She's one unique bird and a faithful friend to me. N8020K (SU) is a Fuji LM-1. A warbird from Japan, 1 of only 3 of her kind known to be flying today!
This post-WW2 era aircraft that was built for the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The U.S helped Japan get back on their feet after the war through Beechcraft Corp. licensing Fuji Heavy Industries (parent corp. of Subaru) to build 27 LM-1’s. The Fuji had numerous roles: liaison, trainer, aerial photography, reconnaissance, communications, and cargo. The Fuji's design was based from the T-34-A Mentor with a few differences tailored to fit the aircraft's many roles like installing 4 seats, a yoke, door, extra jump seat, removable cabin top, adding multiple radios, as well as a small camera door on bottom.
SU was brought over to the U.S. in the 1970's and sat in Georgetown, DE for a number of years until, Phil Mclanahan (my mentor, experienced aircraft mechanic, pilot, and navy veteran) fixed her up in 2007.
We now fly many adventures together and you can find us at airshows, fly-in's, and other aviation events along the east coast! Check out the events schedule on my website!
For more about aircraft specs and history, visit @TheFujiSU on facebook. Follow SU's adventures on instagram @Girl Named SU or on Steemit @fujisu where I will be sharing, from SU's perspective, our flying adventures!
.png)