              The Curtiss P-40E "Kittyhawk Mk IA"

In 1941 Curtiss introduced a new design for their P-40 series
of aircraft.  Using a 1,150 hp Allison engine, the fuselage
was shortened and a deeper nose radiator installed.  Options
included a 500 pound bomb and a drop tank under the fuselage,
smaller bombs could be carried under the wings.  The guns
were reduced to 4 x .50 caliber, two in each wing.  Most of
these fighter-bombers (560 of them) went to the RAF who
promptly named them Kittyhawk Mk I.  The US version was
called the P-40D.  The next change came with 6 x .50 Caliber
machineguns in the wings; over 1,500 went to the RAF as the
Kittyhawk Mk IA, and the US version was the P-40E.

SPECS:  Top speed 366 mph at 15,000 feet, cruising speed 308
mph, ceiling 34,400, range 375 miles with 500 pound bomb.

CREATED BY: Gregory M. "Sturmer" Smith




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