Canberra

Restoration

IT HAS ARRIVED!

The fuselage of  English Electric Canberra B(I)Mk8 – WT346 has completed the 1200km road journey from Christchurch and now resides at its new home, Ardmore.      The ex-RAF airframe will undergo a 2 to 3 year restoration programme to closely represent the Canberra B(I)Mk12 type operated by the RNZAF between 1959 and 1970.  Worldwide, there are no known B(I)Mk12 versions in existence.

The Canberra Support Group (CSG) has been setup to oversee this ambitious restoration project and consists of ex Canberra pilots, maintenance engineers, ground crew and aviation enthusiasts. When completed WT346 will be on static display available for public viewing as part of the NZ Warbirds at Ardmore collection.

Canberra Restoration - NZ Warbirds

A former RNZAF English Electric Canberra B(I)12. It is intended to paint WT346 in a similar camo scheme as depicted in this photograph.

WT346 was manufactured in 1955/56 and was delivered to No.88 Squadron RAF based at Wildenrath, Germany.  It served a number of years with No.88 before being loaned to the Ministry of Aircraft for use in Electromagnetic Compatibility tests; after 2 months she was returned to Wildenrath and the squadron was renumbered to No.14 Squadron in December 1962.

WT346 was later transferred to No.3 Squadron RAF based at Geilenkirchen and subsequently No. 16 Squadron RAF based in Laarbruch.  WT346 became “Instructional Airframe 8197M” on 22 May 1972 and struck off charge on 8 Aug 1972.  It was moved to the museum at RAF Colerne on 17 Jun 1972 and to the Cosford Aerospace Museum in Apr 1976.

WT346 was then obtained by Mr Albert Stone, a London scrap dealer, then subsequently purchased by the Air Force Museum of New Zealand Trust Board in 1993 and shipped to New Zealand.

Canberra Restoration - NZ Warbirds

WT346 when it was with No.16 Squadron RAF. Copyright Urs Baettig

 

Project Background

Restoration to static display has been made possible under a loan agreement between the Air Force Museum of New Zealand Trust Board and New Zealand Warbirds. This arrangement has come about due to a change of direction at the Air Force Museum and review of policy around prioritising projects with RNZAF provenance in line with the Museum’s mission.

Coupled with increased pressure on available storage space at Wigram, it resulted in a concerted effort to find an appropriate new home for this relatively unique aircraft. The Museum is delighted to be able to work with New Zealand Warbirds to give this historic aircraft a new lease of life.

Canberra Restoration - NZ Warbirds

Fuselage of Canberra WT346 in the technical workshop being prepared for transportation. Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

RESTORATION PLAN

A formal restoration plan will keep a detailed track of progress. The initial cleaning of the fuselage and other components will be carried out by volunteers under supervision. Specific restoration of components will occur under the direct guidance of personnel experienced in aircraft restoration to ensure that major components can be reassembled safely.

The project group has broken the restoration phase into the following stages:

Stage 1

The relocation of the fuselage to Ardmore to be followed by all of the components necessary to complete the restoration for static display and representative of the RNZAF Canberra B(I)12 variant.

Stage 2

Restoration of components to allow complete assembly over the next 2 or 3 years.

Stage 3

Assessment of options and provision of an all-weather home for this heritage aircraft.

The target date for completion is February 2024 subject to reassessment when all components have been inspected.

We have a Facebook page also dedicated to our restoration progress, please click here

Canberra Restoration - NZ Warbirds

WT346’s fuselage being washed after completing its 1200Km journey from Christchurch.

FUNDING

This project is totally self-sufficient in that no direct funding will be available from the NZ Warbirds Association Inc.  Fundraising commenced 1 November 2020 for Stages 1 & 2 while funding for Stage 3 will follow a decision on the final location and housing requirements.

If you would like to get involved by donating any small amount you can afford to help in the restoration of WT346, please make a donation to NZ Aviation Heritage Trust, a registered charity, account 12 3031 0819442 000.

All donations will be provided a donation receipt and certificate to thank you. Donors will be given the opportunity to become members of the Canberra Support Group and will receive regular updates on funding and restoration progress.

Contact

 

Canberra Restoration - NZ Warbirds

Fundraiser

To support the CSG ongoing restoration efforts – we have a limited run of collectable LED display lights for purchase.  It features an illuminated line drawing of Canberra NZ6102 and includes 14 Squadron’s insignia – the perfect gift for the aviation memorabilia collector.  Click the link here to download an order form.

Progress Gallery

A selection of images taken throughout the project.  We will aim to regularly update the progress on this unique and exciting project however the most up to date information and progress photos will be on our Facebook page which can be visited via clicking the following link.

  • Enjoyed watching the airshows. Never saw anything like that before! Would really recommend it and it's worth the ticket.

    sheemalshivani December 2022

  • Wow, thats an amzing day full of discovery and nature. Loved the cruise! You guys rock.

    Mike McVey Gisborne NZ

  • Lovely cafe with a great view of all the planes taking off. The museum guides are super friendly and my son absolutely loves coming here. Highly recommended.

    Dianechen10 February 2020

  • Fantastic opportunity to get up close to some of the icons of New Zealand’s aviation history - with the majority being flyable examples. Knowable guides to fill in any gaps in your own knowledge. Topped off by an amazing scale model collection.

    MarkR986 October 2020

  • Interesting guided visit around the War Birds Facility, get up close to the war planes. Beautiful display. Would suggest combine with a visit to the Auckland Botanical Gardens. A Great Auckland Day Out.

    Sandra S February 2020

  • Amazing collection of aircraft. Lovely staff and well worth the drive from Auckland .if lucky enough to be at the weekend, you may see the incredible aircraft flying.

    274peterr December 2022

@nz_warbirds

UPDATE FLY PAST CANCELLED - Sorry Folks 😔 Weather is not playing ball 😂 👋See you tomorrow at half time Auckland at @gomediastadium for @aucklandfc home match against the @newcastlejetsfc. A Harvard formation is planned to flyover at 5:55PM pending on weather and aircraft serviceability. ⚽️Match kick off is at 5:00PM. 📆Saturday 30th November 2025. ⏰5:55PM 📍Go Media Stadium (Mt Smart) The formation will be loitering near Whitford, Howick & Bucklands Beach areas before the run in so keep an eye out if you live in those areas. #keepemflying #aucklandfc
Theres 138 days till Warbirds on Parade and we have some good news. Tickets are now available through @iticketnz a great gift idea for Christmas🎄. Note iTicket is the only ticket distributor for Warbirds on Parade. Spread the word! #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviator #aviationlovers #aerobatics #aviationphotography #pilot #photographer #instagood #airshow #show #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #visitauckland #pioneer #purenz #IfYouSeekNZ
Clear skys at Ardmore this evening. Harvard 78 out on the apron after a successful fundraising event for the Totara Hospice. #keepemflying #northamericant6 #harvard #texan #t6 #newzealand #nzwarbirdsatardmore
ZK-TGN ‘rolling 21’ back in December 2020 during its first public display at Warbirds on Parade. 
This aircraft now resides at the Ashburton Aviation Museum but for a number of years resided at NZ Warbirds at Ardmore. It has been modified to have a 14-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R2000 rated at 1450 HP (not the 9-cylinder Wright R-1820 Cyclone typical for the type). 📸 Stuart Russell #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlover #northamerican #trojan #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #yak#instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #pioneer #purenz #IfYouSeekNZ
An image taken yesterday of the Harvard flypast over Auckland City to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. 📸Rob New #DDay80 #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #harvard #northamerican #harvard #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #yak#instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #pioneer #purenz #ifyouseeknz
We are super excited to share the ninth annual Tōtara Hospice Long Lunch Charity Gala event that is being hosted in The Warbirds Hangar 2. You will be indulged in a culinary journey showcasing flavours from Around the World. Your menu has been crafted with love and care by talented New Zealand chefs, including a stunning seafood dish from Executive Chef Nancye from Te Kaahu, a truly authentic taco from Chef Jean of Tacoteca and Michael Dearth from Baduzzi will be tantalising your tastebuds with dessert. Ganesh Raj is the MC, amongst other accolades he has been the recipient (for two years running) of Metro Magazine’s Restaurant Personality of the Year, as well as co-hosting the TV series Eat Well For Less and Cooks on Fire. They would love you to join them for a spectacular day of eating, drinking, dancing and philanthropy to make a difference in the lives of terminally ill patients and their whānau in our community. Sunday 23rd June 2024 11.30am till 5.00pm Warbirds Hangar Ardmore Airport Tickets are on sale now and include your coach transfers with Pavlovich Coachlines to and from the airport. We have several easy-to-reach collection points around Auckland in the CBD, Greenlane, Whitford (with a stop in Clevedon) and Manukau.
The calm before the show. Corsair 48 on the flight line of our recent Warbirds on Parade airshow on March 10th. It was a stunning sunrise 🌅 👍 📸 Brian Amerasinghe 📍Ardmore Airport #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #corsair #fg1d #voughtchance #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #yak#instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #pioneer #purenz #IfYouSeekNZ
The Roaring Forties returning from the recent Classic Flyers Aero Day 2024 with Ardmore Airport in the distance. 📸 Paul Johnston #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #harvard #northamerican#aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #pioneer #purenz #IfYouSeekNZ
CORSAIR FLYING TODAY! Corsair NZ5648 will be flying today (Sunday 14th) with takeoff at 1100am. Come down to NZ Warbirds at Ardmore and check it out. #keepemflying #warbird #avgeek #aviation #aviator #aviationlovers #corsair #fg1d #voughtchance #aviationphotography #pilot #flying #flight #photographer #instagood #onlyinnz #nz #newzealand #aotearoa #pioneer #purenz #ifyouseeknz
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AIRSHOW! Warbirds on Parade - Sunday 16 March 2025. For all of the latest developments - including what's on show - click here.
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