What's the story behind this WW2 photo?

GalOfAFighterPilot · by **GalOfAFighterPilot** » 07 Mar 2004, 02:31

I would like to add this to the site, but will like know a little about the co-pilot.

elp · by **elp** » 07 Mar 2004, 06:49

Don't know. Cute photo. Got a cool photo of a cat asleep on the "dashboard" of a B-25 while it is deploying over the atlantic.

GalOfAFighterPilot · by **GalOfAFighterPilot** » 07 Mar 2004, 08:21

Can you send the photo to my email at GhosRyderShadow@aol.com ?

elp · by **elp** » 07 Mar 2004, 11:10

Yeah I'll scan it in. Even has a name and unit to put it in context. I thought you wanted fighter stuff though. To nit pick the B-25 is a medium two engine bomber.

still a good photo though.

habu2 · by **habu2** » 07 Mar 2004, 15:51

I can send cat photos...

Person · by **Person** » 08 Mar 2004, 00:55

Looks like a P-40.

habu2 · by **habu2** » 08 Mar 2004, 01:33

I don't know my WW II canopy frames but it looks like the pilot is wearing a Mae West vest - would this imply an over-water theater? I thought P-40 was primarily an 'over-land' fighter...

Person · by **Person** » 08 Mar 2004, 02:02

We gave some to the Brits, New Zealand, had some based in the Aleutians and of course Hawaii etc... to name a few locations where <i>if</i> it is a P-40 it'd be prudent to wear a Mae West. But you're right that for WWII it wasn't really used for long over water patrols due to it's short range.

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It could also be a F4U-1 which would fit in much better with the "over-water" theater theory...

Wildcat · by **Wildcat** » 08 Mar 2004, 10:27

I looked closely at the canopy frame: it may be a P-40, but the first P-51s (A-36A, P-51, P-51A, P-51B, P-51C) used a very similar canopy, so it may be a Mustang as well. The first P-47s also used a similar opening system, but I think the aircraft does not look big enough to be a Thunderbolt.

Person · by **Person** » 12 Mar 2004, 00:45

P-51 birdcage canopys, A/B, A-36, were hinged, i'm pretty sure they didn't slide.

habu2 · by **habu2** » 12 Mar 2004, 05:12

No, that's definitely a long-haired tabby....

Wildcat · by **Wildcat** » 12 Mar 2004, 11:48

Sometimes, I should think before typing... yes, person, it can't be a P-51 canopy :oops:

Habu · by **Habu** » 12 Mar 2004, 20:27

No one else thinks it´s just a Hellcat or Wildcat canopy?

elp · by **elp** » 13 Mar 2004, 03:51

Well, it's not Butch O'Hare. The face is too fat. O.K. so one pilot is ruled out. How many to go?

habu2 · by **habu2** » 13 Mar 2004, 04:32

Definitely a long-haired tabby....