HISTORY
part 2The airframes, rescued in 2004, were the D-8063, D-8256 and D-8312.
After an extensive investigation in the former Hangar 3, it points to the fact that D-8256 offers the best condition to use the nose section
including the cockpit for display.
Airframe D-8063 has the most worse condition and was selected for cannibalization.
Finally, D-8312 was chosen for airframe restoration (without systems) and was intended for static display during celebrations and open days.
D-8063, 8256 and 8312 parked in Hangar 3 in June 2004
PROJECT D-8256
Work was started in winter 2004/2005 with the preparation to separate the nose section from the mid-fuselage of D-8256 at station FS 358.0.
D-8256 mid-fuselage after separation of the nose section
The nose section was temporarily placed on two coupled tail cradles for restoration work and handling.
D-8256 on two tail cradles during installation of the optical sight
Finally, it was completed with full cockpit equipment (including working cockpit lighting) and system components in the electronic compartment behind the ejection seat.
D-8256 with operational cockpit lighting
In 2008, the nose section was replaced on a local build undercarriage with soft tyres for easy transport and display.
D-8256 on its brand-new undercarriage in Hangar 3
More restoration work was done in hangar 3 on the circuit breaker panels and nose radar package.
Refurbished circuit breaker panels in the AC load centre
In June 2009, Historical Fighters Volkel moved from hangar 3 to hangar 1. Final paint work was carried out on D-8256 in Hangar 1 before its display time starts officially for several airbase family days and, of course, the Air Force open days in June 2013 on Volkel Air Base.
In Hangar 1 in May 2013, just before the Air Force open days
D-8256 parked on the Hangar 1 platform in February 2014
In February 2014, D-8256 was moved from Hangar 1 to its final home, the Volkel Air Base historical room “Typhoon”.
On display in Typhoon, the historical room