Curtiss P40K Kittyhawk

Curtiss P40K Kittyhawk First flown in 1938, the P-40 (also known as the Tomahawk and Warhawk) operated in almost every theatre of war in World War II.

First flown in 1938, the P-40 (also known as the Tomahawk and Warhawk) operated in almost every theatre of war in World War II. The ’K’ series were produced by the Curtiss plant at Buffalo to a total of 1300 units during the latter part of 1942.

Kittyhawks were first delivered to New Zealand in 1942 at Hobsonville and were later deployed to the Pacific.  
 
First to take the type into action was No. 15 Squadron who travelled by ship to Tonga, uplifting 23 P-40s (including two of the distinctive early ’K’ models) from an American Pursuit Squadron. 
 
The Kittyhawk played a significant role in the Pacific, becoming one of the RNZAF’s most important offensive aircraft in the central and northen Solomons campaigns of 1943-1944. A total of five different RNZAF P-40 Squadrons were responsible for the destruction of 99 Japanese aircraft.  
 
After its frontline replacement by the Vought Corsair, the P-40 served as an advanced trainer in New Zealand. 
 

About this Example

 

Photo Album | Curtiss P40K Kittyhawk

© NZFPM

© NZFPM

 
This aircraft saw service in the Pacific, and was shot down over the Aleutian Islands in 1943.  
 
Knowing that the aircraft had lain in the tundra for over 40 years, an American collector asked the authorities if he could have it, as he had heard that the area was to become a nuclear test site. They declined at first, but one day the aircraft arrived on his doorstep. He started the restoration before it was purchased by the Alpine Fighter Collection in 1988.  
 
A four year restoration took place in order to produce the fully airworthy aircraft. It represented aircraft NZ1308, which was the only similar short fuselage "K" flown in RNZAF markings, the original being destroyed in a night takeoff at Espiritu  
Santo. 
 

Departure Notes

This aircraft was significantly damaged in a forced landing incident following an engine failure in October 1997. 
The aircraft was rebuilt for, and shipped to, Mr Dick Thurman of the USA.  
 

Specification and Profile

Length: 31' 2" Height: 10' 7" Wingspan: 37' 4" Empty Weight: 6,350 lb Gross Weight: 8,280 lb Maximum Speed: 362 mph Service Ceiling: 29,000 ft Range: 850 miles Powerplant: Allison V-1710-39 1,150 hp 12 cylinder V12 inline Armament: Six .50 calibre machine guns External: One 227 kg (500 lb) and two 45 kg (100 lb) bombs