History

In 2016 the Gulf Coast Wing of the CAF was assigned the popular twin-engine tail dragger commonly referred to as a “Twin Beech,” a Beechcraft model 18D that was manufactured in 1947. This aircraft is painted in Navy livery and marked as a U.S. Navy JRB Navigator. Little Raider is configured to seat six passengers and has participated in the Living History Flight Experience program for six years. Named in recognition of her former hangar-mate Texas Raiders, the big bomber’s little sibling sports an admiral’s stars and crisp Navy blue colors, and is in high demand at airshows and barnstorming events.

Task Ahead

Little Raider carries two Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines generating 450 horsepower each. One of those engines is reaching its time for replacement, and so a new engine is on order. A radial engine is an expensive proposition, costing upwards of $60,000. We are asking for donations to cover $10,000 worth of components for the new engine. Just like a car, the accessories that go with a new engine require replacement too: starter, oil cooler, carburetor, spark plugs, and more. A contribution to the Twin Beech engine fund will help us to complete all the work including ancillary equipment over the winter and be ready to fly into action in late Spring 2023.

Summary

The Gulf Coast Wing tours routinely from April to November each year to airshows, barnstorming events, civic events, and flyovers, carrying the history of WWII military aviation to the public. We engage with ROTC units, scout troops, Civil Air Patrol, schools, and even universities. Little Raider is wonderfully popular with the public and with the help of our supporters can continue her career bringing history to life, one amazing flight at a time.