What's that tire-looking thing at the front of this P-12C?
It's called a "speed ring cowling for drag reduction," says Paul
Any idea why it's got a swastica and US Army markings?
Actually if you want to be precise it's a Townend cowl ring ... ;D
Tug - I have a pic of a P-12B with similar markings. The swastika style emblem was the squadron emblem of the 55 pursuit squadron based on an indian emblem.
Susan, the nose of the aircraft is cut off in the image (at least on my browser. Thanks for the P-12 showcase though!
As for the swastika style insignia, it meant very different things before the Nazi party adopted it for their own purposes... This aircraft was actively flying in 1928-1932, so the Nazi's hadn't twisted it around yet.
The swastika was the unit symbol of the 55th Pursuit Squadron, US Army Air Corps.
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