F2A-3 Buffalo found in the waters off Midway

[buffnut453]

Hadn't seen this posted on the forum so am adding it just in case (for once!) I'm the first:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/us/02fighter.html

Not much left of it but it's there. Hopefully Pensacola will recover the remains and at least preserve them!

 

[Vassili Zaitzev]

Nice find Buff! The F4F is my favorite, but I do give the Buffalo its credit. Not the prettiest, nor the best, but not the abomination many call it. All of the Allied fighters were outclassed by the Zero.

 

[vikingBerserker]

AWESOME!

 

[oldcrowcv63]

Hadn't hears this before. I was stewing in the disappointment in BBC america being cut off during a report on a restored Lancaster taking to the air after 40 years. You salvaged my evening. thanks BN!

 

[buffnut453]

Here's some additional info from NOAA without the gee-whiz-let's-trot-out-every-tired-hackneyed-quote-about-the-Buffalo press reporting...oh, and some really cool photos of the wreck site!

Papah
naumoku
kea Marine National Monument

 

[buffnut453]

In case people didn't see all the pics on the NOAA website, here are some:

Note the Buffalo undercarriage leg above the camera in the diver's hands:

Wright Cyclone engine:

Stick/Control Column:

Cockpit Canopy Component:

Ammunition:

Propellor: