Curtiss Kittyhawk I

  • Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
  • Uses: Fighter
  • First Flight: October 1938 (XP-40)
  • Display Status: In Reserve Hangar.

Despite an unspectacular overall performance and a lack of power at altitude, the P-40 was the most important American fighter in the early years of Second World War because it was available in large quantities. P-40s were flown on almost all battle fronts and were supplied to many countries, including Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Russia. The RCAF operated seven squadrons of Kittyhawks in Canada and Alaska. Introduced in 1941, the RCAF retired them all by 1946. A total of 13,750 were built.

Despite its mediocre performance the P-40 was tough and reliable, attributes essential for operations in the relatively primitive conditions and harsh climate of Alaska and the Aleutians. In an attempt to increase performance, especially at high altitude, two versions appeared with Rolls-Royce Merlin engines.

The best known P-40 unit was the American Volunteer Group in China, the “Flying Tigers”. The famous shark-mouth decoration on their aircraft actually originated with the RAF in the Western Desert.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 1076 (RCAF)
  • Manufacturer: Curtiss-Wright Corporation, United States
  • Manufacture Date: 1942
  • Construction #: 18780
  • Aquisition Date: 1964
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

The Museum example was built in 1942 for the RAF but was delivered to the RCAF. It operated in British Columbia until 1943, then was used for training until 1945. Subsequently selected for preservation, it remained in storage until finally transferred to the Museum in 1964.

Specifications

Wing Span:
11.4 m (37 ft 3 1/2 in)
Length:
9.7m (31 ft 8 1/2 in)
Height:
3.3 m (10 ft 8 in)
Weight, Empty:
2,686 kg (5,992 lb)
Weight, Gross:
3,862 kg (8,515 lb)
Cruising Speed:
496 km/h (308 mph)
Max Speed:
563 km/h (350 mph)
Rate of Climb:
4,570 m (15,000 ft) / 6.3 min
Service Ceiling:
8,870 m (29,100 ft)
Range:
1,152 km (716 mi)
Power Plant:
one Allison V-1710-39, 1,150 hp, V-12 engine