P-40 Shark Face
There are many stories associated with this aircraft.
The first Curtiss P-40 flew in 1938. While its reputation is sometimes overshadowed by later World War II fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, the P-40 was a successful design flown by most Allied countries during World War II (who referred to it by various names, including Warhawk, Tomahawk, and Kittyhawk). P-40s remained in frontline service until the end of the war. By that time, it was the third-most produced U.S. fighter, after the Mustang and the P-47 Thunderbolt.
This P-40N-5 (serial number 42-104977, registration NL977WH) was built in 1942. It displays the paint scheme of the Flying Tigers, a volunteer U.S. unit formed in the early 1940s to oppose the Japanese invasion of China. The paint scheme includes a shark face and the unit’s insignia, a flying tiger (designed by Walt Disney).
This P-40 originally served with the U.S. Army Air Forces. In New Guinea in 1943 Lt. Joel Thorvaldson flew this aircraft and joined six other aircraft to intercept dozens of Japanese fighters and bombers. After he disabled a “Zeke” fighter, a “Zero” damaged Thorvaldson’s engine. Thorvaldson landed the plane on its belly and survived for five days in the wilderness before being rescued by Australian soldiers.
Thorvaldson continued his military service and had a long career in the Army and the Air Force, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He flew 44 different kinds of aircraft, including more than 400 combat missions. He retired as a Colonel, then helped design and facilitate the adoption of the A-10 Warthog.
The wreckage of Thorvaldson’s P-40 was recovered in the 1990s and taken to Australia for restoration. The aircraft flew again in 2008.
This P-40 is owned and flown by Thom Richard. Born in Sweden, as a young man Richard immigrated to the United States and later became a citizen to pursue his life-long interest in aviation. His career includes racing aircraft, aerobatic routines, and sharing his love of warbirds. He purchased this P-40 in 2018 and named it “American Dream.”
Seen at the 2024 Thunder Over Michigan airshow. #ThunderOverMI
P-40 Shark Face
There are many stories associated with this aircraft.
The first Curtiss P-40 flew in 1938. While its reputation is sometimes overshadowed by later World War II fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, the P-40 was a successful design flown by most Allied countries during World War II (who referred to it by various names, including Warhawk, Tomahawk, and Kittyhawk). P-40s remained in frontline service until the end of the war. By that time, it was the third-most produced U.S. fighter, after the Mustang and the P-47 Thunderbolt.
This P-40N-5 (serial number 42-104977, registration NL977WH) was built in 1942. It displays the paint scheme of the Flying Tigers, a volunteer U.S. unit formed in the early 1940s to oppose the Japanese invasion of China. The paint scheme includes a shark face and the unit’s insignia, a flying tiger (designed by Walt Disney).
This P-40 originally served with the U.S. Army Air Forces. In New Guinea in 1943 Lt. Joel Thorvaldson flew this aircraft and joined six other aircraft to intercept dozens of Japanese fighters and bombers. After he disabled a “Zeke” fighter, a “Zero” damaged Thorvaldson’s engine. Thorvaldson landed the plane on its belly and survived for five days in the wilderness before being rescued by Australian soldiers.
Thorvaldson continued his military service and had a long career in the Army and the Air Force, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He flew 44 different kinds of aircraft, including more than 400 combat missions. He retired as a Colonel, then helped design and facilitate the adoption of the A-10 Warthog.
The wreckage of Thorvaldson’s P-40 was recovered in the 1990s and taken to Australia for restoration. The aircraft flew again in 2008.
This P-40 is owned and flown by Thom Richard. Born in Sweden, as a young man Richard immigrated to the United States and later became a citizen to pursue his life-long interest in aviation. His career includes racing aircraft, aerobatic routines, and sharing his love of warbirds. He purchased this P-40 in 2018 and named it “American Dream.”
Seen at the 2024 Thunder Over Michigan airshow. #ThunderOverMI