Curtiss „Tomahawk“ Mk. IIb - the American/ British fighter

The history of the P-40 goes back to the Curtiss P-36 “Hawk”, which was equipped with a radial air-cooled engine. After exhausting its development options, tests began to install a new turbocharged “Allison” V-1710 liquid-cooled in-line engine. As a result, the cockpit has been moved far towards the tail. The modified machine was named XP-37 and 13 copies were produced. Problems with the turbocharger forced the end of this project. In July 1937, one P-36A was equipped with an “Allison” V-1710-19 engine, the power of which reached 1150 hp. This project received the designation XP-40 in aviation units. Its prototype took off for the first time on October 14, 1938. The P-40 did not match the requirements of the US Air Force for a fighter, because it did not have a turbocharger, but it was much cheaper to produce and the fact, that it’s production could be started immediately on April 26, 1939 resulted in an order for the delivery of 524 examples, designating the aircraft P-40 (H -81). During production, the aircraft was improved to increase its maximum speed from 483 to 580 km/h. Changed the shape of the exhaust pipes, the size and shape of the air intake, the radiator moved forward under the front part of the fuselage. In May 1940, France ordered 140 H-81A fighters, which were to be equipped with French devices and equipment. However, the manufactured planes could not be delivered before the fall of France. The planes were taken over by Great Britain and named "Tomahawk" Mk. I. But the British decided, that they were not suitable for battles, because they had no armor and protected fuel tanks, but they still armed combat units with them, because of the threat, posed by Germany. Since the landing did not take place, these fighters were transferred to training units, when the USSR entered the war, it was supplied with 16 fighters of this type. In September 1940, the production of the P-40B version began with enhanced armament. Due to the increase in weight, the flight characteristics have slightly deteriorated. The version, exported to Britain, is marked “Tomahawk” Mk. II. From the 110 units, provided to the British, 23 transferred to the USSR. In March-May 1941 produced 193 P-40C version fighters, in which the fuel tanks were self-retracting, an additional 236-liter fuel tank could be hung under the fuselage, a new radio station was installed, as the mass increased, the speed dropped to 555 km/h. These fighters in England are designated "Tomahawk" Mk. IIB and for British provided 930 units.

A medium-complexity model for modelers of all experience, recreating the RAAF pilot's Lt. Clive Caldwell's machine, which he flew in North Africa and achieved 28.5 victories. It is recommended for less experienced and beginner modelers to work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, not to do the cockpit equipment, the transparent cockpit canopy and the released landing gear - the flight phase.