The prototype for the P-40 first flew in 1938 and was an all-metal single-seat fighter built by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation of Buffalo, New York. In World War II the P-40B was operated by the Flying Tigers part of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), which was attached to the Chinese Air Force and commanded by Colonel Claire Chennault. It was stable, well armed and faster in a dive than its Japanese rivals. Along with USA, the P-40 was used by the Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and Russian Air Forces, as well as the Royal Air Force.
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