P-38 Charlie and a B-17 on the ice cap in 1942. In the ensuing 50 years they would become buried beneath 268ft of polar ice.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-17E / B-17G Flying Fortress - СШАUSA - 1941Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

Harry Smith’s P-38 in its ice cavern 268ft beneath the surface, with armament rusted but intact.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

Despite half a century under ice, the P-38’s engines were in remarkable shape. In addition, once lifted to the surface, the 20mm cannon was successfully fired.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

Glacier Girl under restoration in Roy Shoffner’s hangar.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

Undamaged parts of the P-38 were cleaned, while damaged components were either repaired or replaced.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

The cockpit of Harry Smith’s P-38, still under the ice and looking much as it did when the pilot landed, although the Plexiglas screen has been smashed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

The P-38 was salvaged in atrocious conditions, in freezing temperatures. A specialist crew was brought in to dismantle the aircraft in order to bring it to the surface. Here one of the P-38’s wings sees daylight for the first time in 50 years.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

After being crated and shipped from Greenland in pieces, P-38 Glacier Girl was restored for reassembly in Roy Shoffner’s hangar in Kentucky. Just as the project was grinding to a halt through lack of funds, Shoffner rescued it with an offer of $500,000.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

Lt R.H. Wilson poses with his P-38 on the ice-cap in 1942.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939

Above, Lt J. Bradley McManus and Lt Carl Rudder with P-38 Foxtrot after it crash-landed on the ice.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed P-38 Lightning - СШАUSA - 1939