Overview of the Kittyhawk in WWII
The Kittyhawk, officially known as the Curtiss P-40, was a prominent American fighter aircraft during World War II. It was utilized by various Allied forces and became known for its versatility in combat.
Key Features
Feature
Details
Type
Single-engine, single-seat fighter-bomber
First Flight
October 14, 1938
Engine
Allison V-1710 V-12
Armament
Six .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns
Top Speed
Approximately 378 mph (609 km/h)
Service Ceiling
25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Roles and Usage
Combat Theaters
Pacific Theater: The Kittyhawk was crucial in engagements against Japanese forces, particularly in the defense of Australia and during operations in New Guinea.
North African Theater: It served effectively with British Commonwealth forces, providing air support during critical battles.
Variants
The P-40 was known by different names depending on the user:
Tomahawk: Used by the British for early models (P-40A, B, C).
Kittyhawk: Adopted for later models (P-40D and beyond).
Legacy
The Kittyhawk was celebrated for its ruggedness and adaptability, remaining in frontline service until the end of the war. It played a significant role in various air combat missions and is remembered as a symbol of Allied air power during World War II.
No reports match your search.
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Kittyhawk NZ3031 aircraft remains disappearing due to weather.
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05 August 1942 11 OTU (NZ) P-40E Kittyhawk NZ3001 Sgt. Saul
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05.12.1944 76 Squadron RAAF, Kittyhawk III ‘Young John’ A29-303, Flt Lt. John E. MacLeod, Kamiri Strip, Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, Watercraft Sweep, Kokas to Fak Fak, Dutch New Guinea, War Crime
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08th February 1942 112 Squadron Kittyhawk I AK585 Fl/Sgt. Hoare
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11.04.1942 75 Squadron RAAF, Kittyhawk 1A, A29-38, Sgt. David S. Brown, 7 Mile Drome, Port Moresby, Fighter Sweep, Lae, New Guinea, War Crime
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112 Squadron Kittyhawk I AK999 P/O. Mitchell, RAF Gambut, Derna, Libya
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11th August 1944 2 OTU Kittyhawk P-40E NZ3020 P/O. Trolove
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15 (RNZAF) Squadron P40E Kittyhawk 41-25100/12 Sq/Ldr. Crighton
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15th November 1942 14 Squadron P-40 Kittyhawk NZ3033 Sgt. Law
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16th May 1944 4 OTU Harvard III NZ1059 F/0. De Maus
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18th January 1943 17 Squadron RNZAF P-40 E-1 Kittyhawk NZ3014 Sgt. McMaster
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21st March 1943 260 Squadron Kittyhawk III FL719 Sgt. Orr
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21st March 1945 4 OTU (NZ) P-40 Warhawk P/O. Quigley
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22.03.1942 75 Squadron RAAF, Kittyhawk 1A, A29-16, Fg Off. Bruce H. Anderson, 7 Mile Drome, Port Moresby, Strafing, Lae, New Guinea
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22nd November 1942 450 Squadron Kittyhawk III FR303 Fl/Sgt. Payne
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23.04.1943 450 Squadron RAAF, Kittyhawk III FR477, Flt Lt. Reginald V. Kierath MiD, Kairouan LG, Tunisia, Gulf of Tunisia, War Crime
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25th July 1943 17 Squadron (RNZAF) P-40E Kittyhawk NZ3034 - NZ3037 Sgt. Dickie
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28.06.1942 No. 260 Squadron Kittyhawk III ET574 HS-B Fl/Sgt. Copping
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26th February 1943 260 Squadron Kittyhawk IIA FL285 Sgt. Cundy
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1944 No. 250 Sqn. Kittyhawk FX761 P/O. John (Jack) Casson - Posthumous CGM for Rhodesian pilot
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28th March 1943 118 (RCAF) Squadron Kittyhawk I AK821 Fl/Lt. Jarred
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31.10.1942 450 Squadron, Kittyhawk III FR270, Sqn Ldr. John E.A. Williams DFC, MiD, LG175, Egypt, Amirlya, Egypt, War Crime
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Fl/Lt. Allan George Porter, RAAF
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Mortimer Tuke Vanderpump
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Obituary: Geoffrey Fisken DFC: Leading Commonwealth Ace in Pacific
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Talili Bay Massacre, New Britain
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Talili Bay Massacre, New Britain
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. -
Laurence Binyon
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