USAAF
TAIU
Formally
IJN
Tinian Kokutai
1943
Aircraft History
A single flyable Hamp was restored by American TIAU in early 1943 at Eagle Farm,
near Brisbane.
Restoration
It was constructed from the captured wreckage of at least three aircraft captured at Buna
Airstrip and shipped to Australia. Used in the restoration were: A6M3 3028, (fuselage and wings) A6M3 3030 (main fuselage and wing section) and A6M3 3032 (rear fuselage and other components). Plus, parts from other wrecks at Buna.
This aircraft was possibly the one designated with the ATIU Reference ID of XJ00. At one time, it appered to be painted overall gray. Later was painted with American 'star & bar' markings.
Testing
With the aid of an interpreter and a captured Japanese pilot, they were able to create a cockpit check list. On July 20, 1943 Bill Farrior test flew this A6M3 Hamp for 25 minutes to test the trim. No problems were encountered and no major adjustments were needed except for some trimming.
During the second flight the next day that the engine cut out due to carburettor problems. It ground looped after a dead stick landing resulting in some damage. After the right landing gear was repaired, the airplane still had a tendency to ground loop, but this time in the opposite direction, so a tail wheel lock was secured and installed. This seemed to fix the problem. The brakes proved to be very inferior despite numerous relining, adjustment and checking of the system. As a result, all pilots were ordered not to use the brakes except in extreme emergency.
Later, it was shipped to the USA for further testing at Wright Field. It is unclear of its fate at the end of the war, likely it was scrapped.
Richard Dunn adds:
"Hamp EB-201 arrived at Wright Field with 69 hrs and had flown 22 hrs since arrived (91 total). A later report (29 Apr 44) from Eglin shows they were attempting to fly the HAMP against the P-47 for comparison. However, scored piston walls, bent plugs indicated a new engine was needed. A 10 May 44 report says new cylinders and pistons installed but they were encountering trouble with the prop governor. The last data I have indicates they were still working on the a/c on 13 May 44."
References
Thanks to Richard Dunn and Peter Dunn for additional information.
Zero
Test Flights
