Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Curtiss P-40 B, C, D, E, Paperback / softback Book

Curtiss P-40 B, C, D, E Paperback / softback

Part of the Top Drawings series

Paperback / softback

Description

The decision to start the production of the Curtiss P-40 fighter was made primarily due to the relatively low airframe price and the possibility of launching it almost immediately (based on Curtiss P-36s ready fuselages).

The P-40 did not have a turbocharger, but despite this the requirements were constantly increasing, especially when it comes to the maximum speed.

It was requested to raise it by over 100 km/h (up to 580 km/h).

It required a number of construction changes e.g. new exhaust pipes, new shape and size of the air intake to the carburetor at the top of the engine cover, moving forward the coolers under the nose.

After the tests in the NACA wind tunnel it turned out that these changes were not enough.

The plane underwent further aerodynamic refinements, using, among others, smooth riveting and retractable tail ring.

In the end, the speed was 589 km/h at 4570 m, which gave the green light for serial production.

Information

Save 19%

£16.99

£13.69

 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information

Also in the Top Drawings series  |  View all