Aviation Squadron
The WWII Airborne Demonstration Team Aviation Squadron is operated
under the expert guidance of its commanding officer, Colonel Ray
Cunningham.
As Managing Director of Oklahoma based Regional Air and with over 30
years experience in operating warbirds, Ray together with his
Co-pilot and Flight Engineer Paul Rasys maintain and operate the
Team’s C-47A and C-49B aircraft.
The Team’s C-47A-1-DZ 42-92277 was built in Oklahoma in 1942. Known
as “Boogie Baby”, the aircraft saw service in the ETO, ME and CBI
regions during WWII and participated in many combat missions during
its military life. Painted in the traditional colors of the ETO
Theater with invasion stripes, “Boogie Baby” has retained most of
its original internal paratrooper configurations and also has its
original navigator and radio operator’s stations intact.
Down either side of the central cabin are the traditional
paratrooper seats or set along the center top of the cabin is the
anchor line cable, which is a vital part of the jump operation
equipment.
“Boogie Baby” has been operated as the Team’s main jump platform
since 2001 and continues to be the main aircraft used by the team
for demonstration and training jumps.
Late in 2006, the team also purchased a DC3 201F aircraft built in
1941. This aircraft with serial number 4089 was originally bought by
Eastern Airlines. After WWII it was operated by Purdue Aeronautics
as well as North Central Airlines and both Borinquen Air and Air
Puerto Rico. More recently, it was operated by Florida Airmotive and
Mission Air. Unlike “Boogie Baby” this aircraft has two Wright
1200hp 1820-202A engines that enable it to carry a greater payload
and have a more economical engine operation.
In 1976, this DC3 featured in TV commercials for Chevrolet that was
aired during the football season, but it is now part of the
ambitious long term plan of the team to operate it as a C-49B.
As well as the two larger two engined aircraft, the Team also has
access to a smaller C-45 aircraft known as a Beech E18S and was
built in 1959. This airplane is piloted by Phil Eckles and is
primarily used for training jumps.
The Aviation Squadron is always on the lookout for additional
support and we welcome new members who are willing to help us keep
these wonderful aircraft operating out of our base at Frederick Army
Airfield. These aircraft can usually be found on display at
Frederick and we are always happy to give access to aircraft
enthusiasts for a nominal visitor donation.
In addition to this tour, the Team is now able to offer the true
adventurer the WWII ADT Airborne Experience and the opportunity to
fly in the Team’s warbird. This opportunity is open to individuals
or re-enactor groups who wish to feel the vibrations from the radial
engines as “Boogie Baby” revs her Pratt and Whitney engines on take
off. On special occasions this could be included on an actual team
training jump at Frederick Army Airfield.
More details of the WWII ADT Airborne Experience are just a click
away.
