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Restoration Diary

Northrop f-89j

THE HISTORY

The preservation of the F-89J (Serial Number 52-1896) has commenced. This aircraft has been in the collection since 1969 and is a converted F-89D.

Aircraft that are exposed to the weather will inevitably deteriorate. Preservation efforts will help slow the deterioration. As an outside display aircraft, our current F-89J preservation is designed to improve the exhibit as well as protect it. Our actions involve some disassembly but are not as detailed as a restoration.

Summer 2023: Complete

Preservation is complete on the Scorpion.

Summer 2023: Complete

Preservation is complete on the Scorpion.

Summer 2023

Drop tanks were added to the aircraft.

Summer 2023

Drop tanks were added to the aircraft.

Summer 2023

Markings are added to the aircraft.

Summer 2023

Painting and stencils are added to apply markings to the aircraft.

Summer 2023

Painting and stencils are added to the aircraft to apply the markings.

January 2023 Update #10

Rear red formation light has also been installed behind the canopy in the dorsal position. The two side formation lights on the rear fuselage have also been installed.

January 2023 Update #9

The right wing tip has a panel which needed to have several screws replaced. This was also completed. The left wing is currently being drilled and riveted along the upper panel surfaces. Screws are also being put in where they are appropriate

January 2023 Update #8

The right wing tip has a panel which needed to have several screws replaced. This was also completed. The left wing is currently being drilled and riveted along the upper panel surfaces. Screws are also being put in where they are appropriate

A problem with the nose landing gear was addressed. It had been misaligned during towing and has now been realigned to its proper alignment.

The cockpit has been vacuumed and some cleaning has been done to the canopy. At some point before the aircraft leaves the hangar we expect to have the cockpit closed and sealed with proper weather stripping as was done on the TV2.

January 2023 Update #7

The right wing tip has a panel which needed to have several screws replaced. This was also completed. The left wing is currently being drilled and riveted along the upper panel surfaces. Screws are also being put in where they are appropriate

January 2023 Update #6

At the present time we are completing a scab patch on the right nose portion of the aircraft. A scab patch was also installed on the right horizontal stabilizer.

January 2023 Update #5

At the present time we are completing a scab patch on the right nose portion of the aircraft. A scab patch was also installed on the right horizontal stabilizer.

January 2023 Update #4

Our main area of focus in January has been sheet metal repair. We have finished a flush patch on the right rear fuselage

January 2023 Update #3

Our main area of focus in January has been sheet metal repair. We have finished a flush patch on the right rear fuselage

January 2023 Update #2

The Scorpion preservation is progressing well now that the aircraft is in the Restoration hangar. Our main area of focus in January has been sheet metal repair.

January 2023 Update #1

The Scorpion preservation is progressing well now that the aircraft is in the Restoration hangar. Our main area of focus in January has been sheet metal repair.

December 2022 Update #4

The aircraft has been pulled into the restoration hangar.

December 2022 Update #3

The aircraft has been pulled into the restoration hangar.

December 2022 Update #2

The aircraft has been pulled into the restoration hangar.

December 2022 Update #1

The aircraft has been pulled into the restoration hangar.

Before Preservation

View from behind the aircraft

Before Preservation

View from behind the aircraft

Before Preservation

View from the right side. The fuel tank has been removed and is in storage.

Before Preservation

View from the left side

Before Preservation

View from the front of the aircraft

Before Preservation

View from the left side

Before Preservation

View from the right side. The fuel tank has been removed and is in storage.