Curtiss P-40 M-10 white 23 (later Finnish KH-51)
Updated on April 8, 2014
back to VVS research index

 

 

 

Drawing by Tapani Tuomanen

Curtiss P-40M-10-CU, White 23 flown by Pilot Lt. Vitalyi Andreyevitsh Revin of 191 IAP based on Kasimovo air base. It had to made a forced landing in the Finnish side after having lost in a snowfall.

Its USAAF code has been 43-5925, but it is invisible because of the white painting of the tail, a distinctive characteristic of the unit. The plane seems to have white spinner, numbers and star outlines too, and olive drab/neutral grey finish.

 

 

After the capture by the Finns, the plane was repainted in Finnish colors and remarked as KH-51; it didn't become operative with the Ilmavoimat, but was utilized as a visual aid in the Finnish Air Force Le.Mek.K (Mechanician School ).

 

Story of no "23" is from "Suomen Ilmailuhistoriallinen lehti" no 1/ 2004.