16.05.2009, 13:58
JG14_Jagr Wrote:If you look at the pictures (especially the color pictures) and video available (watch Birdges at Toko Ri) you will see that despite a lot of use, the Carrier Based aircraft received very good maintenance and would not have been allowed to get into "that" bad a condition. There was lots of weathering and staining but the aircraft were repainted, cleaned, and polished regulalry for speed reasons.
To further this argument the picture from Flak's first post shows Panthers that were operated by a reserve unit out of Miami, FL not an active fleet unit. As such they would have been in worse shape than operational aircraft due to more outdoor parking and less rigorous service and maintenance schedules (sort of like VT squadrons). Also, I'm pretty sure that picture was taken after straight wing Panthers were relegated to secondary roles (ie: the Reserves), and in this case the south FL sun, and that furthur explains the sad condition of their paint.
Stretch