Friends of the South African Air Force Museum
FSAAFM projects (Swartkop )
The FSAAFM Swartkop Branch currently has multiple ongoing projects; which include the restoration to Smithsonian static condition of a Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, conditional restoration of a 1 squadron Canadair Mk 6 Sabre and Sikorsky S-51 on static display. All of our ongoing projects are static displays found at the Museum and not flying or airworthy aircraft.
Spitfire restoration project:
The Spitfire restoration project is a project to restore a Spitfire Mk IX that unfortunately crashed at an air show in May 2000 due to an engine failure. The FSAAFM has been tasked with managing the restoration project as well as generating funds, so that this beautiful warbird can be restored to her former glory.
More information available at https://spitfire-restoration.co.za/
The project leader is Ian Grace.
5518 in her glory days
Spitfire Restoration Banner
5518 in her glory days
Sabre 361 Restoration Project:
This is one of our more hands on projects. It involves the removal and polishing of major body panels, the repainting of faded markings and insignia and the replacement of corroded screws and fasteners.
The project leaders are Montagu Thorne and Matthew Olivier
Sabre 361 as of the end of May 2022
Here is the vertical stabiliser fairing getting its top coat of Light Admiralty Grey
A view of the polished ailerons on the right wing. You can really see the difference between polished and unpolished surfaces in this photo. Photo provided by: Matthew Olivier
Sabre 361 as of the end of May 2022
QR coded display board project:
This project involves adding archived footage of SAAF Museum aircraft located on Youtube on the display board for every aircraft so that visitors to the Museum can have a more interactive experience by scanning a QR code on their smartphones and learning more about displays and aircraft.
The project leader is Matthew Olivier.
Example for the F1CZ Display
Example for the F1CZ Display
Sikorsky S-51 Restoration project:
This project involves restoring the Sikorsky S-51 on static display at the Swartkop branch of the SAAF Museum. Missing panels are being replaced, and eventually the perspex windows in the cockpit will be replaced.
The project leader for this project is Brian Baxter.
The seat mounting bracket now re-installed on the Sikorsky S-51. Photo provided by: Brian Baxter
The Cyclic cover recently re- installed on the Sikorsky S-51. Photo provided by: Brian Baxter
Panel replacement on the Sikorsky S-51 on static display at the Swartkop branch of the SAAF Museum. Photo provided by: Brian Baxter.
The seat mounting bracket now re-installed on the Sikorsky S-51. Photo provided by: Brian Baxter
Smuts Ventura:
This project involves the restoration of the Ventura to static display, once the personal aircraft of former South African Prime Minister Jan Smuts, who also served as a field-marshall during the Second World War and who helped form both the RAF and SAAF along with Pierre Van Ryneveld who was the first chief of the South African Air Force.
The project leader is Louis le Lagadec.
Hangar cleaning/ monthly upkeep:
Every month. the FSAAFM tries as much as possible to clean all the hangars containing static displays before the monthly training days. Volunteers are always welcome and the project leader is Ian Grace. A huge thanks to the 9th Irene and 23rd Lyttelton Scouts for their continued & enthusiastic support!
