The Curtiss P-36 Hawk, also known as the Curtiss Model 75, was an American single-seat fighter aircraft that marked a significant transition from biplane to monoplane design in the 1930s.
Though largely overshadowed by its successor, the P-40 Warhawk, the P-36 played a notable role in the early years of World War II, particularly with foreign air forces.
United States Service The P-36 saw limited combat under American colours.
At the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, 39 P-36As were stationed in Hawaii.
Five of them managed to get airborne during the attack, with two credited kills—among the first U.S. aerial victories of the war.
However, the type was soon relegated to training and second-line duties as more advanced fighters entered service.
French Air Force France was the largest foreign operator of the P-36, receiving over 290 aircraft (designated Hawk 75A).
These fighters were actively engaged during the Battle of France in 1940, where they performed surprisingly well against German aircraft, including the Messerschmitt Bf 109.
French pilots flying the Hawk 75A accounted for nearly a third of all air-to-air kills scored by French forces during the campaign.
Vichy French and Axis Use After France’s surrender, surviving Hawks were absorbed into the Vichy French Air Force.
These aircraft saw combat against Allied forces during the Syria–Lebanon campaign and Operation Torch in North Africa.
Notably, Vichy Hawks shot down several Allied aircraft during the latter operation in 1942.
Finnish Air Force Finland received 44 captured Hawks from Germany, originally seized from France and Norway.
These aircraft were used extensively against Soviet forces during the Continuation War (1941–1944).
Finnish pilots achieved considerable success with the type, with several aces emerging from Hawk-equipped squadrons.
British Commonwealth and Other Operators The Royal Air Force and South African Air Force operated the P-36 under the name Mohawk, primarily in East Africa and Burma.
The aircraft also served with the Royal Indian Air Force.
Though not frontline material by mid-war standards, the Mohawk proved useful in secondary theatres.
Dutch East Indies and China Aircraft originally destined for the Netherlands were diverted to the Dutch East Indies, where they saw limited action against Japanese forces in early 1942.
China also operated a small number of Hawks, some built under license, though their impact was minimal due to limited numbers and logistical challenges.
