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Jack Roush
Jack Roush: A Passion for Aviation and Preservation
Jack Roush, a prominent figure in the automotive world, is equally passionate about aviation. His journey began with a personal project: restoring his own P-51 Mustang. This iconic World War II fighter plane captured his heart, leading him to explore its history and engineering intricacies.
Driven by his typical determination, Jack laid the groundwork for something remarkable: the establishment of the first and only FAA Repair Station for Merlin engines. These engines powered the P-51 Mustangs, and Jack's mission was clear- to keep these historic aircraft in the air and preserve our rich military aviation heritage.
Roush Aviation: Keeping the Merlin Alive
As the founder and owner of Roush Aviation, Jack Roush oversees a team dedicated to maintaining and operating two North American Aviation P-51 Mustangs: The P-51B “Old Crow” and the P-51D “Gentleman Jim.” These warbirds evoke the spirit of a bygone era, and Roush Aviation ensures they continue to soar across the skies.
Their expertise extends beyond mere maintenance. Roush Aviation is the only company certified by the FAA to overhaul the Rolls Royce and Packard V-1650 Merlin Engine—the very heart of these legendary planes. They also introduce new technology while preserving the authenticity of these vintage engines.
Beyond Restoration: Innovation and Legacy
Jack Roush’s passion isn’t limited to restoration. His vision extends to innovation. Roush Aviation doesn’t just repair existing engines; they create new PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) components, ensuring the Merlin engine’s longevity. These replacement parts, meticulously crafted from original drawings or reverse-engineered using scanning technology, contribute to the ongoing legacy of these warbirds.
Whether it’s the unmistakable sound of a Rolls Royce or Packard Merlin flying by or the thrill of seeing a P-51 Mustang in action, Roush Aviation keeps history alive. Jack's dedication to aviation and preservation has left an indelible mark on the skies and our collective memory.
So next time you hear that distinctive roar overhead, remember Jack Roush—the man who turned his passion into a mission to honor our aviation heritage.
Jack Roush’s passion for aviation extends beyond the P-51 Mustangs. Here are some other notable aviation projects he has been involved in:
- Bell SXM Helicopter Mock-Ups: Fifteen years ago, Bell Textron Inc. sought assistance with a helicopter application. Ford directed them to Roush, and their first project was creating mock-ups of variants of the Bell SXM helicopter. These realistic mock-ups garnered over 100 customer orders for the Bell SXM, showcasing Roush's expertise in aerospace design and prototyping.
- Aerospace Manufacturing and Engineering: Roush’s 45-plus years of automotive industry experience directly transfer to aerospace. They’ve been heavily involved in projects ranging from drones to spacecraft. Whether it's simulators for pilot training, air taxi passenger pods, or advanced engineering for space exploration, Roush continues to push the boundaries of air mobility.
- Vintage Aircraft Parts Preservation: Roush’s love for vintage warbirds led them to reverse engineer and apply modern manufacturing techniques to vintage aircraft parts. Their commitment to serving customer needs knows no bounds, even in the rarified air of aerospace.
