G'day Bluedharma and Doug and to all
yeah Doug this aircraft is one of a few left in the world with the Centaurus powerplant. This particular aircraft was in New Zealand before being purchased and flown to Australia in the early 1990's. I understand that a lot of Sea Fury's have been re-engined due to the fact that parts for the Centaurus are becoming hard to get.
That particular image that was made reference to, I took that in 2005.
This proved to be the last public appearence for this aircraft. And unfortunately my image of it is not that great as i had only just purchased the SLR Camera and it was the first event i was using it, so I was trying to get used to it.
Due to circumatnces which I am not familiar with at all, this aircraft is in a Hanger waiting its fate, and i believe it will be up for sale. But has not flown for a number of years.
There was actually two of these Centaurus powered Sea Fury's in the SE area of Queensland Australia where i live.
The one that was basd in my home town has gone to the US, Colorado Springs if my memory served me correctly. It has the livery of the Royal Australian Navy markings and it was one of a batch of Sea Fury's that was operated by the Iraqi Airforce. It was restored and operated by Guido and Lynette Zuccoli, unfortunately Guido passed away back in 1996, whith which after that Lynette decided not to permit the aircraft to fly , however it was maintained in Airworthy condition for 10 years until being sold to interests in the US were the aircraft is now flying again.
There is also another Centaurus powerd Ex-Iraqi machine being restored in the State of Western Australia which is nearing completion and last year a Sea Fury was imported back into Australia , which is an Ex-Royal Australian Navy Machine, so I believe. This aircraft was extensively damaged during the Transportation to Australia so it requires a lot of restoration work before she gets air under her wings again
Thanks again and i hope this bit of trivia is of some benefit
Regards
Scott