After six weeks of digging in Burma, British aviation enthusiast David Cundall suspended his search for the dozens of pristine Spitfires he believes were buried at an airfield by British troops at the end of World War II. His main backer pulled out when officials limited the crew’s operations and the initial efforts failed to turn up any supporting evidence. “The authorities will not give us permission to dig because of the risk of undermining the active runway,” Cundall said, adding that he’s undeterred and has identified other promising sites.
A leaner Beechcraft Corporation has emerged from bankruptcy protection, and spokesman Shawn Vick said the company is ready to launch new products. Vick said the new company has more than $600 million in capital, and he expects 2013 to be “a very good year for this business.” Beechcraft will continue to produce the King Air turboprops, the T-6 and AT-6 military aircraft and the piston-powered Bonanza and Baron models. It ceased production of jet aircraft but will continue to support the fleet.
