August 3, 2005
WORLD WAR II AIRCRAFT GARNER AWARDS AT THE NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL
Chantilly, VA. - Authentic World War II aircraft stole the show at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, Eastern Region during the Dayton Air Show earlier this month. A 1943 Piper L-4H owned by Colin and June Powers of Monmouth, Oregon captured the top prize - The Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy. Commonly referred to as the Grasshopper, the Piper served as a liaison and artillery spotting aircraft during World War II.
Another World War II aircraft and survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor was a double winner in Dayton. A Grumman J24-F 'Duck' was awarded the Hap Arnold trophy for Military aircraft. The Duck, owned by Charles and Bev Greenhill of Mattawa, Illinois also won the 'People's Choice' award.
"Through Rolls-Royce and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, our common goal is to preserve aviation history and bring together all the elements," said Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Captain USN (Ret.) and Ambassador for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. "It's a delight to display these aircraft in restored condition and to recognize those involved for their work."
The Paul E. Garber Trophy for Classic civilian aircraft manufactured between 1936 and 1960 was presented to the Piper PA-12, 'The City of Angels', owned by Harry P. Mutter and restored by Dave Liebegott. The Super Cruiser was one of two PA-12's to fly around the world in 1947.
More than 30 aircraft are expected for the Western Region Invitational in Reno, Nev., held in conjunction with the Reno Air Races September 16-18, 2005.
The overall winner of each Invitational is presented with the Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy. The trophy is displayed at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Entry applications, details on eligibility and judging criteria are available at www.heritagetrophy.org.
For further information contact:
Director, Lorraine Rodman 703-621-2774
or
Invitational Coordinator, Alan Mangels 703-621-2734
Corporate note to editors:
- The event is a joint effort under the auspices of Rolls-Royce North America Inc., the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Reno Air Racing Foundation and was founded in 1998.
- Images of winning aircraft and owners can be found at www.heritagetrophy.org.
- The mission of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational is to encourage the preservation of aviation history through the restoration of vintage aircraft to original flying condition. The National Aviation Heritage Invitational promotes aircraft restoration via friendly competition, bringing valuable aviation treasures together in one venue.
- The National Aviation Heritage Invitational celebrates aviation heritage
and honors those who restore vintage aircraft to pristine condition. Aircraft owners and restorers compete in three categories: Antique, for civilian designed aircraft manufactured in 1935 or earlier; Classic, for civilian aircraft manufactured after 1935 and before 1960; and Warbird, for military aircraft at least 45 years old in original, or restored to original condition.
- A five-member panel, including representatives of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, serve as judged. Each aircraft is judged on its technical merit and how well it represents the aircraft earlier in its career. Authenticity to the original manufacturer's condition is the "gold standard" for each plane. Additionally, those in attendance will have an opportunity to vote for the People's Choice Award winner.
- The Western Regional competition will be held in conjunction with the Reno Air Races in Reno, Nevada September 16-18.
- In Civil Aerospace, engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce and its partners in North America include the AE 3007, the Williams-Rolls FJ44 and the (IAE) International Aero Engines AG V2500. Rolls-Royce is the world's leading manufacturer of business jet engines, with 95% of these engines delivered to airframe manufacturers in the Americas. The Corporate & Regional Aircraft business achieved 2004 sales of nearly $1.5 billion and a 34% corporate jet market share (by value).
- Rolls-Royce turboprops for civil aircraft are also built in North America, including the AE 2100 and Model 250. In addition, the company manufactures the Model 250 turboshaft, which powers 3,800 civil turbine helicopters in the region, four times that of the nearest competitor.
For further information please contact:
Ginny Person
Corporate Communications
Rolls-Royce North America Inc.
Tel 703-621-2764
Fax 703-709-6087
Email: ginny.person@rolls-royce.com
|
