The AMERICAN Dream

摘要

Developed from the Curtis P-36 Hawk, the P-40 made its first flight on October 14,1938, at the Curtis Wright factory in Buffalo, New York, where more than 13,000 P-40s were eventually produced. These included 26 TP-40 trainers fitted with controls in both front and rear cockpits. Powered by a liquid-cooled Allison V-12 engine producing over l,300hp (1,530 in WEP/War Emergency Power), the Warhawk boasted a top speed of 378mph. While the Allison engine provided the P-40 with reliable and rugged performance, it was no match for V-12 Merlin-equipped P-51 Mustangs or Spitfires. Their dual stage superchargers provided more power at altitude, so while the Warhawk was outclassed in high altitude combat, in the right hands the P-40 was still a capable fighter below 15,000ft, and a successful ground attack aircraft.