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 |