The prototype for the P-40 series was flown in 1938. The P-40 Warhawk was the first single-seat American fighter to be produced on a large scale. At the onset of the hostilities, almost half of the USAAF airplanes were P-40s.
Slower and less manoeuvrable than the majority of the other fighters of its time, the Warhawk, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk nonetheless was a very tough and dependable aircraft. Also, American pilots just loved the way it looked. Improvements continually made it a better airplane, and it was used throughout the war. Production of all P-40s totalled 16,802 planes.
Specifications
Type:
Single-seat fighter and desert fighter-bomber
Powerplant:
1,040 hp Allison
V-1710-33, V12 liquid-cooled
Max speed:
345mph (555km/h)
Ceiling:
13,106 m. (43,200
ft)
Range:
1,080km (675
miles)
Weight (empty):
2,636kg (5,812lb)
Max. T/O:
3,424kg (7,549lb)
Wingspan:
11.37m
(37'3.5")
Length:
9.66m
(31'8.5")
Height:
3.75 m (12 ft. 5
in.)
Armament:
6x
0.50" machine guns, provision for up to 1000lbs bombs
