Former US Navy BuNo 59701

Very nice paint scheme on this PB4Y-2.

One of four PB4Y-2 Privateers at Greybull during my May 2003 visit.

Some Hawkins & Powers' aircraft were still wearing their titles in these days.

In the 60s and 70s, private contractors flew mostly warbirds and piston airliners for fire suppression in the USA and Canada. This former US Navy Privateer was purchased circa 1965 by Sergio Tomassoni as a stripped airframe , installed Wright Cyclone engines, a B-24D nose and outfitted it as a fire bomber. Flying as tanker 30 until sold to the Lone Star Flight Museum in 1991 where the patrol bomber was restored to military configuration. The aircraft was transferred to Pima Air and Space Museum in 2016.

Classic cockpit

Built for US Navy as BuAer 59819. Converted for use as a tanker. Sister ship C50 is at right.

The Privateer entered Navy service during the late summer of 1944 with the last of 739 delivered in October 1945. It was developed from the B-24 Liberator as a maritime patrol bomber and had six gun turrets - note the deleted rear fuselage blisters in this view. N3739G was originally the USN's Bu no. 59819 and this identity is now quoted as the aircraft's msn. Retired as a fire bomber in 1991 and to the Lone Star Museum, Galveston, TX; now fully restorated to original military condition

Tanker 124 seems to be laying down like a big, tired animal. The Privateer, a Type II Tanker capable of carrying 2000 gallons of retardant, wanted to fly but they wouldn't let her. [F100, 70-200mm, Provia]

Classic cockpit

This aircraft spent six months in the hangar being inspected after the crash of its sistership last summer.This aircraft (ex BuNo 59701) is the second Privateer to use this registration. The other N6884C was BuNo66284, which crashed near Prescott, AZ in June 1959.

The folks at H&P are hoping the USFS will reverse its decision not to use these fine old aircraft on firebombing missions this year.

Retired firebomber awaiting her fate in 102 degree temperature at Greybull.

Ex US Coast Guard P4Y-2G Privateer BuAer66260 flown in firefighting role by Hawkins & Powers. It crashed on 18 July 2002 attacking a fire near Lyons, Colorado.

Delivered to US Navy as a PB4Y Patrol Bomber in 1945, BuAer serial 59882. Sold to Hawkins & Powers at Greybull for water bombing operations.

Tanker No. 121 is being serviced at Greybull with the former bomb bay being open for inspection. Ex US Coast Guard 66302, marks from the former rear side observation blister can still be discerned.