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The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, a legendary aircraft of World War II, served in various theaters of war and became emblematic of the Allies’ resilience against the Axis forces.
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This versatile fighter, emerging from the Curtiss-Wright Corporation’s storied “Hawk” lineage, held the skies from the early days of the war until more advanced aircraft took the lead.
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When the United States entered WWII, the P-40 was its most prolific fighter available in significant numbers.
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The aircraft first roared into combat during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and in the Philippines in December 1941.
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Despite the P-40’s initial setbacks, including many being destroyed on the ground due to surprise attacks, the few that soared into the sky showed their mettle.
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Notably, 2nd Lt. George S. Welch engaged the Japanese with a P-40 and shot down four enemy aircraft.
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The Warhawk is perhaps best remembered for its association with the American Volunteer Group (AVG), famously known as the Flying Tigers.
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Under the command of Colonel Claire Lee Chennault, these shark-mouthed fighters became a symbol of American volunteerism and skill.
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Despite operating at the end of a precarious supply line, the AVG achieved remarkable success against Japanese forces.
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From their first mission on December 20, 1941, the Flying Tigers went on to shoot down 286 enemy aircraft over six months.
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As the war progressed, various models of the Warhawk were introduced.
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The P-40B, with its self-sealing tanks and additional armament, and the P-40C, further improved with armor, demonstrated the fighter’s evolution in response to combat demands.
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The P-40 also played a crucial role in other theaters, serving in North Africa and the Middle East.
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The British Commonwealth and Soviet air forces used the name Tomahawk for models equivalent to the P-40B and P-40C,
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And the name Kittyhawk for models equivalent to the P-40D and all later variants.
Relevant articles:
– 40B Tomahawk, navy.mil
– WWII Planes: The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Warfare History Network, Jan 25, 2021
– 40 Warhawk fighter plane of World War II, history, specifications, and photographs, airplanes-online.com
– Curtiss P-40 Warhawk: One of WW II’s Most Famous Fighters, HistoryNet, Oct 20, 2017