P-80 Shooting Star S/N 44-85442 Nose Skin Challenge Coin - B018

Own a piece of Korean War history! This batch was made using the skin of S/N 44-85442's nose section. S/N 44-85442 is a P-80 Shooting Star (modified to an RF-80A) that served in Korea before being written off in 1952. It appears that this airframe has been involved in three crashes, including a mid-air collision with another P-80. She flew from circa 1945 to 1952. The nose section found its way into a boneyard around the early 2000s. Batch B018 is made from the right side section of the nose. This nose piece pivots forward to allow for crew to access the camera equipment. With the introduction of the superior F-86 Sabre, P-80s were repurposed to other roles, mainly reconnaissance. The RF-80A is the reconnaissance variant of the P-80. The exterior paint is in pretty rough shape, but luckily the interior side was protected thanks to sheet metal stiffeners.

Here is a brief history of this P-80's service:

• Served USAF 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group 1948
• Mid-Air Collision near Clement, MI with 44-85028 Nov,15th, 1948
• Served USAF 3525th Pilot Training Group, 1950
• Modified to RF-80A Photo Reconnaissance variant Circa 1950
• Damaged during forced landing in Sky Harbor, AZ, November 9th 1950
• Served in 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group) Circa 1952
• Stationed at Kimpo Air Base during Korean War
• Written off in Korea after unspecified accident, September 12, 1952
• Nose relocated to El Mirage, California, Circa early 2000s

Receive the exact coin you want! Each coin measures approximately 1.75", and comes with one protective case.