The P-40 was the best known Curtiss-Wright designed airplane of the Second World War. It was also one of the most controversial fighters, vilified by many as being too slow, lacking in maneuverability, having too low a climbing rate, and being largely obsolescent by contemporary standards even before it went into production. The inadequacies of the P-40 were even the subject of a Congressional investigation after the War ended.

While these criticisms were certainly valid, it is also true that the P-40 served its country well, especially in China and Burma, during the opening phase of the War in the Pacific when little else was available to the US Army Air Corps. Along with the P-39 Airacobra, the P-40 was the only American fighter available in quantity to confront the Japanese advance until more modern aircraft could be delivered to frontline squadrons.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RNZAF Curtiss P-40N Warhawk fighter nicknamed "Gloria Lyons", which was attached to No.4 Servicing Unit during late 1944. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-inches
Length: 5-inches

Release Date: November 2017

Historical Account: "Assisting in Victory" - The squadron was initially based in Fiji assisting No. 5 Squadron RNZAF. It took over obsolescent Vickers Vincent biplane torpedo bombers and later re-equipped with modern Lockheed Hudsons. When war with Japan broke out in December 1941 the Squadron remained in Fiji operating as a reconnaissance unit, and also for training crews to reinforce units in the forward area.

The squadron re-equipped with Lockheed Venturas in 1944. In November it shifted base to Emirau, remaining there until February 1945 when it moved to Guadalcanal from May 1945 to June 1945 and Emirau again in June and July of that year before moving to Los Negros where it remained when the war ended, disbanding in September 1945.