The Curtiss P-40 "Warhawk" fighter was America's best when World War II began. In 1941, P-40's
engaged Japanese aircraft during the attack on Pearl Harbor. They were used in the Pacific
for much of 1942.
They also were flown in China early in 1942 by the famed Flying Tigers and in North Africa in 1943 by
the first A.A.F all-black unit, the 99th Fighter Squadron. The P-40 served in numerous combat areas: the Aleutian Islands, Italy, the Middle East, the Far East, the
Southwest Pacific and some were sent to Russia. The P-40 was not able to operate
above 15,000 feet because it lacked a supercharger. Though often outclassed by the Axis fighters in speed,
maneuverability and rate of climb, the P-40 earned a reputation in battle for extreme ruggedness.
At the end of
the war, more than 14,000 had been produced for service in the air forces of 28 nations.
Source and Link:
U.S.A.F. Museum.Fully assembled, Handcrafted Model Airplane with Removable
Desk Stand.
length: 8 1/4", wingspan: 9 1/2"
)
