MICHAEL O'LEARY photographed Bruce Lockwood flying Commemorative Air Force (formerly Confederate Air Force) Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat N1078Z over an unusual snowfall in the Mojave Desert on February 15, 2001.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942

On February 15, 2001, the Museum of Flying's Bruce Lockwood took Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat N1078Z out for a test flight from the museum's Mojave maintenance and restoration centre. As can be seen, a rare snowfall had blanketed the desert, and the author took the opportunity to photograph Bruce and the 'Cat over a very unusual background.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942

This superb air-to-air portrait of Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat N1087Z “74" was taken by MICHAEL O'LEARY on February 15, 2001 - over California’s Mojave Desert, believe it or not! A very rare heavy snowfall had blanketed the normally parched desert hills. Owned by the Texas-based Commemorative Air Force (which until recently was known as the Confederate Air Force), the former US Navy carrier-borne fighter was restored with funding from the Museum of Flying at Santa Monica, California, and now lives at Camarillo. The Hellcat's pilot for this air-to-air photographic sortie was Bruce Lockwood.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942

The Hellcat over snow-covered mountains near Mojave Airport. The world's population of airworthy Hellcats numbers just nine, with at least one rebuild project currently under way.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942

The Hellcat is big, even slightly larger than the Vought F4U Corsair. The spacious cockpit is 11ft 3in above the ground.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942

Bruce Lockwood in the cockpit of the F6F-5.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942

Hellcats were still in service as late as 1952: here a US Navy example lands aboard the carrier USS Cabot in June of that year.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman F6F Hellcat - СШАUSA - 1942