[ARC5] P-40 Found In Desert

[Robert Eleazer]

I would have never have guessed that the TR-9D as fitted in fighter aircraft was dry battery powered!

I recently read a book on the experiences of a WWII RAF fighter pilot, who began his career before the BofB in Hurricanes.  He was quite uncomplimentary to the TR-9D.

The photos linked to by David show the aircraft to be a Hawk 87A-3, according to the label on the inside of the gun compartment.  That is what we would call a P-40E.  A Canadian group thinks it might be one flown by an RCAF ace at one time, based on what they think is the serial number.  RAF serials for the P-40E ran from AK591 to AL230.

In addition to RAF and RAAF units the South African Air Force flew P-40's in the middle east.   The paint job looks to be the standard sand and dark earth one used by U.S and Allied units in the middle east.

Wayne