Plane of the Day, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

May 1, 2012

The Curtiss P-40 went by many names, Warhawk, Tomahawk, and Kittyhawk and flew with over a dozen different air forces. First flying in 1938, over 13,000 of these aircraft were built and they saw action in virtually every theatre of WWII.

Perhaps the most famous P-40 unit was the American Volunteer Group or “Flying Tigers” commanded by General Claire Lee Chennault. The Flying Tigers were American pilots who went to China to fight the Japanaese prior to the formal outbreak of hostilities between the USA and Japan. Though called “volunteers”, the Flying Tigers were paid for their services and some consider them mercenaries. None can doubt their courage as they flew their tough P-40’s against the superior Japanese Zero fighters and their experienced pilots. Much like the Navy pilots in their Grumman F4F Wildcats, the P-40 pilots adopted tactics to take advantage of the greater diving speed of their aircraft and, in the P-40’s case, a small turn radius. The heavily armed and well protected P-40 pilots were able to hold their own against the Zeroes and Oscars.

The “Tiger Shark” nose marking of the Flying Tigers is among the most well-known in all of aviation and the P-40E example shown here, from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum’s Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, clearly shows the shark mouth design, which was adopted by many units flying the P-40.

They also provide some attractive benefits such as the prolonged existence which means the effects of aging by preventing damage to your cells. 9.The antioxidants in acai can also help to prevent prostate cialis price australia enlargement. 10. Considered one of the prominent medications for managing and mending erectile brokenness in men is Tadalafil . viagra in france been used broadly by men since it can be successfully used with conventional treatment with medications and surgeries. A professional and experienced physician may recommend buy canada levitra having surgery for PCOS as an alternative. Last generic viagra in usa but not least there exists great method for the people serious varieties who wish a new “real” obstacle.
Above is General Chennault’s marker at Arlington National Cemetary and below the “Flying Tiger” inscription can be seen on the side of the marker.