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Aircraft History
Built by Curtiss, constructor number 29677. This aircraft was originally intended for delivery to Chinese
Air Force, and had Nationalist Chinese markings applied in the factory. Instead, it was pressed into service with the 5th Air Force.
Wartime History
Assigned to the 49th Fighter Group, 7th Fighter Squadron. Flown by Lt. Robert Warren, whose name was painted on the side of the cockpit. This P-40 was abandoned at Tadji Airfield.
Wreckage
The wreckage remained at Tadji Airfield until 1974, with the engine removed, but still standing on its landing gear.
Recovery
Recovered
by Charles
Darby and transported to Lae. From there, Monty Armstrong exported it to
Auckland, New Zealand.
Owners & Display
Sold to Malcom Long, who owned it from 1974-1988. This aircraft was displayed at a
variety of locations over the years in both private collections and
museums.
Displayed at RAAF Museum in 1977. Displayed at Chewing Gum Field Museum from 1980-1985. Next, displayed at Air World 1985-1991.
The P-40 was next owned by Jack McDonald & John Rayner in 1991. In 1997, the plane was purchased by Murry Griffith.
Restoration
Restored
in Australia on the Gold Coast and several different
companies and people over the years, including Ron Lee. Returned to flying status in
2002.
When restored, it was displayed at Precision
Aerospace. Registered on the Australian civilian register as VH-KTI, as
the only flying P-40 in Australia.
In September 2005, former pilot Robert Warren visited his P-40 at Precision
Aerospace and was covered on Australian television news.
Sold to a French buyer, arriving disassembled during February 2008. This P-40 was the main attraction at La Ferté-Alais June 2008 air show near Paris. Since then, it has flown in the European air show circuit.
References
Pacific
Aircraft Wrecks page 43 (lower), 57 (upper)
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Last Updated
July 26, 2011
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