- Air Power Series
- Realistic collectible model
- Diecast & plastic parts
- Highly detailed, moveable components.
- Display stand included.
- Measures 8.25” L x 9.25” Wingspan
- Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors 14 years and above
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an all metal, single-engine, single-seat fighter and ground-attack aircraft that made its maiden flight in 1938. Since the P-40 was a modified P-36 Hawk it was developed quickly and entered service in record time. The USAAF referred to the aircraft as the Warhawk while the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union called the B and C variants Tomahawk while the D and later variants were called Kittyhawk. By the end of production in 1944 approximately 18,000 aircraft were manufactured.
The First American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Republic of China Air Force, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was formed to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China. Operating in 1941–1942, it was composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC), and was commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. Their Curtis P-40B Warhawk aircraft, marked with Chinese colors, flew under American control. Recruited under President Franklin Roosevelt's authority before Pearl Harbor, their mission was to bomb Japan and defend the Republic of China, but many delays meant the AVG first flew in combat after the US and Japan declared war.
In 1940 Charles (Chuck) Older was assigned to VMF-1. In July 1941 he resigned the Marines and joined the AVG. The 3 AVG squadrons were “Adam and Eve”, “Panda Bear” and “Hell’s Angels” to which Older was assigned. In December 1941 Older scored 5 victories over Rangoon, Burma. Older became a double Ace with the AVG and later added 8 more victories. Older fought in Korea and when he retired became a judge who presided over the Charles Manson case.
This Hobby Master 1/48 scale model is representative of the, P-40B “White 68” of the 3rd Squadron “Hells Angels”, American Volunteer Group “Flying Tigers”, flown by Flight Leader Charles Older while based in Rangoon, 1941-1942.
As with all Hobby Master models the replica is highly detailed and features authentic paint scheme, opening canopy with a removeable pilot figures, optional position landing gear, and display stand.
Specifications :
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Manufacturer:
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Curtiss - Wright Corporation
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P-40 Produced All Variants:
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17,738
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Role:
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Fighter, Ground-Attack
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First Flight:
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1938
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Crew:
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1.
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Powerplant:
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1 X Allison V-1710-33 1,040 hp
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Maximum speed:
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352 mph (566 k/h)
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Crusing speed:
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273 mph (439 km/h)
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Rate of climb:
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2,860 ft/min (14.5 m/s)
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Ceiling:
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32,400 ft (9,875 m)
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Wingspan:
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37 ft 4 in (11.38 m)
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Length:
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31 ft 8 in (9.66 m)
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Height:
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12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
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Empty weight:
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5,590 lb (2,535 kg)
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Maximum take-off weight:
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7,600 lb (3,447 kg)
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Armament:
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2 X .50 cal (12.7 mm) 4 X 0.30 Browning Machine Guns
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