The P-400 was an Airacobra originally constructed for British requirements. Its designation turned out to be rather unfortunate. Shortly after its arrival in the SWPA theatre some wit observed that the designation represented a 'P-40 with a Zero on its tail', and the sobriquet stuck thereafter.

The Fifth's P-400s were diverted to Australia after the RAF refused to accept them because of their alleged substandard performance. Hence when they arrived in New Guinea they still had British camouflage and serial numbers, in the series AH 728 to 738, AP 266 to 283, BW 100 to 183 & BX 135 to 174. The 'BW' series, as is the subject of the above photo, had originally been assigned to Russia as part of the lend-lease program, and the first chore given to the 8th Fighter Group's groundcrews was to paint over the Russian red stars lest they be confused for Japanese hinomaru red 'meatballs'.

This exceedingly rare color photo was taken at Schwimmer Field, Port Moresby in June 1942. In the background can be seen Mt Lawes.

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