Airborne with the wing

Air Classics, Jun 2002 by O'Leary, Michael

Dave Murray rebuilt the inboard and outboard flaps and elevons (elevons are ailerons which, on the N9M-B, work together for pitch control - as opposed to normal ailerons). Len Lehmer spent nearly five years rebuilding the very complex rudder system - the rudders are made up of an aerodynamically-shaped box about 6x8 inches by 4 feet long, and two split flaps which are hinged to the box. The box, with the attached split flaps closed, can be pivoted about the leading edge to provide both pitch and roll trim which are controlled by hand wheels in the cockpit. In order to begin a turn, when the pilot applies pressure to a rudder pedal, a hydraulic actuator inside the box deploys the split flap to provide drag on the inside of the turn.

With wings once again attached, Bion Provost began the difficult task of rigging the myriad control cables -- routing them through the enclosed spaces of the center section and wings. As various cables were strung and tensioned, stand-offs had to be built and installed every three to five feet to hold the cables in place and keep them aligned. With this done, pilots could now sit in the cockpit and get the feel of the unique control system.

At this point, all wood surfaces were sanded and primed then painted. The same was done with the metal parts. The final result was the magnificent yellow and blue scheme.

On 9 October 1993, the components were moved to Chino for final assembly. On 28 December, the weight and balance tests were conducted and, even though no official figures are available, it is thought that the restoration is within 100 pounds of the original. That same day, the FAA issued the required Special Airworthiness Certificate along with the appropriate registration N9MB. On 29 December, the engines were started and run.

During January 1994, taxi tests were started but problems arose with the experimental Franklin engines and both units were removed and, along with a spare engine, disassembled. The engines were fitted with new gaskets and all parts were inspected for damage. The engines were then reassembled and further ground running was undertaken until everyone was satisfied with performance.

On 9 November 1994, Don Lykins, test pilot for the program and chairman of the board for The Air Museum, took the Flying Wing out onto the Chino runway for a high speed taxi test. During the test, the craft became airborne and Don decided to take the Flying Wing for a circuit. On 11 November, the Flying Wing was officially rolled out for all the volunteers and their families to admire. Don strapped in and then smoothly took the craft aloft to the cheers of the spectators.

RON & THE WING

Today, the pilot most associated with Planes of Fame's N9M is Ron Hackworth. Six pilots have flown the Wing - Don Lykins, Steve Hinton, John Maloney, Tom Friedkin, Bruce Hines, and Ron. "I guess I have put on about 130 hours of the plane's total 200 flying hours since restoration," said Ron.

"I got involved with the Wing in a round-about manner. I was helping restore the Douglas M-2 mail plane that belonged to Western Airlines. I really love working with wood and the M-2 had lots of that. Douglas Aircraft was providing a lot of help with the project and as we got near completion, Don Lykins was brought in as pilot.