The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk holds a special place in my heart as it was designed and built by Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Corporation of Buffalo, NY — only about 40 miles from where I grew up.  The Greater Western New York area is considered the “Cradle of Aviation” as it was the home of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss and most of his early aircraft experiments in Hammondsport, NY. Later, Curtiss founded the company that bore his name (Curtiss-Wright) and produced some of the more famous aircraft and engines of WWII.  Buffalo also was home to Bell Aircraft (birthplace of the P-39 Airacobra and the Bell X-1) and Consolidated Aircraft (B-24 Liberator and PBY Catalina) before the company moved to San Diego, CA.

It’s fitting that this fantastic black and gray tattoo of a pair of Curtiss P-40 Warhawks over a bridge, was created by artist Snake Eyes of B-52 Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY.  I do also see the irony in the fact that the B-52 was produced by Boeing, clear across the USA in Seattle, WA.

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

Being the most produced multi-engine aircraft in history (with over 18,000 built), the Consolidated B-24 Liberator seems like a fitting aircraft to be immortalized in ink.  More crews flew aboard the B-24, and the aircraft flew more missions and dropped more ordinance than any other aircraft used during World War II.  Though the B-24 wasn’t as popular in the media as it’s sistership, the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 still made up the backbone of the American strategic bombing campaign during the war.

The B-24 saw service in both the European and Pacific Theaters… including the harsh climate of the Aleutians and the heat of North Africa. 

In tribute to the B-24, one of the greatest aircraft of all time, we present this beautiful black and gray tattoo.  Artist Brett J. Barr of Built 4 Speed Tattoo of Orlando, FL completed the piece.

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

The mighty Lockheed C-130 Hercules is one of the most recognizable transport aircraft in the world today.  First flown on August 23, 1954, the “Herky Bird” is one of only five aircraft types that have met and surpassed the 50-year mark of continuous service in current inventory.  The C-130 is still being produced in fact, as the C-130J.  The C-130 was originally designed as a troop transport, but it’s scope has broadened over the years to include service as an inflight refueler (KC-130), gunship (AC-130), and even use by the US Navy and Air National Guard to support operations in Antarctica on skis!

For many who crewed on or currently fly aboard the C-130, the airplane holds a special place in their heart. For the subject of this entry, his passion for the C-130 Hercules extended to the point where he had one permanently placed on his forearm as a tattoo tribute to the timeless transport.

Artist Matt Bremer of Sinnin Skinn Inkworks in Orfordville, WI did the great piece in black and gray for the client with great results!

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

What more can be said about the North American P-51 Mustang that hasn’t been said here on Tattoos In Flight before?  Though it’s a close call as to whether the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk or the P-51 Mustang holds the title for “Most Tattooed Airplane” here at the site, I still am amazed at how many people choose the Mustang as a permanent tribute to airpower. 

This particular P-51 tattoo — a beautiful color backpiece — was created by tattoo artist Carlos Rubio of Club Tattoo in Mesa, AZ.  The flatness of the upper shoulders and back makes it easier to appreciate the straight lines and edges of the wings of the P-51.

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator, though not as immortalized as it’s sister ship, the B-17 Flying Fortress, certainly made its mark in World War II.  With over 12,500 being built from 1940 to 1945, it was easily the most produced multi-engine aircraft of its time (an honor I believe still holds true even today).  The B-24 flew more missions and dropped more ordinance on enemy territory than any other aircraft of the war — and sadly, more crewmen gave the ultimate sacrifice aboard the B-24 than any other as well.

Honoring the B-24 and the crews who flew on her, artist Jim Rosal of Jim & Jenni’s Quality Tattoo in Yakima, WA immortalized this B-24 on the back of a gentleman in tattoo form.  The quality of the artwork is superb and I give Jim high marks for working around the freckles there — looks a bit like the B-24 is flying through the 88mm anti-aircraft fire, also known as flak.

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

Another colorful tattoo of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk — continuing the trend we’ve been seeing over the past few weeks of the P-40 being the icon of the aviation tattoo.  I must admit that I even had the temptation of getting a Warhawk tattoo when I first started my tattoo project — but now am heading in the direction of a WWI aircraft sleeve (no one seems to do much with the First World War planes!).  This tattoo brought back memories for me as the position of the plane is very similar to one of my first air-to-air photos with a New York-based P-40 as the subject.  Good times.

Artist Pat B. of Green Man Tattoo in West Hartford, CT must have had a good time with this tattoo!  His attention to detail shows it!

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

Another point for the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk – what’s quickly becoming the most popular aircraft for aviation related tattoos.  It seems the iconic sharks teeth and aggressive lines of the P-40 makes for exciting tattoo work! Ironically, the P-40 was considered to be somewhat “Second String” for most of World War II — yet its image was immortalized by groups like the American Volunteer Group.

This tattoo was created by artist Spike Bieganek of Spike-O-Matic Tattoo in Madison, WI.

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »

Most aviation enthusiasts pride themselves in the fact they can identify an airplane on the ground or in the air by only a few references.  Much like a gearhead identifying a car by the growl of the engine, an airplane nut only needs the profile of a wing, nose, or tail to give a positive I.D.  That’s exactly what happened when I was surfing through the web and came across this tattoo — immediately recognized as the nose of a North American P-51D Mustang.  It’s an interesting tattoo and it leaves me to wonder if the rest of the airplane extends onto the back.

The tattoo was created by artist Riley Baxter of Temple House Tattoo in Hollywood, CA.

Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.

Click here or the image above to read more & view a larger image »