Santa's Aircraft: 1900-2000

Gallery Article by Alvis 3.1

Christmas Eve 2004

 

    In the 1930's, higher performance planes allowed Santa to expand his operations more from the ever cranky and often militant reindeer to aircraft. Seen here is the North Pole modified Grumman F3F-3. Along with increased cold weather capacity and a high performance heater for the cockpit, it also sported ski-style landing gear and an attachment hook for "landing" aboard the old workhorse airship HindenBlitzen. The addition of the Grumman allowed Santa himself to deliver presents and shift operations from the Elf Paratroopers. 

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     Higher performance monoplanes however limited the use of the Grumman to the years 1938 to 1944. Being as these were hostile times, a noticeable variation upon Santas traditional all-red scheme was applied, adopting a candy cane motif. This allowed for the various combatting nations airforces to quickly recognise the plane, and assist the HindenBlitzen to see it easier for hook ups.

Alvis 3.1

Photos and text © by Alvis 3.1