FSAAFM Projects (Swartkop )

The FSAAFM Swartkop Branch currently has numerous ongoing projects. These include the long-term construction of a hangar to house the rebuild of a crashed Spitfire Mk IX and the construction of some small structures for use by the Friends at Swartkop.

More recently, the FSAAFM Swartkop Branch Commenced work on the Canberra Restoration Project and the Shackleton Restoration Project, the goal of both projects are to restore both aircraft to static condition.

The Swartkop branch is also home to some active Special Interest Groups (SIG's) with dedicated projects.

Spitfire restoration project:

The Spitfire restoration project aims 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 warbird can be restored to her former glory.

More information available at https://spitfire-restoration.co.za/

5518 in her glory days

Spitfire Restoration Banner

5518 in her glory days

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Canberra Restoration Project

We are a group of dedicated volunteers at the SAAF Museum, Swartkop with a mission to restore the SAAF Canberra 457, affectionately known as "Oom Daan se GT", to international museum standards.

English Electric Canberra 457 is a rare hybrid: originally built as a B2 in 1953, converted to a T4 trainer, and later modified back to a B2 configuration by the SAAF.

While she will not fly again, our goal is to achieve a level of aesthetic and technical perfection that makes her the finest static display of a Canberra globally. We are preserving the legacy of the "Oom Daan se GT" legend, the bomber that once outran the rest of the formation due to her lighter frame, ensuring her history inspires future generations.

The Project also has a backabuddy funraising campaign, where any members of the public are welcome to help fund the restoration of this iconic aircraft.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/restoration-of-canberra-457-fsaafm

SAAF Canberra

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Construction of roof structures:

The members of the FSAAFM in Pretoria have successfully erected three roof structures at the Swartkop branch of the museum. These include moving a carport from the northern side of the base where a larger roof structure constructed for eventual use by the Spitfire project. The carport was re-assembled next to the FSAAFM Clubhouse and this area is used exclusively for FSAAFM functions. A roof structure was also recently constructed over the existing roof of the FSAAFM kiosk located next to hangar 3.