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Resp:
The first photo looks to have "Nair" low on the L side of the air intake, but due to the latticed canopy which predates the P-40Ns used to make TP-40s, it was an early, possibly the first . . . two seat trainer. I still think it is a factory model rather than a field modification. The garrison covers (hats) the pilots are wearing suggest a leasure trip, or perhaps a non-scheduled demonstration flight. All are guesses though. I believe the first 'N' models had latticed canopies, or could be a P-40M conversion? No tail number to verify.
So any further in narrowing down the model P-40 used to make this two seater "Nair?" Note the exterior mounted rearview mirror. Looks like a Silver Oakleaf on the garrison cover of the pilot in the front seat. So likely a Senior Officer.I missed the early canopies on "Nair" and your observation made me look much closer.
The engine cowling appears to be missing the air inlet filter holes and the N model battery access panel.
The centre canopy is definitely some 15cm/6inches shorter than the TP-40N centre canopy and behind it is what appears to be a tubular roll over truss (yellow arrows) which is not fitted to the TP-40N. The white arrows show the aft end of the forward skin panel which is a good visual reference to the difference in centre canopy length as is the visible end of the canopy slot on "Nair" and its absence on the TP-40N. Given the radios installed there and total lack of instruments in the rear cockpit I now suspect this was a special build for some other reason
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So any further in narrowing down the model P-40 used to make this two seater "Nair?" Note the exterior mounted rearview mirror. Looks like a Silver Oakleaf on the garrison cover of the pilot in the front seat. So likely a Senior Officer.
Resp:The external mirror shows in photos of both long and short tail P-40s including as early as on some E models and as late as some L models. It is not on all but I do not know why.
It is not listed in the M & N parts catalog and I cannot say when it was replaced by the internal mirror as that is not shown either.
I can see nothing else that is model specific to go by and any conversion may cherry pick parts off other models.
It is unusual to see a two tone camofaged Warhawk in USAAF markings. Could this aircraft originally been destined for the British or the Russians? Thoughts?
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Photo in Post #170, the back of the photo says P-40N