The P-40B was developed from the P-36 by substituting an inline Allison V-1710 for the radial Pratt & Whitney R-1839 Cyclone engine of the P-36A. It was very successful, having a higher top speed and faster rate of climb while retaining all the good handling qualities of the P-36. It was rugged and at low altitude was the equal of most fighters of the day. It performed admirably in the North African, China and Russian theatres of the war. Indeed with continued improvement it was used throughout the war. The P-40B made its reputation in China, where it was used to great effect with the Flying Tigers who considered it better in many respects than the P-51, particularly at the low altitudes at which most combats took place.
展开▼
