In early 2021, the Military Aviation Museum (MAM) announced the acquisition of Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless Bu.36175 from the National Naval Aviation Museum, along with a significant collection of related parts from collector and restorer Kevin R. Smith. The restoration effort was divided between two renowned specialists: Aero Trader in Chino, California, responsible for rebuilding the outer wing panels, and Pioneer Aero Ltd in Ardmore, New Zealand, tasked with restoring the rest of the aircraft. As several months have passed since the last update, here is the latest progress report, sourced directly from the Military Aviation Museum’s blog.
The Military Aviation Museum’s Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless, currently under restoration at Pioneer Aero Ltd. in New Zealand, has seen significant progress in recent months. The restoration team has been diligently working on various components to return this historic aircraft to airworthy condition.
Wing Center Section and Spars
As of December 2024, Pioneer Aero has made substantial advancements in rebuilding Spars #2 and #3 of the SBD’s wing center section. This intricate process involves refurbishing or fabricating components to meet airworthy standards, ensuring the structural integrity of the aircraft. Click HERE to read the article.
Interspar Ribs Fabrication
By January 2025, the focus shifted to the interspar ribs located between Spars #1 and #2. While only one original rib was salvageable, the team successfully fabricated replacements, utilizing original attaching clips where possible. Click HERE to read the article.
Wing Skin Fabrication
The restoration has also addressed the remanufacture of the skins of the wing center section. Given the condition of the original panels, new skins were crafted, with particular attention to the upper skin spanning Spars #2 and #3. Click HERE to read the article.
Upper Fuselage Repairs
In October 2024, engineers commenced repairs on the forward fuselage. This phase involved stripping the upper fuselage and assessing components for refurbishment or replacement, aiming to preserve as much of the original structure as feasible. Click HERE to read the article.
The Military Aviation Museum’s website features an excellent blog section dedicated to ongoing restoration projects. Be sure to sign up [HERE] to stay updated on the latest progress.
