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RESTORATION DIARY
KAMAN K-16B

THE HISTORY

With the HOK-1 on display, the next restoration project is the Kaman K-16B, which has been on display outdoors at NEAM for many years. Beyond paint and corrosion control, the goal is to seal the aircraft from water and animal intrusion. In mid-July the tires were replaced and the aircraft was steam-cleaned. With the initial cleaning done, the K-16B was brought into the restoration hangar and the work will begin.

Summer 2024

Painting complete

Summer 2024

Painting complete

Summer 2024

Aircraft's floats were reinstalled.

Summer 2024

Painting continues.

Summer 2024

Fuselage of the aircraft was painted.

January Update #5

The two piece cabin door is being fitted to be sealed against water leakage. When completed, the doors will be lockable as this is an outside aircraft.

The elevator trim gearbox was removed, restored, and replaced.

The original prop rotors have been restored and crated. Too fragile to be left outside, they can be installed for inside display.

Work began on removing the wing extension actuators to check the feasibility of using them to tilt the wing.

January Update #4

The generator was removed and restored. Hydraulic fittings were removed and cleaned of corrosion. Much more remains to be done in this area.

January Update #3

With the fairing removed, we gained access to the electrical and hydraulic components behind it.

January Update #2

The center forward wing fairing was dented. It was removed and repaired.

January Update #1

The forward fuselage on both sides has been palm sanded. Dents in the lower forward fuselage were pounded out.

Before Restoration

The Kaman K-16B has been moved into the restoration hangar.

Before Restoration

The K-16B has been pulled into the restoration hangar

Before Restoration

Cockpit of the Kaman K-16B prior to preservation

Before Restoration

Our team begins examining the Kaman K-16B

Before Restoration

Our team begins evaluating the Kaman K-16B

Before Restoration

The K-16B has been pulled into the restoration hangar

Before Restoration

The K-16B has been pulled into the restoration hangar

Please check back in for more restoration updates.