P-40C of 20 Giap flown by Major Ermakov in September 1942. Major Ermakov crash landed this aircraft just south of Murmansk after being damaged by a Bf 109F of Jg 5. The aircraft sat in the tundra until being discovered in 1993 and was recovered via helicopter.
This aircraft was constructed in the spring of 1941 and was initially intended for use in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was painted OD green over Neutral Gray with typical pre-war markings. The aircraft was then bought by the RAF in June, 1941 as part of a 1180 plane purchase. In September, it again was designated for a change of ownership when the English included it as part of the Defense Aid Program for the U.S.S.R.. Finally, in early 1942, it arrived at Murmansk and was delivered to the 147th Iap (redesignated 20 Giap in June 1942). The aircraft had it's U.S. markings over-painted with Soviet colors AMT-4 green and AMT-7 light blue. Red stars and the number 53 were then applied. At some point, the upper engine cowling panels were replaced with those from a Tomahawk painted in RAF colors, possibly during a recorded engine change in February.
