Ongoing funding is needed for the Short Sunderland V NZ4115

MOTAT's Short Sunderland has a rich history beginning with service in British Royal Airforce; it was then loaned to the British Overseas Airways Corporation for training crew from 1946 to 1948, followed by serving the Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) with the 5 Squadron at Laucala Bay, Fiji, and Maritime search and Reconnaissance Unit at Hobsonville. The Sunderlands were eventually superseded by new technology with the Lockheed Orions. Following the aircraft’s retirement in 1966 MOTAT was gifted the Sunderland NZ4115 in 1967.

In September 2017 the Short Sunderland was moved into the Aviation Display Hall after 50 years outside. Her exterior was painted to original Military configuration before the move inside.

The Short Sunderland continues to receive ongoing work on the interior and with additional focus on recreating the the gun turrets. This has involved extensive research across the aviation team and has seen engineering input and support for the rail and tram teams. While the original turrets are no longer in existence, this careful approach will help to ensure the new gun turrets are recreated accurately.