Oxford AC074 1/72 Curtis Warhawk P40

 

The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk is an American single-engined, single-seat all-metal fighter and ground attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. It was produced between 1939 and 1944, during which time over 13,700 were produced. The P40-E was an upgrade on previous models and had maximum speed of 360 mph, range of 650 miles and was armed with 6 x .50 M2 Browning machine guns with 235 rounds per gun in the wings and 250 to 1000 lb bombs to a total of 2,000 lbs on three points - one under the fuselage and two underwing.

 

This example is one of the P40-E aircraft that formed part of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), known as the Flying Tigers, a unit of the Chinese Air Force, recruited from US aviators. The Flying Tigers were divided into three pursuit squadrons, the Adam and Eve; Panda Bears; and Hells Angels. Robert Neale was the top flying ace with the AVG, amassing 13 victories. He took over 1st Squadron pursuit squadron Adam and Eve, after its previous commander was killed. He was awarded the British DSC for his exploits in the defence of Burma. Our model celebrates his command in which he helped keep the Japanese from entering China from Burma and threatening Kunming.