Nose Art: Lockheed P-2E Neptune "High Roller"
Though nose art has become rare on military aircraft, it has always been rare on civilian aircraft--aside from the occasional general aviation or former trainer, or warbirds. With the exception of commemorative aircraft, or Virgin Atlantic's Varga girls, it is almost nonexistent on commercial airliners.
With firebomber aircraft, it's also rather rare, despite the fact that most are former military aircraft: nose art can be hard to maintain on aircraft which are synonymous with hard work and long hours. Though some have carried nose art--the most famous of which may have been Lynch Flying Services' "Fire Eater," a former USAF A-26 Invader--most do not.
Therefore, it was a bit of a surprise to find some albeit small nose art on a former Neptune Aviation P-2. "High Roller" is now in an honorable retirement at the Estrella Warbird Museum after a long Navy and firebomber career, displaying a lucky seven. Given how dangerous firebomber work can be, operating at low level in mountainous terrain, dealing with vicious air conditions with often aged aircraft, "High Roller" certainly rolled the dice many a time.
Nose Art: Lockheed P-2E Neptune "High Roller"
Though nose art has become rare on military aircraft, it has always been rare on civilian aircraft--aside from the occasional general aviation or former trainer, or warbirds. With the exception of commemorative aircraft, or Virgin Atlantic's Varga girls, it is almost nonexistent on commercial airliners.
With firebomber aircraft, it's also rather rare, despite the fact that most are former military aircraft: nose art can be hard to maintain on aircraft which are synonymous with hard work and long hours. Though some have carried nose art--the most famous of which may have been Lynch Flying Services' "Fire Eater," a former USAF A-26 Invader--most do not.
Therefore, it was a bit of a surprise to find some albeit small nose art on a former Neptune Aviation P-2. "High Roller" is now in an honorable retirement at the Estrella Warbird Museum after a long Navy and firebomber career, displaying a lucky seven. Given how dangerous firebomber work can be, operating at low level in mountainous terrain, dealing with vicious air conditions with often aged aircraft, "High Roller" certainly rolled the dice many a time.