1941 Piper Flitfire

The American home-front wartime support effort during World War II is legendary. Less well known is the support offered before Pearl Harbor. In the months prior to American involvement in World War II, fundraising efforts throughout the country aimed to benefit struggling allied forces in Europe. One such example was the Piper Aircraft Corporation's "Flitfire" auction promoting the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund in the months following the Battle of Britain. The proceeds benefited the families of injured or deceased RAF pilots.

The name "Flitfire" is derived playfully from Supermarine's "Spitfire," paying homage to the workhorse of the Battle of Britain. The aircraft is essentially a stock J-3 with special silver markings. Piper dealers auctioned off 49 Flitfires nationwide, one for each state then in the Union and one proof-of-concept auction sample.

The Port Townsend Aero Museum completed finish work, plumbing, rigging, engine installation, and assembly on this aircraft. The first flight was completed with great success in January of 2008.