AirCorps Aviation, renowned for its world-class aircraft restorations from its Bemidji, Minnesota workshop, continues to impress with a number of ongoing projects. Among them is the exceptionally rare P-51B Mustang “Shillelagh,” currently being rebuilt for the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Over the past few years, Chuck Cravens has shared regular updates on this remarkable restoration, and we are pleased to present the latest progress. Our readers will undoubtedly enjoy seeing what the master mechanics at AirCorps Aviation have been accomplishing since our May 2025 report.
Dakota Territory Air Museum’s P-51B Mustang by Chuck Cravens Work on the fuselage systems was a focus this month. Cooling and induction, cockpit, and firewall forward systems all received attention as the restoration progressed. The wing construction also proceeded. Finally, a research mystery was solved when the family of Fred Osborne, Shillelagh’s crew chief, was located. Most of the recent fuselage work isn’t visible externally because Aaron and the rest of the guys spent their time on systems, cockpit electrical, and hydraulic installations. Cabin heat is a system that keeps the pilot functional at altitude, and is controlled by a handle mounted on the floor. Gun heat is provided electrically, while cabin heat uses warm air ducted from the radiator. Construction of the wings is progressing nicely. The ribs, stringers, and spars have all been painted as necessary and assembled into the wing framework. The fitting of the wing skins to the frame is underway. To read Chuck Cravens’ full report, click HERE.
