Second Helldiver takes to the air

Since 22 July 2024, the global number of flying Curtiss Helldivers has doubled. On that day Fagen Fighters WWII Museum owned Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver BuNo 83393 (c/n 4401) took to the air for the first time since 1945. The rare dive bomber was restored by Fagen Fighters Restoration of Granite Falls (MN), USA. The restoration team was led by Brandon Deuel.

The first flight of the plane, registered as N48HD, is the moment of glory after a seventeen year restoration effort. Pilot in command on this flight was Ed Vesely of Houston (TX). He is, worldwide, the guy with the most flying hours in a Helldiver as he normally flies the Commemorative Air Force Helldiver N92879.

This Helldiver BuNo 83589 (c/n 83725) was, until 22 July, the only one in flying condition in the world. The Commemorative Air Force owned machine is based in Midland (TX). 

There is even a third SB2C under restoration to airworthy condition. This is an earlier SBC2-1A version, BuNo75552, under restoration at WestPac Restorers in Colorado Springs (CO). It is destined to join the inventory of the National Museum of World War II Aviation, situated in the same town. BuNo75552 was actually built as an A-25A Shrike land based dive bomber for the USAAF with serial 42-80387. It was later diverted to the USMC and at time declared written off.

In recent years, Scramble has published a number of news items on the various stages of Helldiver restorations. The first was on 26 Oct 2020, the second post on 22 February 2022, while the third post was published on 10 May 2023.

To the surprise of many a warbird fan, N48HD arrived at Air Venture 2024, Oshkosh (WI) on wednesday 24 July, where it was immediately considered one of the stars of the show. Its arrival was not expected, so soon after its first flight, only two days earlier. Most restorers do not release their 'product' before having finished at least twenty hours problemless flight time.

Photo by Fagen Fighters Restoration