MICHAEL O'LEARY photographed Derek Dodds flying Curtiss P-40M N1232N The Jacky C, operated by the New York-based American Museum for the Preservation of Historic Aircraft, at the 1998 Wings of Eagles Airshow. The fearsomely-painted fighter was restored after post-war use as a cloud-seeder by the Weather Modification Company.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

Derek Dodds flying Curtiss P-40M N1232N at the National Warplane Museum's 1998 Wings of Eagles Airshow at Elmira, New York. Derek, the son of the late Bill Dodds (one of America's foremost warbird pilots and instructors), is a Boeing 727 captain and flies all of the warbirds operated by the American Museum for the Preservation of Historic Aircraft (AMPHA).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

Derek Dodds flies the AMPHA's P-40 over Elmira shortly after its acquisition from the Lone Star Flight Museum in 1997. The aircraft's name is derived from the name of owner Jeff Clyman's wife. As soon as it was acquired, USAAF insignia were applied over the RAF roundels.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

Don Lykins flying The Air Museum's ex-cloud seeder in its current scheme over Chino during July 1997, in company with the museum's Mustang Spam Can.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941North American P-51D Mustang - СШАUSA - 1944

Steve Hinton flying The Air Museum's "balloon buster" over Madera, California, during May 1983. As can be seen, the aircraft has been modified to two-seat configuration.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

P-40 N1197N in full Weather Modification livery at San Jose Municipal Airport on January 21, 1956. Note the radar pod.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

This is how Keith Larkin found N1197N at Flabob Airport, California, in 1955. The aircraft was kept in very good condition, unusual for surplus aircraft at that time, and even had its original factory canvas wheel covers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

After use by Weather Modification, N1223N went to Florida, where it languished as an attraction at a drive-in theatre. The exploits of the American Volunteer Group were recorded on the fuselage, but historically-minded locals apparently felt that the addition of a few bullet holes would be more appropriate. It is now preserved by Yanks Air Museum at Chino.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

Weather Modification’s second P-40, all-red N1232N, in the snow at Boeing Field in 1951, when it was operated by Bell Air Services.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941

Here N1197N (???) displays its second Weather Modification paint scheme at Oakland Airport, but lacks the radar pod.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss P-40D Kittyhawk / Warhawk - СШАUSA - 1941