Corsair over New Zealand
CORSAIR OVER NEW ZEALAND — FG-1D Corsair NZ5648
Few aircraft from the Second World War possess a silhouette as instantly recognisable as the Corsair. Its distinctive inverted gull wings, enormous radial engine and powerful presence have made it one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history.
“Corsair over New Zealand” depicts the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair NZ5648, an aircraft of great historical significance closely connected to New Zealand’s aviation heritage. Built by Goodyear under licence from Vought’s original design, this aircraft entered service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) on 17 August 1945, virtually at the end of the Second World War.
Unlike many of the Corsairs operated by the RNZAF in the Pacific, NZ5648 did not take part in combat operations. After arriving in New Zealand, it was sent to the Aircraft Storage Unit at Rukuhia, where it remained in storage. In 1949 it was declared surplus and sold for scrap. However, while most of the Corsairs stored there were eventually destroyed, NZ5648 survived, beginning an extraordinary story of preservation and restoration that would ultimately return it to the air decades later.
Its history would later develop a very special connection with another major name in historic aviation. During its time in the United Kingdom, NZ5648 was associated with the Old Flying Machine Company at Duxford, the organisation founded by legendary New Zealand pilot Ray Hanna. Under the OFMC, the Corsair took part in numerous European airshows and became part of the Breitling Fighters, a spectacular warbird formation that brought together some of the most recognisable historic fighters of its era.
Ray Hanna’s connection with this aircraft is particularly interesting: Hanna was also a New Zealander, and the Corsair’s origin made NZ5648 a particularly significant aircraft for him. During its years in Europe, the aircraft flew in several different colour schemes, including RNZAF and US Navy markings, becoming a familiar sight at major historic aviation displays.
In 2004, the Corsair finally returned to New Zealand to take part in Warbirds Over Wanaka. That event also carried special significance, as it became the setting for the final display of the Breitling Fighters. After decades spent travelling between New Zealand, the United States and Europe, the historic Corsair ultimately remained in the country to which it had originally been delivered in 1945.
Today, NZ5648 continues to stand as an exceptional survivor of the RNZAF Corsair story. Its survival, return to flight and later association with Ray Hanna and the Breitling Fighters make it far more than simply another historic aircraft.
“Corsair over New Zealand” is intended as a tribute to that remarkable journey. The artwork presents the Corsair flying over the New Zealand landscape, visually returning the aircraft to the country with which its history has been connected for more than eight decades. The composition aims to convey the power and elegance of a machine whose distinctive silhouette remains instantly recognisable to aviation enthusiasts around the world.
My recognition goes to Mike Jones, the current owner of NZ5648, for preserving this remarkable aircraft and helping to keep its history alive.
A very special thank you also goes to Peter McCombe, the Corsair’s pilot, for his kindness, approachability and support during the creation of this artwork.
Thanks to people like them, these historic aircraft are not only preserved: they continue to fly, inspire and pass their stories on to future generations.
Artwork Details
Title: Corsair over New Zealand
Archive Reference: RR-2026-001
Aircraft: Goodyear FG-1D Corsair
Historic Registration: NZ5648
Manufacturer: Goodyear Aircraft Corporation
Current Owner: Mike Jones
Pilot: Peter McCombe
Medium: Graphite and coloured pencil
Original Artwork Dimensions: 420 × 594 mm (A2)
Date Completed: 19 June 2026
Artist: Rubén Ramos Alcaide
Delivery & Presentation
Limited Edition Fine Art Prints
Each Fine Art Print forms part of a strictly limited edition and is individually hand-numbered and signed by the artist.
Every print is carefully inspected before dispatch and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, identifying the artwork, edition number and key specifications.
Prints are carefully protected using acid-free archival tissue before being securely packaged for shipping. Larger formats may be gently rolled and placed inside a strong protective mailing tube to ensure they arrive safely and in excellent condition.
Prints are supplied unframed, allowing each collector to choose the framing style that best suits their collection and interior.
Original Artwork
Each original artwork is a unique, one-of-one piece, created entirely by hand by Rubén Ramos.
Every original is personally signed by the artist and accompanied by its own Certificate of Authenticity, including the artwork title, aircraft depicted, medium, dimensions, completion date and archive reference.
Original artworks are supplied unframed, professionally mounted with acid-free passe-partout and archival backing. This provides both protection and a refined presentation while allowing each collector to choose the frame that best suits their collection and interior.
Because of the delicate nature of graphite and traditional media, original artworks are never rolled. They are carefully protected using archival materials and rigid supports before being securely packaged for transport.
A professional framing service is available on request for collectors who wish to receive the artwork fully framed and ready to display.
Every original is individually prepared for shipping, with particular attention given to protecting the artwork throughout its journey to its new owner.
Please note: the standard price of the original artwork does not include a frame.
All artworks are packaged with the same care with which they were created.