On Sunday, May 31, a special milestone was celebrated at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum as the fully restored Grumman Avenger was officially dedicated. The ceremony brought together volunteers, donors, museum staff, and supporters who had all played a role in the aircraft’s long restoration journey. It was a proud moment for everyone involved as years of dedication and hard work were recognized.
The Avenger has a remarkable history that spans several decades and a variety of roles. Built in 1945 by General Motors as a TBM-3E, it first served with the United States Navy until the early 1950s. After its military career ended, the aircraft was converted into a fire bomber with chemical tanks installed in its bomb bay and operated in California from 1963 to 1972. In 1976, it was purchased by Forest Protection Ltd. in New Brunswick, where it was used for budworm spraying operations. Following its retirement from commercial service in 1992, the aircraft was acquired by a French preservation group in 2000, although it remained in Canada. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum later acquired the Avenger in 2009 with the support of a generous donor.
From there, the long restoration journey truly began. Over the course of seventeen years, museum staff and dedicated volunteers contributed more than 50,000 hours of work to bring the aircraft back to life. The goal was to restore it as Royal Canadian Navy aircraft #86180 in an anti-submarine configuration that flew with 880 and 881 Squadrons. These units operated both from shore bases and from the deck of HMCS Magnificent during the early Cold War years. Every stage of the restoration required patience, skill, and attention to detail. The team carefully rebuilt systems, repaired structural components, and worked to ensure the aircraft reflected its historical significance. The project was about more than returning an aircraft to flying condition. It was also about preserving an important piece of aviation history for future generations.
On May 1, test pilot James Bradley completed the Avenger’s first post-restoration flight over Hamilton. He described the aircraft as heavy on the controls but noted that it performed well throughout the flight. Bradley also spoke highly of the volunteers whose dedication and craftsmanship made the aircraft’s return to the skies possible.
Following the dedication ceremony, visitors gathered around the museum grounds to watch the Avenger fly once again. Seeing the aircraft airborne after years of restoration was a memorable experience for many in attendance, particularly those who had followed the project from its earliest days. For the volunteers and supporters who invested so much time and effort into the restoration, it was a rewarding moment that reflected years of commitment and teamwork.
The dedication marked the successful completion of one of the museum’s most significant restoration projects. More than just an aircraft returning to flight, the Avenger represents the passion and determination of the people who worked tirelessly to preserve its story. Its return to the air serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping aviation history alive and accessible for future generations. With its restoration now complete, the Avenger is preparing for its next chapter and is expected to make its air show debut at the 2026 Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Air Show in September. For more information about the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, visit www.warplane.com.
(Image credit: Canadian Warplane Heritage)
