P-40 Warhawk

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Specifications
Primary Function: US$ Cost: Engine: Power: Crew: Length: Wingspan: Weight Empty: Max. Weight: Machine Guns: Bombs: Cruise Speed: Max. Speed: Climb Rate: Max. Altitude: Range: First Flight: Year Deployed:	fighter/bomber $45,000 Allison 1,360 h.p. one 33 ft. 4 in. 37 ft. 4 in. 6,350 lbs. 8,810 lbs. 6- .50 cal. 500 lbs. 280 mph 378 mph 2,240 fpm 38,000 feet 240 miles 10/14/38 1940

P-40 Warhawk

When it first took to the sky in 1938 the P-40 Warhawk produced by Curtiss-Wright was among the most capable aircraft of its time. Its in-line piston engine enabled a more streamlined fuselage than the more common radial engines of the time. All metal construction with flush rivets enhanced its aerodynamics, along with retractable landing gear. It soon became the primary fighter aircraft of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Prior to the start of World War II, France had ordered some 230 P-40 Warhawk aircraft. However, before deliveries started, War broke out and France was overrun by Germany. The aircraft were eventually diverted to Great Britain.

The British called the P-40 “Tomahawk”. They felt it was not capable of the performance necessary to defend their country and used them primarily for low level reconnaissance missions. This was because its engine lacked a two speed supercharger.

When the P-40 model E was introduced in May of 1941, it had a more powerful engine and additional streamlining to lower drag. However, although low level performance was improved, it still lacked the two speed supercharger necessary for high level flight. Although this limited its combat abilities in the European Theatre, the P-40 was used extensively for ground attack and where high level missions were not necessary.

The machine guns formerly carried in the nose of the P-40 Warhawk were replaced with three .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns in each wing. Outside the U.S. the new model was called the “Kittyhawk”. P-40 aircraft saw combat in the Middle East and North Africa. RAAF pilot Clive Caldwell had 22 air to air combat victories flying the P-40 over North Africa.

The American Volunteer Group, best known as the “Flying Tigers” were successful flying the P-40 Warhawk against the Japanese in China. The P-40 Warhawk was among the U.S.A.A.F. primary fighter aircraft used in the Pacific Theatre to counter the Japanese through 1943.

A total of over 13,700 P-40 Warhawk aircraft of all types were produced.

RC P-40 Warhawk

That’s the ARF RC P-40 Warhawk for sale by Top Flite of Rudy Fresca in front of the real thing. It has a wingspan of 86 in. with a length of 72 in. The all wood airplane needs from 43 to 60 cc engines to pull its approximate 23 1/2 lb weight through the air.

The RC P-40 Warhawk for sale from VQ Model is an ARF of all wood construction. Its wingspan is 62 in. and it is 53 1/2 in. long. Power can come from a 600 to 800 wt. motor or .60 two cycle or .90 four cycle engine. All up weight is approximately 7 1/2 lbs.

FMS has a RC P-40 Warhawk for sale with a 38 1/2 in. wingspan that is 32 1/2 in. long. Included with the PNP airplane is a 3648 770 kV motor, flaps and retracts. It weighs around 44 oz.

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