b'Aircraft Restoration Group (ARG)Unveils Meticulously Restored F8U1Aircraft in Hangar 1 at JBMDL Lakehurst.Capt. Ingargiola at the F8 Unveiling. Courtesy photo: Navy Lakehurst Historical SocietyBy Jennifer Suwak, NLHS VP This F8 rolled in the hangar with significant metal fatigue Navy Lakehurst Historical Society (NLHS) and damage to the entire aircraft due to neglect and thehttps://www.nlhs.com elements. The airplane was slated for scrapping. NLHS recovered On July 7, the unveiling ceremony for a newly restoredthe aircraft and took ownership, in order to save a piece of F8 U1 jet was held in the enormous historical Hangar 1 onaircraft history. It took two and a half years to see it from this JBMDL Lakehurst.state to its completion. The Navy Lakehurst Historical Society, (NLHS) AircraftThis is not the first restoration that our NLHS ARG team Restoration Group (ARG) volunteers organized the event,has completed. Eight military aircraft have been completed which drew many individuals including Base Captain Frankand are on display on the base complex. Ingargiola, who introduced the event and spoke eloquently of its significance.How is such an enormous feat accomplished?He detailed the history of the plane and its place in Incredibly dedicated volunteers that work tirelesslymilitary history.to preserve history and bring it to life. Three membersThe F8 is remarkable in that it is one of the last of theof the NLHS ARG spoke about this laborious butgun-fighters.It had no missiles, and used four 20mm guns,rewarding process. which meant that it had to get up close to enemy planesARG member Peter Larkin explains the process from his which was extremely dangerous for the pilot aboard the plane.perspective, When the team begins a project, the plan The F8 in Hangar 1 is one of only six known jets of this typeis discussed in detail, including the various stages of the remaining in the world. It has a very unique profile. In 1956,project. The plan is a living and breathing thing, subject to the design team was awarded the Colliers Trophy for innovativechanges as required.The team reviews the plan continuously, design on the variable-incidence wing. all the way through to the completion and unveiling.24 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine Thank You For Your Service'