Help us restore Tsunami!
Read more about the history of Tsunami below.
Contact Us
The Tsunami Project
You are always welcome to visit our shop by appointment.
Feel free to contact John Bjornstad at 763-3705429 and set up a visit.
Rebuild Facility
29563 144th Street, Princeton, Minnesota 55371, United States
Project Leads: John Bjornstad Wally Johnson
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 03:30 pm |
Tsunami's History
Our History
History of the Tsunami Project
The Tsunami Aircraft is a one-of-a-kind experimental racing aircraft, born from the vision of John Sandberg and Lockheed engineer Bruce Boland.
Designed to compete in Unlimited Class Air Racing and to challenge the absolute world speed record for propeller-driven aircraft, Tsunami was built with precision, passion, and unmatched expertise.
While many saw John Sandberg as simply an aviation enthusiast, few realized he was the driving force behind one of the most respected engine shops of the era—JRS Enterprise, formerly known as Metma. His company earned a national reputation for its mastery of Allison and Merlin V-12s, as well as the radial engines that powered icons like the B-17, B-25, and F4U Corsair.
John wasn’t just building an airplane—he was building a legacy. His goal was to become the first private pilot since Howard Hughes to break the 3-kilometer world speed record with a piston-powered aircraft.
The engine installed in Tsunami was a product of his own design and development, a culmination of decades of experience and a relentless pursuit of performance.
Tsunami remains the fastest homebuilt race plane ever constructed, a tribute to John’s vision, technical brilliance, and unwavering determination.
Who We Are
The Tsunami Project Today
The Tsunami Project
The Tsunami Project is dedicated to restoring the legendary racing aircraft so she can once again soar through the skies — and return to the world of competitive air racing where she truly belongs.
This ambitious effort is fueled by a passionate and committed team of adult volunteers who come together several times a week. Piece by piece, rivet by rivet, they’re rebuilding Tsunami with the same care, precision, and determination that defined her original creation.
Their work is more than restoration — it’s a tribute. A tribute to the visionaries who designed her, the pilots who flew her, the mechanics who maintained her, and the dreamers who believed in what she represented. Every hour spent in the shop honors the spirit of innovation, speed, and craftsmanship that made Tsunami a legend in the first place.
The project also serves as a powerful educational tool, inspiring the next generation of aviators and aircraft mechanics. Through our partnership with Flight Expo’s Build A Plane program, students gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced volunteers.
They’re not just learning about airplanes — they’re becoming part of aviation history, carrying forward the same passion and skill that built Tsunami in the first place.
Our Goal
More Than Just Speed
While the ultimate goal of Tsunami is to break the world speed record, the heart of this project goes far beyond racing. Tsunami stands as a powerful platform to inspire, educate, and engage people of all ages in the world of aviation.
Through hands-on involvement in the restoration process, volunteers gain more than mechanical skills — they build confidence, develop lifelong knowledge, and discover a deeper passion for flight. Whether it's turning a wrench, learning about aerodynamics, or simply standing in awe of Tsunami's legacy, every moment spent on this project becomes part of something bigger.
This is about more than just speed. It’s about preserving history, pushing boundaries, and sharing a legacy — one that continues to ignite dreams and shape the future of aviation, one generation at a time.
Join Us.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, an experienced mechanic, a student eager to learn, or someone who simply believes in the power of passion and perseverance — there’s a place for you on this journey.
Come be a part of history in the making. Volunteer, donate, or just stop by and say hello. Together, we can return Tsunami to the skies and carry her legacy forward for generations to come.