Ken Everson in the cockpit of Don Sauser’s Curtiss P-6E Hawk. The 82 percent-scale replica is painted in the markings of the Group Commander of the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, known as the “Snow Owls”.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

Ken Everson brings the Hawk, with talons painted on its wheel spats, close to the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog camera ship. The fairing panel over the front cockpit is visible.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

Comparison of this study with the photograph of the real McCoy reveals that Don Sauser’s lookalike Hawk is noticeably smaller than its illustrious forebear.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

The replica drop tank is actually a wind-down luggage pod, for when the Hawk is away from Corona.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

Ex-Marine Corps pilot Kendall W. Everson (in the cockpit) with Donald J. Sauser. They describe themselves as “two over-the-hill fighter pilots”.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

A Chevrolet H.O.350 automobile engine provides the power for the replica Hawk. The unit weighs only half as much as the original P-6E’s Curtiss V-1570-23 Conqueror.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

The genuine article. A Curtiss P-6E Hawk of the 17th Pursuit Squadron displays the “Snow Owls” colour scheme. The lower-set upper wing is evident.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927

The pilot’s cockpit. Just visible forward of the control column is the back of the front-cockpit seat.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-6 / Model 35 - СШАUSA - 1927