Polikarpov PO-2 to fly at Yealands Classic Fighters 2019

04 February 2019

Russian rarity confirmed to make its public debut at Omaka Aerodrome

Blenheim, NZ:We are excited to announce thata true Russian icon will make its first public appearance at this year’s air show. The Polikarpov PO-2, was a general-purpose Soviet biplane which served in a diverse number of roles from aerial combat and ambulance through to crop-duster. Most famously it played a large part in the ‘Nacht Hexen’ or ‘Night Witches’ story.

The ‘Night Witches’ were a group of remarkable Russian women who not only flew the PO-2 on night operations under the most trying of circumstances, but who also managed the maintenance, armament and administration to create entire female squadrons. Given this year’s theme, ‘Saluting Women in Aviation’, the inclusion of the PO-2 could not be more appropriate.

Graham Orphan, Classic Wings magazine editor/publisher and Chair of the Yealands Classic Fighters organising committee, has been working with owners Stephen and Chrystal Witte for several years to help facilitate bringing the aircraft to Omaka. Graham Orphan said “The production of the PO-2 was extensive. Stephen has figures suggesting around 33,000 were built over three decades, with many, many variants. Sadly, little more than a dozen survive today with this aircraft making just eight airworthy examples as far as we can ascertain.

A huge 'well done' to Stephen and Chrystal for persevering with this, at times daunting project to bring a real Russian icon to Omaka.”

Photo: Polikarpov PO-2 restoration in progress (High Resolution version available on request)

Credit: Yealands Classic Fighters

About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: Held every alternate Easter the airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.

The next show is 19-21 April 2019 and tickets are available now at www.classicfighters.co.nz

ends

© Scoop Media