CAF Jayhawk Wing UC-78 Bobcat Restoration Begins After Storm Damage
Wichita, Kansas (August 28, 2024) – What began as a weekend of thrilling aerial displays at McConnell Air Force Base turned into a battle against the elements when a powerful microburst struck on August 25, disrupting day two of the Frontiers in Flight Air Show. Among the damage caused by the storm was the CAF Jayhawk Wing's assigned aircraft—the 80-year-old UC-78 Bobcat.
The microburst wreaked havoc, damaging several aircraft and forcing the cancellation of the airshow’s final day. “It blew down a lot of tents, scattered debris across the airfield, and made it unsafe to continue,” said CAF Colonel Allan Feek, a pilot for the A-26 Lady Liberty who was also attending the show.
Despite the setback, the Jayhawk Wing remains undeterred to fix the damage, which was mainly to the tail of the aircraft. “We’ve already located replacement parts and will begin working very soon,” said Ben Sorenson, the wing’s operations officer, mechanic, and pilot. The vintage Bobcat is still at McConnell Air Force Base and is awaiting its next steps in the restoration process.
The UC-78 Bobcat, a true hometown treasure built in Wichita in 1943, holds a special place in aviation history. Constructed mainly from wood and fabric, sourcing the right materials for its repair is critical.
As a non-profit organization, the Commemorative Air Force depends on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors to keep these historic aircraft flying. "It's a rare bird, but there are still other Bobcats out there. We're confident that once we dive into the process, we’ll get all the parts we need," said Ken Newell, the wing’s finance officer. Ben Sorenson added, “Right after we posted about the Bobcat being damaged on our Facebook page, we started hearing from people offering to help. We’re thankful for the support and well wishes.”
For those interested in following the progress or helping restore this iconic aircraft, go to www.cafjayhawks.org; you can also follow the updates on the CAF Jayhawk Wing’s Facebook page @caf.wing.
