Colorado Springs – On Thursday, the National Museum of WWII Aviation hosted a rare aerial display as three fully restored SB2C Helldivers flew in formation over the city. The historic dive bombers, contributed by the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, the Commemorative Air Force Houston Wing, and private collector Jim Slattery, were joined by the museum’s B‑25 “In The Mood,” which served as a camera platform to capture the event.
Aircraft and their histories
The SB2C Helldiver, once a workhorse of the U.S. Navy during World War II, has a colorful past. After the war the aircraft was abandoned and ultimately dumped in Lake Washington near Seattle. Two teenage divers later recovered the wreck, sparking a legal dispute that was eventually resolved in court, granting ownership to the museum’s founders.
Each of the three Helldivers on display has been painstakingly restored to flying condition. The Fagen Fighters WWII Museum’s example represents the aircraft’s early production models, while the Commemorative Air Force Houston Wing’s Helldiver showcases later modifications that improved handling and payload capacity. Jim Slattery’s privately owned Helldiver adds a unique personal‑collection perspective to the lineup.
Public access and future flights
Visitors to the museum can view the Helldivers on the ground through Aug. 21. The museum will remain open Thursday night until 8 p.m., with standard admission rates applying throughout the day. In addition, the Commemorative Air Force Helldiver is expected to remain in Colorado and may offer public flight experiences next weekend, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to experience a piece of aviation history firsthand.
For those interested in learning more about the aircraft, the museum’s website offers detailed histories, restoration photos, and information on upcoming events. The museum encourages families, veterans, and aviation fans to visit while the historic planes are on display.
Community significance
This gathering underscores Colorado Springs’ growing reputation as a hub for historic aviation preservation. By bringing together multiple restoration groups and a private collector, the event highlights collaborative efforts that keep World War II heritage alive for future generations. Local schools and youth organizations have been invited to attend, reinforcing the museum’s educational mission and fostering a sense of pride in the city’s connection to national history.
As the Helldivers prepare for potential flight experiences next weekend, the museum hopes to attract both longtime aviation enthusiasts and new visitors eager to witness these iconic aircraft in action.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
