A 1960s Italian-made military target drone has been completed and is currently on display at the Springs Mine and Military Museum thanks to a generous and meaningful donation.

The drone was donated by the Swartkop Air Force Museum. It was restored by Prestige Panelbeaters, but still required an authentic wooden propeller.

After an extensive search, the museum’s founder, Tony Da Cruz finally located an original Peter de Necker propeller.

“After listening to our drone restoration story, Armando Figueiredo from Alberton refused to sell me the propeller. Instead, he offered to donate it,” Da Cruz said.

Da Cruz explained how the propeller once belonged to a microlight aircraft owned by Figueiredo’s best friend, David Attwell, who was tragically killed in a crash.

“Somehow the propeller was not damaged and Armando and his wife Carol got to keep it as a remembrance of David,” he said.

The donation is made in honour of Attwell ensuring his memory lives on as part of this historic restoration.

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