The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was the primary USAAF fighter at the beginning of World War II. It was extensively exported to the Soviet Union and British Commonwealth Nations as well. The P40's most famous hour was its use by the AVG 'Flying Tigers' shortly after Pearl Harbor. The victories of the P-40 were one of few bright spots in those dark days when Allied forces were suffering defeat after defeat. Lt. Col. Robert Baseler scored his five victories in this specially modified Warhawk, before it was repainted in this striking scheme and taken off operations. The outboard guns were removed, along with other nonessential items, to lighten the airplane in the hope of making it capable of reaching high-altitude German photoreconnaissance aircraft. Although its performance was improved, Baseler never did catch one of the high-flying raiders. Baseler added one more victory while flying a P-47, to bring his total to six.