Watch Raw WWII Footage of P-40 Warhawk in Action

A Glimpse Into Wartime Preparation

Archival footage has surfaced showing the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk during what appears to be a World War II-era training film. The P-40, known for its service in multiple theaters, is seen here on the ground in a series of preparations before flight. The film captures ammunition being carefully loaded into the aircraft, a process vital for ensuring the guns were ready for combat. Ground crews are also shown performing gun sighting and zeroing, a critical step to align weapons accurately before missions. These procedures highlight the teamwork and precision required to keep a fighter operational in wartime.

Believed to be part of an internal military training or promotional film, this reel was originally labeled as “Library Stock Shot #34.” Such footage was often created to instruct new personnel or to document standard operating procedures for official records. The attention to detail in these sequences offers a clear window into the daily work surrounding fighter operations.

Taxi, Takeoff, and Preservation

The film moves from ground work to the P-40 taxiing into position. Viewers can see the distinctive lines of the Warhawk as it moves across the airfield before lifting into the air. These moments capture the transition from preparation to flight, reflecting the readiness demanded during the war.

Digitally upscaled from an older 360p source using modern AI tools, the restoration preserves the look of the original while enhancing clarity. The footage, believed to be public domain, likely came from U.S. military film units and now serves as a preserved record of the P-40 in its operational setting.

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