Rare WWII Piper NE-1 to Cross the Channel for UK Tour
Commemorative Air Force French Wing Announces 2026 United Kingdom Tour of Historic Piper NE-1*Little Blue Cloud*
LE PLESSIS-BELLEVILLE, FRANCE (April 13, 2026) - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) French Wing has announced an international summer 2026 tour of its historic Piper NE-1 aircraft, “The Little Blue Cloud,” bringing a rare and deeply personal piece of World War II aviation history to audiences across the United Kingdom.
“Taking an 80-year-old, 65-horsepower single-engine piston aircraft across the Channel is always an adventure,” says Stéphane Duchemin, Wing Leader of the French Wing. “But the opportunity to present our Little Blue Cloud to British and international audiences at major airshows, while paying tribute to World War II veterans, is an invitation and an honour the French Wing could not refuse.”
Organized at the invitation of British members of the CAF Dallas-Fort Worth Wing and supported by aviation partners across the United Kingdom, the tour will operate from the Imperial War Museum Duxford, which will serve as its primary base of operations.
Jean-Yves Cercy, Chief Pilot of the French Wing, adds: “We have flown longer missions over forests than the twenty minutes required to cross the Channel. Like all our flights, it will be prepared with the utmost seriousness and a constant focus on safety… landing at Old Warden or Duxford is a dream for any historic aviation enthusiast pilot.”
2026 United Kingdom Tour Schedule
The Piper NE-1 will appear at several of the United Kingdom’s premier aviation events.
A Small Aircraft with a Powerful Story
About *Little Blue Cloud*
Known as “The Little Blue Cloud,” the Piper NE-1 is the U.S. Navy designation for the Piper J3C-65 Cub, an aircraft used for pilot training and utility roles during World War II.
The CAF French Wing’s aircraft is painted to represent BuNo 26359, which served with Squadron ZP-32 at Naval Air Station Moffett Field in California during 1942–1943. Though powered by just a 65-horsepower engine, aircraft like this played a quiet but important role supporting coastal defense operations, including anti-submarine efforts and airship unit coordination along the U.S. West Coast.
Its nickname, given by a sailor in the unit, reflects the personal connections forged around even the most modest aircraft. That spirit remains at the heart of this tour.
About the CAF French Wing
Based at Le Plessis-Belleville, the French Wing maintains its aircraft in flying condition and hosts an annual aviation gathering that brings together vintage aircraft, classic vehicles, and living history participants.
Since 2019, the French Wing has supported major international CAF initiatives, including hosting the CAF aircraft C-47 That’s All, Brother and the Douglas R4D Ready 4 Duty in France. In 2026, the French Wing was awarded the CAF Distinguished Unit Award for its critical role in the “Navy to Victory” tour, recognizing its leadership in logistics, coordination, and international outreach. Founded in 1996, the CAF French Wing is the Commemorative Air Force’s official affiliate in France. It operates as an independent, nonprofit association under French law and is responsible for the ownership, restoration, and operation of its aircraft, including Little Blue Cloud. Learn more at www.CAFFrenchWing.Fr.
About the Commemorative Air Force
Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and flying historic military aircraft. With more than 175 aircraft, the CAF operates the world’s largest flying collection of World War II-era aircraft, bringing history to life through flight, education, and public engagement.
Learn more at www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.
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