HISTORY

• The P-40 is most widely known as the aircraft of the Flying Tigers, aka the American Volunteer Group (AVG), who began fighting the Japanese in China during the early days of the Pacific war.
• The P-40 was not as maneuverable as the aircraft types flown by the Japanese.
• The P-40 was built in a number of variants, sold to several foreign air forces, and operated under a plethora of names.
• It was known as the Warhawk to the USAAF, while the British Commonwealth countries called the early versions Tomahawks and the later versions Kittyhawks. A number served with the Soviet Air Force, under the lend-lease program.

DISTINCTION

• The Museum’s P-40 is a World War II Combat Veteran, built in Buffalo, NY, delivered on June 22, 1943, and served with the Royal Canadian Air Force.  On March 10, 1945, while being flown by Pilot Officer J. O. Patten, this Kittyhawk Mk. IV destroyed a Japanese “Fu-Go” fire-balloon bomb at 13,500 feet over Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.  Post-war, the aircraft sold several times to private owners.  In Colorado in 1958, after seeding clouds with silver iodide, it experienced a belly landing.  It was acquired by the Museum in 1960 and restored in 1980.  It flies regularly and has appeared in the films “Pearl Harbor” and “Valkyrie.” It is painted in the markings of the 325th Fighter Group.

SPECIFICATIONS