Curtiss P-40F
FS2002/2004 MODEL - TOTAL
FREE
FSDS DRAWING AND TEXTURE BY
JRLUCARINY
"STUD" a P-40F-20-CU of the
325th FG ("Checkertail Clan"). Flown by Group CO Lt. Col. R.L. Baseler,
Overall Matt Black with Gloss Red and Yellow.
In 1941, a P-40D (s/n 40-360, c/n
13235) was fitted with a 1,300 hp British Rolls-Royce Merlin 28 engine. The
aircraft was designated XP-40F, Model 87-B3 and first flew on the 30th June
1941. The main noticeable difference was the deletion of the top air scoop
and different exhaust stacks. The new aircraft had an improved climb
performance, higher ceiling, and faster speeds. During the production of the
'F' models many modifications were undertaken and the first 699 of 1311
aircraft had no dash numbers. The P-40F-5 model and later had a lengthened
fuselage by 20 inches which improved directional stability. The P-40-10 had
a simple modification that changed the cowl flaps to a manual operation
verses the electronic operation on the previous models. The P-40F-15 was a
winterized version, and the P-40F-20 had a revised oxygen system.
At a later date, some of the P-40F
aircraft that were used for training operations had the Merlin engines
removed and replaced with the Allison. These aircraft were designated
P-40R's, but records are unclear on the amount of aircraft converted, and
there may have been anywhere from 123 to 600 fighters modified. The reason
for this change of power plant was the demand for the more powerful Merlin
being required for other, more combat effective aircraft.
150 P-40F's were delivered to the Royal Air Force under
Lend-Lease. These aircraft were designated Kittyhawk II's, with some of
these repossessed for U.S. forces in North Africa 1942-43.
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