial number 15-1362 and registered as N72656, was purchased by the United States for service in the Pacific, with intentions of deploying from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska for non-stop bombing runs to the Japanese Kurile Islands and back. It never saw combat; the Harpoon got as far as Wigbee Island when the war ended. After the war it was used for a trainer (a very expensive trainer!) then mothballed in the desert for years. Purdue graduate Ralph Johnson recognized their potential as heavy lifters and converted many — including this one — into mosquito sprayers and crop dusters. After it has run its course as a sprayer it when back to the desert.

A few a years go by, and a group in Texas bought it and started rebuilding it but then ran out of money. That group sold to another group in Indianapolis, who also ran out of money trying to restore and operate an expensive piece of hardware. The Harpoon is now in hands of the American Military Heritage Foundation (AMHO), a group that currently owns it and is restoring it.

Matejcek says that owning and operating a warbird bomber is not an easy task. First and foremost is money. It takes lots of it to keep it flying. And it takes lots of it to maintain it and restore it. There just aren't a lot of Harpoons around for salvage, and there aren't really many places to go for parts. Internet and networking help, but sometimes the group just has to fabricate their own parts. Because it is such an old and unsupported aircraft, the FAA has special rules allowing owners the right to some fabrication.

The engines recently needed overhauling, and the price for overhauling two antique 2,000 horsepower radials can be staggering. The group shipped them to Anderson AirMotive in Utah, who did the overhauls, then shipped them back on a "pay when you can" basis.

Sometime the group has to improvise. They can't find "Harpoon" tires so they have installed DC-3 tires. DC-3 tires are bigger than the standard Harpoon tires yet still fit on the wheels and into the wheelwells. The problem is that when they are still spinning after takeoff their diameter is a little bit bigger, just enough to get stuck in the wheelwells and cause damage. Their standard procedure is to apply the brakes — in the air! — to stop the spinning.

Another problem is the sheer size of the airplane. It doesn't fit in very many hangars, so it spends its time outside. That means most of the work is performed out in the weather. It also means that there aren't a lot of places where this historic aircraft could be based. It needs a big runway and it takes up a lot of space on the ramp. Currently, it's located at Mount Comfort Airport; that's a long distance for someone on the west side of Indianapolis to drive for volunteer work.

But the biggest problem has been with politics. When Glen joined the group there was a lot of in-fighting and dissention on the operation, mission, volunteer time, and just about anything else people could disagree on. Many of those members have since left, and now they have a core group of board members and volunteers that are working toward a common goal.

The Harpoon weighs 19,000 pounds empty and has the charts and curves published for 33,000 pounds gross weight. Since it was a military aircraft, those numbers were often exceeded; Glen says he has seen the documents supporting a gross weight of 36,000 pounds.

Matejcek says the Harpoon is in an odd niche. It was originally certified as a single-pilot 33,000-pound airplane. But the FAA regulations require two pilots for aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds, so that's the way they fly it. Getting checked out in the airplane is another matter; there aren't too many pilots type rated for this airplane, and even less who are qualified to do the check ride. After all, it is a taildragger with 4,000 horsepower.

The Harpoon will redline at 309 KTs. But since it is a very old airplane with fabric rudders, they cruise a lot slower. Matejcek's group generally cruises at 125-150 KTs while burning a whopping 100 gallons per hour. The Harpoon can carry 1,000 gallon of fuel in its six tanks, and hold 110 gallons of oil. At maximum takeoff power, the engines can consume up to 60 quarts of oil per hour.

Without its military armament, the Harpoon is nose heavy. Takeoffs require very deliberate actions. Matejcek says that you must lead with the left throttle or you will leave the runway.

After the engine overhauls, Matejcek says the Harpoon got daylight under the mains for the first time in two years. He claims that the airplane tight, straight and true, and flies like a dream. It's 65 years old and the group's IA is happy with the airplane.

In military ride configuration the Harpoon would need three operators and would carry 4-5 "paid" passengers. The group would like to carry riders for fund-raising purposes but that presents more problems: how do you configure this aircraft for safe passenger operation? It would have had military sling seats, but those won't pass current safety requirements. There is a limit on how much that they can do to modify the airplane for revenue generation and still have a historically significant airframe. Yet they need enough paying seats to make flying a 100-GPH machine worthwhile.

So far, this Harpoon is the only one airworthy in this country today. Kermit weeks has two for restoration; he has a reputation for outstanding work, and his airplanes are flown often, so part of their unique status will soon be challenged. But this specific aircraft — "Hot Stuff" — has added a new wrinkle to game. The group recently applied for registration with Indiana's Historic Preservation Review Board. The got their airplane listed on the National and State of Indiana Historic places. Although financing continues to be tight and the technical and political problems are always around the corner, the airplane is assured of holding its place in history.

Mount Comfort PV-2 Harpoon photos by David Stucker

For more information on the American Military Heritage Foundation's Harpoon, see Chapter 1311's June 2006 and February 2008 newsletters. Also visit the foundation's website http://www.¥¥¥.org

Planning the Fly-In Circuit
My favorite time of the year is just about here — Fly-In season! If you have an aircraft and are looking for places to go, we've got some great locations and events. The following is a list of fly-ins and other aviation events located in Indiana and adjacent states. If you don't have an aircraft but are willing to drive, the list below is round-trip "do-able" in a day. We can't guarantee that every fly-in is listed. Also, we strongly recommend that you contact the event before committing your 100LL. However, we guarantee that if you visit some of these you'll have some great fun.

June 16 (Tue) — Cleveland OH — Member Trips in our C-47, Burke Lakefront Airport. Member Trips in our C-47, Yankee Doodle Dandy, will take Yankee members to destinations of interest. Seats first come, first served. Contact Event Director 734-546-8002 http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org

June 19-20 (Fri-Sat) — Marysville OH — Ohio Aerobatic Open, Union Co. Airport, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mid-America IAC Regional Competition features Primary through Unlimited competitors vying for trophies. Free to the public. Food available. Airport is open, check NOTAMS before arrival. Aerobatic box is on the south side of Rwy 9-27. Contact Lorrie Penner 513-791-7331 http://www.iac34.com/contest.htm

June 20 (Sat) — Kendallville IN — Airport Fun Day — Fly-in, Drive In, Kendallville Municipal Airport (C62), breakfast 7-11, lunch 11-2, many activities, get flyer at http://www.eaa304.com/newsletter. Contact Kendallville Flying Service 260-347-9260

June 20 (Sat) — Noblesville IN — EAA Chapter 67 Pancake Breakfast, Noblesville Airport (I80), 8-11 a.m., Experimental, Vintage, Warbird and Production Aircraft.

June 20 (Sat) — Columbia Station OH — EAA Chapter 1252 Breakfast Fly-In and Young Eagles Rally, Columbia Airport (4G8), 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Darryn D. Davis 440-552-6572 http://www.eaa1252.org

June 20 (Sat) — Delaware OH — EAA Vintage Chapter 27 Fly-In Breakfast, Delaware Municipal Airport, 8-10, pancakes, eggs and sausage. Contact Woody McIntire 614-565-2887 http://www.eaadlz.org

June 20 (Sat) — Indianapolis IN — Down Syndrome Fly-In Fundraiser & Open House, TYQ Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ), 10-3:30. Kids activities, aircraft displays, music, food, a skydiving performance and much, much more! All proceeds benefit Down Syndrome Indiana.

June 20 (Sat) — Kendallville IN — Airport Fun Day, Kendallville Municipal Airport (C62), Kendallville Airport Board Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast and Lunch. Contact Jim Renkenberger 260-347-9260 kfsinc@aol.com

June 20 (Sat) — Middlefield OH — Geauga County Annual Pancake Breakfast- Fly in & Young Eagle Rally, Geauga County Airport (7G8), 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Tom Cunningham 440-294-2286 http://www.eaa5.org

June 20 (Sat) — North Vernon IN — Fifth Annual Bishop Aviation Airshow & Fly-in, North Vernon Airport (OVO), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Acro demonstrations, food, entertainment. Pilots are more than welcome to fly in at anytime. Pilots will be allowed to leave between airshow acts with the coordination of the ground crew. Contact Samuel Ray 540-406-1652 http://www.davidbishopaviation.com/airshow.htm

June 20 (Sat) — West Branch MI — West Branch Community Airport Dawn Patrol EAA Chapter 1253, West Branch Community Airport (Y31) 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Lane Taber 989-345-1453

June 20 (Sat) — Lakeview MI — Lakeview Fly-in breakfast, Griffith Field (13C), 7-11. Contact Roy Matthews 989-352-7306

June 20 (Sat) — Alton/St. Louis IL — EAA Chapter 864 Flyin/Drivein Breakfast/Lunch , St Louis Regional Airport (KALN), Contact Todd Helmkamp todd@helmkampauto.com 618-670-1274

June 20-21 (Sat-Sun) — Toledo OH — Plane Fun 2009, Toledo Metcalf Airport (TDZ), Breakfast and lunch all day. Contact EAA 582 419-466-7908 http://www.eaa582.org/

June 20-21 (Sat-Sun) — Toledo OH — EAA Chapter 582 Plane Fun 2009, Toledo Metcalf Airport, Antique, Classic and Warbird aircraft, Young Eagles, raffles, breakfast and lunch. Free pilots shuttle to Bass Pro Shops. Contact Dave Horvath 419-466-7908 http://eaa582.org

June 20-21 (Sat-Sun) — Grissom IN — Grissom Air Reserve Base Air Show, Grissom Air Reserve Base (GUS), Contact Event Director 765-688-4916 http://www.grissomairshow.com

June 21 (Sun) — Elkhart IN — Fathers Day Fly-in Breakfast, Mishawaka Pilots Club (3C1), 7-11. Contact John Horvath 574-522-6889 jhor8703u@aol.com

June 21 (Sun) — Valparaiso IN — EAA 104's Pancake Breakfast EAA 104, Porter County Airport (KVPZ), 7-noon, also Young Eagles. Contact ED Hanson 219-988-4879

June 21 (Sun) — Eastport MI — Second Annual Eastport Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast, Torchport Airpark (59M), 8-noon, Dad pilots eat free. Contact Duane Jorgense 231-632-2412 http://www.torchport.com

June 21 (Sun) — Grand Haven MI — Grand Haven Memorial Airport 60th Anniversary and Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast, Grand Haven Memorial Airport (3GM), Grand Haven Lions Club, Airport Support Group, EAA Chapter 211, and B&B Aviation, 7-noon, Contact Warren Benaway 616-842-4430 http://www.grandhavenlions.org/flyin.aspx

June 21 (Sun) — White Cloud MI — White Cloud Fly-in Breakfast, White Cloud Airport (42C), 7-11 a.m., Contact Bob Sullivan 231-689-1194

June 23-28 (Tue-Sun) — Mt. Vernon OH — 50th National Waco Club Reunion Fly-In, Wynkoop Airport, 70 spaces reserved for Waco parking on the field; virtually no room for non-Waco aircraft to park on the field! Other GA to park a miinutes south at Knox County, with shuttle service. Check website for updates. Contact Doug Parsons 330-284-1936 http://www.nationalwacoclub.com

June 26-28 (Fri-Sun) — Muncie IN — National Electric Fly In (NEFI), outdoor flying: at the AMA National Aeromodeling Flying Center, indoor flying at ABB building on Cowan Road (100' x 100' x 900'). Contact Dr. Sandy Frank 765-212-2340

June 27 (Sat) — Middlefield OH — EAA Chapter 5 Fly-In, Geauga County Airport (7G8), Pancake breakfast and Fly-in Young Eagle rides 8-11. Safety seminar at 1 p.m. about risk management. Contact Event Director 440-382-3090 http://www.eaa5.org

June 27 (Sat) — Frankfort IN — Fly In Open House and Fundraiser, Frankfort Municipal Airport (FKR), 4-8 p.m., Open House features planes, RC models and more. Fish fry supper, $7 adults, $5 children, benefits Generation Rescue to conquer autism. Door prizes.

Jun 27 (Sat) — Noblesville IN — EAA Chapter 67 Pancake Breakfast, Noblesville Airport (I80), nice mix of Experimental, Vintage, Warbird and Production Aircraft, 8-11 a.m. Contact Brian Crull 317-201-6822 http://eaa67.org

June 27 (Sat) — Indianapolis — EAA Chapter 900 Midwest Taildraggers Rendezvous EAA Chapter 900, Post Air (7LB), All GA welcome, Young Eagle Program, Flights, Door Prizes, Raffle Drawings, Continental Breakfast and Lunch Cook-Out, 8:30 - 2 p.m. Contact Martin Fall 317-353-6541 http://eaa900.com

June 27 (Sat) — Midland MI — Midland Fly-in Breakfast EAA Chapter 1093, Barstow Airport (3BS), 7-11 a.m. Contact Dave Schmelzer, no phone listed

June 27 (Sat) — Kalkaska MI — Fifth Annual Kalkaska Airport Pancake Breakfast, Kalkaska Airport (Y89), Kiwanis, Village of Kalkaska, and the Kalkaska Pilots Association, 8-11 a.m., adults $6.50, children under 12 $3.50, under 5 free. Contact Craig Wood, no phone listed

June 28 (Sun) — Howell MI — Howell Pancake breakfast EAA Chapter 1056, Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport (OZW). Contact Event Director 517-223-8735

July 3-5 (Fri-Sun) — Goshen IN — Freedom Fest Goshen, Goshen Municipal Airport (GSH), Goshen IN. Gates open at noon, show begins at 5 p.m. Performers including Shockwave, F-18 Demo, the FMX Stunt Team, the USAF Heritage Flight Demo Team and more. Mad Bomber Fireworks extravaganza at dusk. Contact 574-533-8245

July 4 (Sat) — Kokomo IN — Kokomo, IN Wings and Wheels, Kokomo Municipal Airport (OKK), 7-5, Fly In (no TFR's) Car show, pancake breakfast and lunch to benefit high school band, airshow with the following acts booked so far: Greg Aldridge, Super Chipmunk; Bob Richards, Pitts S1; Cliff Robinson, Stearman; Mike Lakin, Super Decathlon; Mark Terrel, car/plane race; jumpers from Flora; possible KC 135 pass

July 4 (Sat) — Big Rapids MI — Freedom AirFest 200, Roben-Hood Airport (RQB), Big Rapids Flying Club, 7-11 a.m. All you can eat pancake breakfast, hot dogs from 11:30-3. Moon Bounce. Military, Antique and Experimental Aircraft Displays, Airplane, Helicopter, and Biplane rides. Animal Balloons, Bake Sale, Classic Car Show. PIC eats free. Contact Susan Remar or Mike Lafferty 231-796-5600 info@freedomairfest.com http://www.freedomairfest.com

July 4 (Sat) — Houghton Lake MI — Houghton Lake Brats and Dogs Lunch, Houghton Heights State Airport (5Y2), EAA Chapter 1259, rain date July 5. Airplane rides, fireworks, camping, call ahead. Contact Dave Tuck 989-578-2005

July 4-5 (Sat-Sun) — Traverse City MI — National Cherry Festival Airshow, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Contact Event Director 231-947-4230 http://www.cherryfestival.org

July 5 (Sun) — Watervliet MI — Steak Fry & Pancake Breakfast Fly-in & Camp-in Saturday - Sunday, July 4-5, 2009 11:00 am/04 - 12:00pm/ 05 Steak Dinner on Sat, July 4th, 11am - 4 pm. Camp on the field under your wing free. Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 5th, 7 am - 12 pm July 4, 2009 - July 5, 2009 Watervliet Municipal Airport - Watervliet, MI For More Information Contact Larry Downey 269-463-5532

July 5 (Sat) — Clare MI — Clare Breakfast fly-in, Clare Municipal Airport (48D), 7:30-11:00 a.m. Contact Dick Acker 989-386-0445

July 10-12 (Fri-Sun) — Kankakee IL — EAA Chapter 1159 Fourth Annual Pig Roast & Fly-In, Greater Kankakee (IKK), Contact Jim Leon 815-529-3000 JLeon123@ameritech.net http://www.theultralightplace.com

July 10-12 (Fri-Sun) — Peoria IL — Prairie AirShow 2009, Greater Peoria Regional Airport (KPIA), 8:30-6,USAF Thunderbirds, USASOC Black Daggers, John Mohr, Mike Wiskus, Clyde Zellers, CC Gerner, Matt Younkin, Kyle Franklin, John Klatt, AFR Jet Car, Aerostars Aerobatic Team, Greg Poe. http://www.prairieair.org

July 11 (Sat) — Kalamazoo MI — Vintage Fly-in, Newman's Field (4N0), 11:30-2, Free lunch and ice cream (malt, shake, float, soda or sundae) for everyone arriving in a Radial, Ragwing or Taildragger. Authentic 1950's ice cream parlor in my hangar. Due to limited parking on the field, vintage aircraft only please. Contact Alan Wright 269-353-1788

July 12 (Sun) —Hanover IN — Sinful Sundays, Lee Bottom Flying Field (64I). Lee Bottom Flying Field will once again feature "Sinful Sundays". There might be hot fudge sundaes, shakes, sodas, or whatever else strikes our fancy. Now also serving lunch from noon to 2 p.m. or until we run out. Contact Rich or Ginger Davidson 812-866-3211 http://www.leebottom.com

July 12 (Sun) — Howell MI — 8th Annual "Helicopters Only Fly-in", Livingston County Airport (OZW), If your into Helicopters, than this is where you want to be. Contact Skip Olszewski 810-516-7144 OnlyHelicopters@aol.com

July 18-19 (Sat-Sun) — Dayton OH Ð Vectren Dayton Air Show, James M Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY), Contact Event Director 937-898-5901 http://www.daytonairshow.com

July 18 (Sat) — Delaware OH — EAA Vintage 27 Fly-in Breakfast, Delaware Municipal Airport, 8-10 a.m., Contact Woody McIntire 614-565-2887 http://eaadlz.org

Aug 4-8 (Tue-Sat) — Mentone IN — PRA International Convention, Mentone Airport (C92), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aug 8-9 (Sat-Sun) — Plymouth IN — Michiana Fly-in, Plymouth Municipal Airport (C65), Camping Friday night. Pilots briefing will be at 6 a.m. Sat. Breakfast, lunch and supper. Lot's of great prizes with ticket proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club. Fixed wing Powered Parachutes, WSC.

Aug 9 (Sun) —Hanover IN — Sinful Sundays, Lee Bottom Flying Field (64I). Lee Bottom Flying Field will once again feature "Sinful Sundays". There might be hot fudge sundaes, shakes, sodas, or whatever else strikes our fancy. Now also serving lunch from noon to 2 p.m. or until we run out. Contact Rich or Ginger Davidson 812-866-3211 http://www.leebottom.com

Aug 22 (Sat) — Noblesville IN — EAA Chapter 67 Pancake Breakfast, Noblesville Airport (I80), 8-11, Experimental, Vintage, Warbird and Production Aircraft.

Sept 5 (Sat) — Marion IN — Fly/In Cruise/In, Marion Municipal Airport, 7-2, Antique, classic, homebuilt , ultralight and warbird aircraft as well as vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors. An all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast, proceeds benefit local Marion High School Marching Band. Contact Ray Johnson 765-664-2588 http://www.FlyInCruiseIn.com

Sept 11-12 (Fri-Sat) — Indianapolis IN — Berlin Airlift / Warbird Weekend Celebration, Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ), Weekend events hosted by the Indiana Wing Commemorative Air Force include a traveling museum display 'The Berlin Airlift-A Legacy of Friendship-60th Anniversary' presented by the German Embassy; Berlin Airlift Dinner Symposium, Fri 6-9 p.m. (please call or email for reservations); Warbird Fly-In Lunch, Sat 10-2.

September 25-27 (Fri-Sun) — Dayton OH — Dawn Patrol Rendezvous — Wright Field. Aircraft, R/C models, reeanactors, auto show, collectibles. Web site: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news&events/outdoor/index.asp

September 26 (Sat) — Hanover IN — Wood, Fabric & Tailwheels fly-in, Lee Bottom Field (64I). Breakfast and lunch served, hundreds of antique, classic and other aircraft, Grass roots aviation at its best. Camping available overnight. Website: http://www.leebottom.com

Oct 11 (Sun) — Noblesville IN — EAA Chapter 67 Fly in/Drive in BBQ, Noblesville Airport (I80), Noon-3, Homebuilts, vintage, warbirds and production planes

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