Curtiss P-40

First flown in 1938, the Curtiss P-40 was a single seat fighter bomber, and was the first American fighter capable of exceeding 300 mph. High hopes were entertained for the P-40 series, which was produced in many forms for American and export markets. However, it soon became clear the P-40 lacked the altitude performance required for a first-line interceptor. Thus the P-40 was relegated to the fighter bomber role, where its ruggedness and stability made it a real asset to the Allies. The shape of the P-40's nose and chin radiator lent itself readily to the shark's mouth insignia, much favored by pilots in China and North Africa. The model shown here is an example of a P-40 flown by China, the famous Flying Tigers.