A Fun Flyer!
One thing that almost everyone with CJ experience will tell you is - "Its an honest, fun, low cost (as warbirds go) airplane to own and operate." This picture was taken years ago after I met another future director of this museum at an airshow in West Texas. Alternatively, I refer to this picture as "when I still had hair".
The CJ falls between the T28 and T34 American trainers in size.
The larger T28 can outrun and outperform it, but at higher operating cost. The smaller T34 (A model) can keep up with it despite a smaller engine or (B model) outrun it because of its weight and size advantage. But again at a higher acquisition and maintenance cost.
After weighing a number of factors, I chose the Nanchang CJ as my "entry level warbird". A problem for early adopters was skepticism when the aircraft first began to be imported in the 80's. Back then, everyone called their plane a "Yak", referring to its Russian cousin, the Yak 18, because Chinese aircraft were a rareity. Now, no self respecting owner would refer to his CJ as a Yak (but almost every controller will call it that, its easier to say over the radio). Then there were only two CJs or Yaks flying in North Texas, now there are more than fifty within easy range of Lancaster Airport.
One of the benefits of the CJ is that it makes "the right noises". The radial (or "round") engine has the distinctive rumbling sound of a WWII aircraft. Here the top and bottom cowls have been removed for easy all-around access to the engine. So many Americans and Canadians bought them that the Chinese government opened the factory back up to make and sell parts and even whole new airplanes
The standard Chinese Army Air-Force paint scheme is an olive-drab green over blue. This airplane was repainted in a shinier, brighter version of the standard colors. The insignia shown is similar to the standard insignia but lacks the Chinese characters for "39" that belong in the red star, refering to the year of the "long march"
Locals gave the plane the nickname "Kermit" because of the bright green color.
Like everything else on the "Chang", cockpit layout is basic and straightforward. The white line up the center of the panel gives the pilot a reference. In case of disorientation, align the stick with this line until you and the airplane get things sorted out.
Unfortunately, this particular airplane passed on to another owner and is no longer flying. More information and pictures on our current CJs can be found on the museum's
CJ-6A web page. Or click on the CJ-6a label below for other blog posts about CJ's.
This model was built by an associate several years ago, after riding in L29, "bord DN". It was carefully painted and detailed to match the real thing!
The paint and detail compare favorably with the real thing!
One thing that almost everyone with CJ experience will tell you is - "Its an honest, fun, low cost (as warbirds go) airplane to own and operate." This picture was taken years ago after I met another future director of this museum at an airshow in West Texas. Alternatively, I refer to this picture as "when I still had hair".
One of the benefits of the CJ is that it makes "the right noises". The radial (or "round") engine has the distinctive rumbling sound of a WWII aircraft. Here the top and bottom cowls have been removed for easy all-around access to the engine. So many Americans and Canadians bought them that the Chinese government opened the factory back up to make and sell parts and even whole new airplanes
Locals gave the plane the nickname "Kermit" because of the bright green color.
Like everything else on the "Chang", cockpit layout is basic and straightforward. The white line up the center of the panel gives the pilot a reference. In case of disorientation, align the stick with this line until you and the airplane get things sorted out.
One of the most unusual things to come out of the Vietnam war experience were Party Suits. Created and worn by air crew at squadron functions and other festive occasions, party suits were a local and unofficial creation that arose in 1967 from the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at Tahkli Royal Thai Air Base. They created "special flight suits" in response to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wings' usage of black dyed cotton flight suits for social occasions. These flight suits were created with great imagination and creativity by the squadron members and were a staple of squadron life.
The use of these colorful, lightweight suits, popularly known as "Party Suits," was soon adopted by the Air Force flying units stationed at the large bases in Thailand. The tradition also quickly spread to units in South Vietnam and to a limited degree, other locations in Southeast Asia. Party suit usage was normally limited to flight personnel and those in direct support of flight operations. Party suit colors were consistent within the unit and generally had some standard form of name, rank and unit identification.
Additional insignia, unofficial patches (usually humorous) and other embroidery was purely up to the creativity of the individual. There were numerous local tailors near the air bases who specialized in making party suits and embroidering the many associated custom patches.
The light and comfortable suits were ideal in the tropical environment and were worn on-base only for special social occasions in lieu of official dress uniforms, which were not commonly used in Southeast Asia. The most significant social occasion was the famous "Sawadee" party. Named for the Thai language greeting appropriate for both "hello" and "good-bye," this party welcomed newly arrived personnel and bid good-bye to those returning home. The party suit tradition, although superficially humorous, served an important role in Air Force organizations by promoting unit integrity.
The Cold War Air Museum salutes all those who served and sacrificed for their countries so that we may enjoy what we have today.
Former members of The United States Air Force 553rd Reconnaissance Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base (Batcat) contributed these pictures of their Party Suits. The unit had several unique and spiffy styles for every occasion.
OK, guys, show us your party suits!
But a lot of work is still going on under the skin. Upper compartments are being cleared so the transmission can be reinstalled and blades mounted for static display.
Here, a joint CAF, CWAM volunteer works to clear the compartment and plug holes that let rainwater into the cabin. On his right a piece of the broken transmission case is still attached to the broken mount.
From the ground some of the damage is not as apparent. The "tilt" at left is not due to camera angle. This cooler section was broken and must be straightened before skins and doors can be replaced. A lot of patching is required because most of the panels were bent, broken or torn and deck sealer will be applied to help keep water out of the cabin below.
