Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an American single-seat, single-engine, all-metal fighter-bomber that first took to the skies in 1938.
Developed as a modification of the earlier Curtiss P-36 Hawk, the P-40 retained much of its predecessor’s airframe but incorporated a more powerful inline engine, enabling rapid development and swift introduction into active service.
Produced by Curtiss-Wright Corporation at its Buffalo, New York facility, the Warhawk became the third most-manufactured American fighter of World War II—behind only the North American P-51 Mustang and Republic P-47 Thunderbolt.
By the time production ceased in November 1944, 13,738 P-40s had been built.
Initially designated Warhawk by the United States Army Air Corps, the name became official across all models after mid-1941 with the establishment of the US Army Air Forces (USAAF).
Among its Allies, however, naming conventions varied.
The British Commonwealth and Soviet air forces referred to early variants (P-40, P-40B, P-40C) as Tomahawk, while later versions (P-40D onward) were known as Kittyhawk.
The aircraft saw its first combat in June 1941 with Royal Air Force squadrons in the Middle East and North Africa.
No. 112 Squadron RAF was among the first to field the Tomahawk in combat and became widely recognised for introducing the now-iconic “shark mouth” nose art, inspired by Luftwaffe Bf 110 fighters.
Due to its Allison V-1710 engine’s lack of a two-speed supercharger, the P-40 was outperformed at high altitude by German aircraft such as the Bf 109 and Fw 190.
As a result, it was seldom used over Northwest Europe.
Nevertheless, from 1941 to 1944, it was a vital asset in other theatres including North Africa, the South-west Pacific, and China.
It also played key roles in campaigns across the Middle East, South-east Asia, Eastern Europe, Alaska, and Italy, where its high-altitude limitations were less critical.
In these regions, the P-40 was employed effectively as a fighter, bomber escort, and fighter-bomber.
Though often overshadowed by more advanced designs and sometimes unfairly labelled as mediocre post-war, modern analyses of operational records tell a different story.
The P-40 frequently performed admirably in air superiority roles, enduring losses but also achieving significant success.
More than 200 Allied pilots became aces while flying the P-40, including at least 20 double aces.
These pilots hailed from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and the Soviet Union, excelling particularly in the North African, Chinese, South-east Asian, and South-west Pacific theatres.
The P-40’s rugged construction, affordability, and reliability ensured its continued use even after it was technically outclassed.
It remained in service throughout the war as a dependable ground-attack platform long after its prime in the fighter role had passed.
During World War II, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk served extensively across a wide range of operational theatres.
Its versatility, durability, and reliability made it a key asset for Allied forces, particularly in regions where its high-altitude limitations were less of a factor.
Here’s a breakdown of the major theatres where the P-40 saw combat:
North Africa and the Middle East
The P-40 played a prominent role with the Desert Air Force during the North African Campaign (1941–1943).
Pilots from the RAF, RAAF, SAAF, and USAAF flew the aircraft in operations across Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia.
This theatre saw the first major combat deployment of the Tomahawk and later Kittyhawk variants.
China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre
The P-40 gained legendary status with the American Volunteer Group—the “Flying Tigers”—who defended China from Japanese incursions before the US formally entered the war.
Throughout the conflict, the USAAF continued to use P-40s in the region, where their ruggedness proved ideal for harsh terrain and airfield conditions.
South-west Pacific
In New Guinea, the Philippines, and surrounding islands, P-40s were employed by Australian and American forces.
The aircraft often operated from rough forward airstrips, defending against Japanese air and ground assaults and escorting bombers over dense jungle terrain.
South-east Asia
Commonwealth forces deployed the P-40 in the defence of British Malaya, Burma, and India.
It served as both a fighter and fighter-bomber, participating in defensive actions and later Allied offensives across the region.
Soviet Union (Eastern Front)
The Soviet Air Force received several hundred P-40s through the Lend-Lease program.
Though not as highly regarded as some Soviet-built types, it served effectively in a ground attack and air defence capacity, especially in secondary fronts.
Mediterranean and Italian Campaigns
P-40s supported Allied operations during the invasion of Sicily and the campaign up the Italian Peninsula.
Their role largely shifted toward close air support and tactical bombing missions as newer fighters replaced them in air superiority roles.
Alaska and Aleutian Islands
During the Aleutian Campaign, USAAF P-40s engaged Japanese forces occupying parts of the island chain.
The harsh Arctic environment tested the aircraft’s durability, and it performed admirably in difficult weather conditions.
