Curtiss P-40 Warhawk / Kittyhawk
Technical Information
Background
The P-40 is described as an average
fighter at best because of its handling and range. Prone to enter
a spin when it stalled, and took several thousand feet to recover
from steep dives. It could not out turn the Japanese Zero. The P-40 is best known as the aircraft used
by Claire Chennault's American Volunteer Group "The Flying
Tigers".
While not an outstanding fighter, it was well used during the
first half of the war, until it was replaced by more capable
types.
Merlin Powered P-40F
The P-40F Warhawk (Model 87B) was powered by a Packard V-1650-1 Merlin, a Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engine, produced under license in the United States by the Packard Motor Car Company and had a slightly shorter fuselage. A total of 699 were manufactured between January 1942 until August 1942.
Royal Air Force (RAF) and Commonwealth Tomahawk and Kittyhawk
A total
of 1,500 P-40s exported to the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Commonwealth between September 1941 until June 1942, and
were counted under USAAF deliveries and assigned USAAF serial numbers. At the factory, these P-40s were assigned RAF serial numbers
ET100-ET999,
and EV100-EV699. The P-40, P-40B and P-40C were called the Tomahawk. P-40D model was Kittyhawk I, P-40E was Kittyhawk Mark IA. P-40F was Kittyhawk II and P-40F "lightweight" version with only four .50 caliber machine guns was the Kittyhawk IIA.. P-40K was Kittyhawk III. P-40N was Kittyhawk IV.
Production
The P-40 was one of the most extensively built U.S. fighter with almost 14,000 units being delivered before production ended in 1944 and was only exceeded by production totals for the P-47 Thunderbolt or
P-51 Mustang.
Technical Details (P-40E)
Crew One (pilot)
Engine Allison V-1710-39 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine 1,240 hp with a three bladed Curtiss-Wright electric constant-speed propeller.
Span 37' 4"
Length 31' 9"
Height 12' 4"
Maximum Speed 334 mph at 15,000'
Range 716 miles flying at 70% power
Armament 6 x .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns, three in each wing.
External Centerline Drop Tank or up to 1,000 pounds of bombs on hardpoints under the fuselage and underwing.
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