Into the Tiger's Mouth: The Evolution of the Curtiss P-40

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While one of the most famous of warbirds, the Curtiss P-40 went through so many variations over time that by the end of the last line of the P-40N, there was little in common with the first production models. This tour of the vintage vaunted veteran Tomahawk, Warhawk, and Kittyhawk goes through each model from her predecessor, the Hawk 75 or P-36 Mohawk, through to the P-40N and even the Q. The Allisons and the Merlins, the export and American models, and all between, this video covers them in a brief overview that focuses on the evolution of the design rather than combat missions. If one does not understand the tools, one does not understand the work, and this was the tool that held her own against the Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica in North Africa and Italy, adapted to take on the A6M Zero over the Pacific, and faced down Oscars and Nates with the Flying Tigers. This is the story of Curtiss' most famous aircraft: the Hawk Model 81 and 87.

I dedicated this video to the memory of David Vopat whom I first met when announcing the Planes of Fame 2018 Air Show. He not only loved my announcing and suggested I do more with my aviation knowledge, but he also let me get up close and personal with the P-40N, "Chusy Suzy" the Monday after the show. It only seems appropriate that I include him here while he dances the skies on laughter-silvered wings amid the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds.

Видео Into the Tiger's Mouth: The Evolution of the Curtiss P-40 канала The Warbird Mistress