The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) Curtiss P-40 Warhawk is currently going through refurbishment following a landing mishap earlier this year, but progress in the restoration is gathering pace and should see the aircraft flying again before too long. This fighter is tough. She is also one of the longest-serving aircraft in the CAF’s fleet of vintage military aircraft, having joined the organization back in 1965. The fighter is also a genuine WWII veteran, having served in coastal defense in far northern reaches of North America with the Royal Canadian Air Force at a time when there was still a perceived threat to the homeland from Imperial Japanese forces.
The CAF’s Warhawk started rolled off the production line in September, 1943 as P-40N-5-CU 42-105867, with construction number 29629. The U.S. Government soon transferred the fighter, under Lend-Lease, to the Royal Canadian Air Force as Kittyhawk Mk.IV serial 867. Her first active squadron was No.111(F) Squadron, flying patrols against the Japanese threat in Alaska’s Aleutian Island chain. Following her sojourn in the Alaskan wilds, she joined No. 135(F) Squadron at RCAF Patricia Bay in British Columbia. The RCAF struck her off charge in August, 1946, and the Kittyhawk passed through a number of civilian owners in the United States before ending up with the organization now known as the Commemorative Air Force in 1965.
As many readers will be aware, on March 16th this year, the Commemorative Air Force’s Curtiss P-40N Warhawk suffered a mechanical failure which resulted in the left main landing gear collapsing during a landing at Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport near Houston, Texas. As a consequence, the left wing struck the ground, causing extensive damage to the wingtip, flap, and aileron. There was also a prop strike, although thankfully while the engine was at idle. Obviously, a fair amount of remedial work was in need to get the aircraft back in the air again, but the CAF’s P-40 Sponsor Group is taking this opportunity to address other issues too. The organization recently updated us on progress with the Warhawk’s restoration; read below to see how you can help get this venerable fighter back in the air…
“Currently, the entire exterior of the P-40 has been stripped and primed in anticipation of a complete repaint of the aircraft. Many cockpit components, including the instrument panel, have been removed and will be overhauled. The cockpit itself is stripped and will receive a cosmetic restoration. The Sponsor Group is eager to use this time as an opportunity to make the CAF’s P-40 the best it’s ever been. Warhawk fans can follow the restoration progress on the Group’s Facebook page. To support the restoration efforts, click HERE.“
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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