Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Curtiss
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Aircraft Overview
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was a single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft that was used by the United States during World War II and in various other conflicts. It was designed and built by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation and first flew in 1938.
The P-40 was a rugged and dependable aircraft that saw extensive service during World War II, primarily in the Pacific theater of operations. It was known for its distinctive shark-nose design and its ability to absorb significant battle damage while still remaining airborne.
Although it was initially considered somewhat underpowered and outclassed by more advanced fighters, such as the Japanese Zero, the P-40 was able to hold its own and was a key factor in the early Allied successes against Japan. It was also used by several Allied countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Soviet Union.
The P-40 Warhawk was later replaced by more advanced fighter aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang and the P-38 Lightning, but it remains an iconic symbol of American air power during World War II.
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Specifications
- Crew: One
- Length: 31 ft 8.5 in (9.665 m)
- Wingspan: 37 ft 3.5 in (11.367 m)
- Height: 10 ft 8 in (3.25 m)
- Wing area: 236 sq ft (21.9 m2)
- Airfoil: root: NACA2215; tip :NACA2209
- Empty weight: 5,922 lb (2,686 kg)
- Gross weight: 8,515 lb (3,862 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Allison V-1710-39 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,240 hp (920 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed Curtiss-Wright electric constant-speed propeller.
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Performance
- Maximum speed: 334 mph (538 km/h, 290 kn) at 15,000 ft (4,600 m)
- Cruise speed: 308 mph (496 km/h, 268 kn)
- Range: 716 mi (1,152 km, 622 nmi) at 70% power
- Service ceiling: 29,100 ft (8,900 m)
- Time to altitude: 15,000 ft (4,600 m) in 6 minutes 15 seconds
- Wing loading: 35.1 lb/sq ft (171 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.14 hp/lb (0.23 kW/kg)
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk Armament
- Guns: 6 × 0.5 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns in the wings.
- Bombs: 250 to 1,000 lb (110 to 450 kg) bombs to a total of 2,000 lb (910 kg) on hardpoints under the fuselage and two underwing.
