1943 Howard HG-2 Project For Sale
History
This is a 1943 US Navy GH-2 Nightingale ambulance aircraft which is the military version of the Howard DGA-15P. The DGA stands for Damn Good Airplane which is quite accurate. It is a cabin class monoplane version that was derived from the Mr. Mulligan racer of the 1930's. They say that the Howard is a very fast high wing cabin class monoplane.
What is cool about this aircraft is that it is a true time capsule as it was in that barn for over 30 years in the great climate of Northern California. She could have flown out of that barn as she was in that good a condition. It even has all of its original WWII radios still in place including the leather strap headset and T-17 lollipop microphone hanging right where it was left after its last flight.
This Howard has just 500 hours total time since she was built on November 29th, 1943. All logs are present from the day it was certified for civilian flying she is a standard category aircraft and the airworthiness certificate is present.
The engine is the correct R985 radial at 450 horsepower and according to the logs it has 660 hours total time since it was built new and 350 hours since a US Navy overhaul. The firewall forward is beautiful with all of the original fittings, clamps and accessories. All new parts on this beautiful engine that still has the shine on the Pratt & Whitney grey engine case paint. This engine is immaculate and I know it will start up with minimal effort.
She was sold surplus from the military after WWII from an auction at Eagle Field, Dos Palos, California. The original War Assets Administration sales document is with the records. Its mating copy is in the archives of Eagle Fields museum. What are the odds?
This bird really needs someone who can appreciate what it is and not just disregard its authenticity and factory original condition. There are plenty of custom Howards out there but none are original like this one. Remember is can only be original once and this is the last chance to find an original Howard. Someone should buy this aircraft and donate it to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
The factory Navy blue leather coverings are still in place on the seats for a perfect pattern as is the interior. It still has the Navy 8 day clock in the panel which is usually the first thing to disappear.
The number one concern with flying Howard aircraft these days is the wood wings. These wings were in near perfect condition out of the barn but were sent to Rick Atkins shop, Ragtime Aero in Placerville, California. Rick is the leading expert in Howard aircraft. Rick de skinned the wings for a full rebuild. He said that even though he re skinned them that they actually didn't need it as they were that nice inside and out. The wings are in storage and are ready for cover.
The ailerons and flaps are also immaculate and are ready for cover. The fuselage is essentially untouched as can be seen in the photos.
$80,000 or best offer located in Stockton, California. Transportation/delivery available.
Current Photos
This is how she looked after the barn doors were opened up for the first time. Lots of dust but well preserved
The original instrument panel complete with all of her Navy instrumentation and radios
The ATA/ARA (predecessor to the ARC-5) WWII radio set as installed when she was manufactured in 1943 and still in place
The wings and controls, as well as the inside of the wings. They were rebuilt and re skinned by Rick at Ragtime Aero who is widely recognized as a Howard and antique aircraft expert
I was surprised to see the factory patent water transfer decal on the engine. I had not seen that before as they are normally long gone.
The oil temperature regulator with its factory paint and finish on the fittings. Note the Eclipse water transfer decal on the voltage regulator.
The data plate on the carburetor is still shiney
The instrument panel is complete with the US Navy contract instruments. Note the red flare panel on the right side
Overhead the original radio control hear for the ATA/ARA radio set
The leather strapped headset still in place where it was left by the last pilot who flew it.
The instrument panel has latches on top so you can fold it down to work on the instruments
Even the 1940's hoses are still soft and pliable.
This is truly the last original Howard in existence. It is only original once
The flare panel which is a rare find today. The flare racks themselves have been removed
The ATA transmitter control box
Factory leather perfect for patterns
The original WWII radios that were installed at the factory are still in place. These are the ATA/ARA command set. The precursor to the Army SCR-274N and the ARC-5
The original factory upholstery
The Pratt & Whitney R985 has 600 hours since it was built new and 320 hours since a Navy overhaul. Basically factory first run parts
Historical Photos
Here are a few photos of Howard in military service and some flying today
The US Army version called the UC-70
