Dates

Event

1952

Constructed as a Sea Fury FB.11.

7 March 1952

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Australian Navy with s/n WH588.

March 1952

Transported by ship.
Arrived as deck cargo on the carrier the HMAS Sydney.

23 September 1963

Struck off Strength/Charge from the Royal Australian Navy.

November 1963

To Lord Trefgarne, Sydney-Bankstown, NSW.

From 1963 to 1965

Parked in the open at Bankstown, NSW.

From November 1965 to 1 January 1969

To Fawcett Aviation, Sydney-Bankstown NSW with new c/r VH-BOU.

From November 1965 to 1969

To Fawcett Aviation, Sydney-Bankstown, NSW keeping c/r VH-BOU.

26 January 1966

First flight.
At Bankstown.

16 September 1966

Fitted with target-tug mods.

16 September 1966

First flight.

September 1968

Photographer: Geoff Goodall
Notes: Sea Fury FB.11 WH588 was converted by Fawcett Aviation to a target-tug in 1966 and registered VH-BOU in a vivid red and white paint scheme. This photo at Bankstown in September 1968. It was sold to Sydney identity Arnold Glass in 1970 who repainted it green and white before selling it to USA.

From 1970 to 1972

To Arnold J. Glass, Sydney, NSW keeping c/r VH-BOU.

Circa 1970

Photographer: Unknown

From April 1972 to 1997

To Lloyd A. Hamilton, Santa Rosa, CA with new c/r N588.

Transported by ship.
Moved to California.

16 May 1972

To Lloyd A. Hamilton, Santa Rosa, CA keeping c/r N588.

From 12 September 1972 to 17 September 1972

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 24th place with an average speed of 372.55 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 363.15 mph.

Circa 12 September 1972

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

From 16 January 1973 to 21 January 1973

Raced as #16.
Competed at the The Great Miami Air Race in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 344.355 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 317.39 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 349.084 mph.

From 16 January 1973 to 21 January 1973

Raced as #16.
Competed at the The Great Miami Air Race in the Roscoe Turner Speed Classic race. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 355.294 mph.

From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 400.00 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 359.08 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 382.75 mph.

Circa 11 September 1973

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 11 September 1973

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

3 May 1974

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number OAK74DVD31: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 14:29 hours. The damage was substantial. Incident occurred at the Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, CA. This was a local flight from Santa Rosa, CA. The engine failed or malfunctioned while cruising. Landed wheels up on touch down. There was complete power loss in the failure of one engine. The emergency circumstances included; forced off-airport landing on land.
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

Repaired.

September 1974

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: At Reno Air Races, Nevada, USA

From 10 September 1974 to 15 September 1974

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 387.39 mph. Started Heat B, but did not finish.

Circa 10 September 1974

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

September 1974

Involved in an incident.
Lloyd Hamilton flew N588 in the Reno National Championship Air Races, Nevada and suffered an engine failure, but landed safely.

Circa 9 October 1974

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Air Races held at Mojave, CA.

Circa 9 October 1974

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Air Races held at Mojave, CA.

From 18 May 1975 to 18 May 1975

Raced as #16.
Apparently arrived at the Lincoln Air Race, may have qualified and may even have competed in the Unlimited class, but we do not have any documented results (no times or placements). The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. No results were recorded for the race.

June 1975

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Mojave Air Races, CA

From 18 June 1975 to 22 June 1975

Raced as #16.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Drag race. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 249.53 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 242.09 mph.

From 18 June 1975 to 22 June 1975

Raced as #16.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 12th place with an average speed of 352.05 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 357.88 mph. During the Heat Race cut Pylon 5 on Lap 6.

From 9 September 1975 to 14 September 1975

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 14th place with an average speed of 367.88 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 354.81 mph.

From 15 May 1976 to 16 May 1976

Raced as #16.
Competed at the Lincoln Air Race in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 243.48 mph.

Circa 15 May 1976

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Lincoln Air Races held at Lincoln, CA.

From 19 June 1976 to 20 June 1976

Raced as #16.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Drag race. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 227.576 mph.

From 19 June 1976 to 20 June 1976

Raced as #16.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton from Santa Rosa, CA. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 346.742 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 314.308 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 348.812 mph.

21 June 1976

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number LAX76FUQ43: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 14:20 hours. The damage was substantial. Incident occurred at the Mojave Airport, Mojave, CA. The flight departed from Mojave, CA, with the destination Santa Rosa, CA. The engine failed or malfunctioned during the initial climb. The gear collapsed during the landing rollout. The factors included; rough uneven terrain and overload failure...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

From 12 September 1978 to 17 September 1978

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 367.74 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 358.30 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 342.14 mph.

6 October 1978

Photographer: Peter Nicholson
Notes: Sea Fury FB.11 N588 in action at the 1978 Confederate Air Forces Airshow at Harlingen, Texas in Royal Australian Navy markings as WH 588.

From 27 October 1978 to 29 October 1978

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Air Races Mojave in the Speed Sprint class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 340.35 mph.

From 27 October 1978 to 29 October 1978

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Air Races Mojave in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 357.27 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 347.66 mph.

From 26 February 1979 to 4 March 1979

Raced as #16.
Competed at the Homestead Florida in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton from Santa Rosa, CA. Qualified in 11th place with an average speed of 337.801 mph. Raced in Heat 1 Bronze. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 324.951 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 330.497 mph. Cut pylon #3 on lap 10.

March 1979

Photographer: Larry Johnson
Notes: At Homestead Municipal, Florida

From 22 June 1979 to 24 June 1979

Raced as #16.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Speed Sprint class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 349.808 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 342.422 mph.

From 22 June 1979 to 24 June 1979

Raced as #16.
Competed at the California National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 347.569 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 345.333 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 308.619 mph.

From 11 September 1979 to 16 September 1979

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 11th place with an average speed of 373.70 mph. Raced in the Silver race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 364.27 mph. Raced in the Silver 1 race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 364.02 mph. Raced in the Gold Semi-Final race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 343.72 mph.

From 10 September 1980 to 14 September 1980

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 12th place with an average speed of 363.47 mph. Raced in the Silver race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 353.11 mph. Raced in the Silver 1 race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 348.87 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 371.54 mph.

From 15 September 1981 to 20 September 1981

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 12th place with an average speed of 366.36 mph. Raced in the Bronze 1 race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 377.66 mph. Started the Silver race, but did not finish. Raced in the Gold Semi-Final race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 357.50 mph.

20 September 1981

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Reno Air Races

From 14 September 1982 to 19 September 1982

Raced as #16, named NEVADA WEB GRAPHICS.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 381.47 mph. Raced in the Silver race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 369.71 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 369.53 mph. Raced in the Gold 1 race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 358.83 mph.

Circa 14 September 1982

Photographer: Lorenz Rasse
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 14 September 1982

Photographer: Nick Taylor
Notes: Baby Gorilla in the pits at the Reno National Championship Air Races 1982. Prior to cowling decal application. More than likely at the start of race week.

From 12 September 1983 to 18 September 1983

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bob Mackey. Qualified in 17th place with an average speed of 367.44 mph. Raced in the Bronze race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 360.05 mph. Raced in the Bronze 1 race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 381.61 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 362.87 mph.

From 10 September 1984 to 16 September 1984

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Art Vance. Qualified in 17th place with an average speed of 367.930 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 358.213 mph. Raced in Heat 3 Silver. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 356.815 mph. Raced in Heat 6. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 336.007 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 353.158 mph.

10 September 1984

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 1 June 1985 to 2 June 1985

Raced as #16.
Appeared at the National Air Races Bakersfield, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton from Santa Rosa, CA. Raced in Silver Heat. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 341.347 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 348.996 mph. Substituted for race #14 when that Bearcat suffered an electrical malfunction during his airshow performance shortly before the race.

From 9 September 1985 to 15 September 1985

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Art Vance. Qualified in 14th place with an average speed of 373.025 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 362.483 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 360.319 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 358.587 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 356.597 mph.

From 8 September 1986 to 14 September 1986

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C J Stephens. Qualified in 19th place with an average speed of 368.225 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 360.163 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 361.181 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 358.839 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 8th place with an average speed of 356.450 mph.

8 September 1986

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 14 September 1987 to 20 September 1987

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C J Stephens. Qualified in 17th place with an average speed of 371.980 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 367.532 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 365.757 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 365.482 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 354.896 mph.

From 7 May 1988 to 8 May 1988

Raced as #16.
Competed at the Hamilton Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C J Stephens from Santa Rosa, CA. Qualified in 15th place with an average speed of 333.272 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 332.142 mph.

From 12 September 1988 to 18 September 1988

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C J Stephens. Qualified in 22nd place with an average speed of 375.295 mph. Raced in Heat 1C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 165.039 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 370.058 mph. Raced in the Medallion 2 race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 368.869 mph.

From 11 September 1989 to 17 September 1989

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C J Stephens. Qualified in 22nd place with an average speed of 365.824 mph. Raced in Heat 1C. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 356.098 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 355.191 mph. Raced in the Medallion 2 race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 354.663 mph.

Circa 11 September 1989

Photographer: Timothy Weinschenker
Notes: Lloyd Hamiltons Baby Gorillia taking for an Unlimited Class race on Sunday at the 1989 Reno Air Races.

Circa 11 September 1989

Photographer: Timothy Weinschenker
Notes: Baby Gorillia heads out for an Unlimited Class race on Sunday afternoon at the 1989 Reno Air Races.

From 7 June 1990 to 10 June 1990

Raced as #16.
Competed in the Texas Air Races event. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 347.860 mph. Raced in Silver Heat. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 330.824 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 335.880 mph. During the Silver Race cut one pylon.

From 11 August 1990 to 12 August 1990

Raced as #16.
Competed at the Denver Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C J Stephens. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 365.650 mph.

From 11 August 1990 to 12 August 1990

Raced as #16.
Appeared at the Colorado National Air Races, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was C J Stephens. Raced in Gold Heat. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 324.776 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 365.022 mph.

From 17 September 1990 to 23 September 1990

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 16th place with an average speed of 372.910 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 366.055 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 373.220 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 365.364 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 369.331 mph.

From 9 September 1991 to 15 September 1991

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 20th place with an average speed of 365.485 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 356.782 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 356.595 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 369.978 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 8th place with an average speed of 364.735 mph.

From 14 September 1992 to 20 September 1992

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 21st place with an average speed of 361.425 mph. Raced in Heat 1C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 365.127 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 360.639 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 363.270 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 362.867 mph.

From 13 September 1993 to 19 September 1993

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 15th place with an average speed of 363.263 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 363.417 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 363.223 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 359.239 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 362.402 mph.

From 22 October 1993 to 24 October 1993

Raced as #16.
Competed in the Kansas City Air Races event. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 11th place with an average speed of 350.04 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 343.33 mph. Raced in the C Feature race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 340.09 mph. During the Heat 3 race, cut pylon #6 on the pace lap.

From 18 March 1994 to 20 March 1994

Raced as #16.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was C. J. Stephens. Qualified in 12th place with an average speed of 357.408 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 355.283 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 349.679 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 354.095 mph.

From 12 September 1994 to 18 September 1994

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton from Davie, FL. Qualified in 13th place with an average speed of 369.098 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 324.654 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 358.919 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 368.099 mph. Raced in the Medallion 2 race. No time was recorded and finished in 5th place. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 354.770 mph.

From 9 September 1996 to 15 September 1996

Raced as #16.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Lloyd Hamilton. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 374.056 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 367.385 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 374.681 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 351.795 mph.

Circa 9 September 1996

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 9 September 1996

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

1997

To Ilmore Engineering Ltd/Paul Morgan, Sywell, UK.

15 July 1997

Ferry flight.
Delivered from Santa Rosa to Galveston, TX for shipping.

29 August 1997

Transported by ship.
Arrived at the Southhampton docks after shipping from Galveston.

31 August 1997

Transported by ground.
Moved from Southampton to Sywell.

9 December 1997

Civil registration, N588, cancelled.
Exported to England.

From 10 December 1997 to 11 January 2002

To Ilmor Engineering/Paul Jonathan Morgan, Northampton with new c/r G-EEMV.
To with c/r. Markings carried: WH588 of 805 Squadron Royal Australian Navy.

Markings Applied: Baby Gorilla, WH588, NW114
Flown in RAN markings.

11 May 2001

Crashed.
Overturned during landing at Sywell. Mr. Morgan perished.

From 2001 to 2015

To Dan Borgstrom, Karlskoga, Sweden.

11 January 2002

Civil registration, G-EEMV, cancelled.
Exported to Sweden for restoration by Dan Borgstrom.

11 January 2002

Civil registration, G-EEMV, cancelled.
Exported to Sweden.

2004

Restoration started.
It is not clear if any progress was made with the restoration. Apparently it was to retain the original Bristol Centaurus engine. It is reported the project is in storage in Sweden.