These WWII Warbirds Are Still Flying, Now Taking on a New Role with a Different Mission

A New Purpose for Historic Aircraft

At Corman Airport in Greenwood, Delaware, Jeff Corman operates an agricultural spraying business, using modern aircraft to protect crops. However, beyond his work in aerial application, he has a passion for vintage warbirds. His collection includes four historic aircraft from World War II, each with a story of military service before taking on a new civilian role. These planes, once used for training and combat preparation, now contribute to aerial mosquito control and other specialized operations.

One of the aircraft in his collection is a North American SNJ-4, also known as an AT-6D. Built in 1943, it was originally an advanced trainer for Navy and Marine pilots. The plane features a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine, producing 600 horsepower. It was equipped with .30 caliber machine guns in the nose, wing, and rear cockpit, allowing pilots to train for combat. This particular aircraft had a strong connection to the region, as it was sought after by Jim Vand, the flight instructor who taught both Jeff and his father to fly.

Preserving and Repurposing Aviation History

Another standout in the collection is a 1943 Beechcraft AT-11, a twin-engine trainer used to prepare World War II bomber crews. This aircraft features a glass nose section, where bombardiers once used the Norden bombsight for practice. Although the bomb bay doors remain bolted shut, it now serves a different mission, spraying for mosquitoes. After its military service, the aircraft was converted for aerial mapping before being adapted for pest control operations.

The collection also includes a 1944 Beechcraft C-18S, originally used by the Coast Guard. Modified for mosquito control, it has high-lift wingtips and an upgraded tail design, allowing for better load capacity and stability. While these planes no longer train military pilots, they remain in active service, proving that even decades after their wartime roles, these historic warbirds still have a mission to fulfill.