History

A constructor, D.R. Berlin, originating from Northrop was assigned by Curtiss to the Curtis H-75 project. This project was based upon USAAC specifications.

In the end Seversky won the contract, but Curtiss produced three aircraft as YP-36. In June 1937 an order for 200 aircraft followed and also France ordered 200 examples of the Curtiss P-36. Several other countries also ordered the Curtiss Hawk II, as did the Dutch East Indies Government.

The design was used to develop an aircraft which was faster than 300 mph and equipped with the Allison turbo compressed line engine and a redesigned fuselage.

The USAAC ordered an exampled for testing purposes under the designation XP-37. The aircraft looked very fast and had the looks of a racing aircraft rather than a fighter, especial because of the large Allison V1710 engine. The maximum speed of the XP-37 was 340 mph.

The long nose obstructed the view forward seriously, especially because of the turbocharger which took a lot of space.

Berlin proposed adjusting the P-36A fuselage with an adjusted Allison V1710 engine rated 1050 hp. The expected performance of this new design resulted in an order of the USAAC for one XP-40.

The XP-40 was successful, though the performance was somewhat disappointing. Further aerodynamic refinements and a stronger Allison V1710-35 engine improved the performance in such a way resulted in in pre-orders for the Curtiss P-40.

Versions.

Curtiss XP-40:
Curtiss 75P: the prototype of the P-40; a fuselage of a P-36A equipped with the new  Allison V-1710-19 engine. Made its first flight in October 1938.
Curtiss P-40:
First production version, Curtiss model 81A-1. Circa 200 examples built for the USAAC. No self sealing fuel tanks and armour; two machine guns in the nose  plus two in the wings; circa 140 examples were assigned to France,but this series was completely taken over by the British after the invasion of France and, equipped with British armament ().303 inch machine guns) used by the RAF under the designation Tomahawk I.
Curtiss P-40A:
a P-40, equipped with a camera in the aft fuselage.
Curtiss P-40B:
Curtiss H-81A-2; 110 examples for the RAF designated Tomahawk IIA; equipped with four machine guns in de wings; armor and self sealing fuel tanks.  The USAAC ordered 131 examples, (Curtiss H81-B).
Curtiss >P-40C:
930 examples for the RAF designated as Tomahawk IIB; as P-40B plus provision for droptank of bomb under the fuselage; self sealing fuel tanks. The USAAC received 193 examples.
Curtiss P-40D:
Equipped with a new, more powerful Allison V-171039 engine; revised fuselage; new designed canopy and cockpit; armament in the nose was moved to the wing; RAF ordered  50 examples as Kittyhawk I (Curtiss H-87); the USAAC ordered  23 examples designated as P-40D (Curtiss 87-A2)
Curtiss P-40E:
Virtual identical to the P-40D, but with six machine guns in the wing. The Raf received 1500 examples as Kittyhawk IA (Curtis 87-A3 and A4); the USAF ordered 820 examples (Curtiss 87-B2) designated as P-40E-1.
Curtiss P-40F:
This version was equipped with a Packard built Merlin V-1650-1 rated 1300 hp (in the start and 1120 hp at 18500 feet). The nose section was revised; The first 699 aircraft had the same fuselage as the P-40E; The RAF received an unknown number as Kittyhawk II.
  • P-40F-5 : because of problems with the stability the tail section was lengthened with 20 inch. 122 examples built. [USAAF serials: 41-14300 - 41-14422]
  • P-40F-10: manual adjustment of colling was replaced by an elecrtonically adjusted system; 177 examples built [USAAF serials: 41-14423- - 41-14599]
  • P-40F-15: 200 examples with modifications for use in Alaska [USAAF serials:41-19733 - 41-19932]
  • P-40F-20: 112 examples with an adjustable oxygen provision. [USAAF serials: 41-19933 - 41-20044]
Curtiss P-40G:
43 P-40s equipped with the wing of the Tomahawk Mk IIA, with four machine guns. 16 examples went to the Soviet Union; the remaining example to the USAAF.
Curtiss P-40K:
1300 examples with a mor powerful Allison V-1710-73 engine rated 1350 hp at take off. The first 800 aircraft (block 1 and block 5) had the same fuselage as the P-40E; later production version had an enlarged tail fin to improve stability. About 192 examples went to the RAF as Kittyhawk III.
Curtiss P-40L:
A slimmed version of the P-40F to improve the performance. Factory designation Curtiss model H-87B-3. 700 examples built, of which 100 examples went to the RAF as Kittyhawk II.
Curtiss P-40M:
Further development of the P-40K with a Allison V-1710 F20R rated 1200 hp at take-off. Further a perforated panel was added to improve the cowling of the engine. 600 examples built, 94 examples went to the RAF, as Kittyhawk II.
Curtiss P-40N:
Last production version, Curtis model H87V en 87W, over 5500 examples built. 
  • P-40N-1: equipped with  a Allison V-1710-81 engine and weight saving measures; 122 gallon internal fuel ; four .50 machine guns in the wing. About 400  examples built. [USAF serials: 42-104429 - 42-104828]
  • P-40N-5 : circa 1100 examples built; revised canopy; frame-less wind screen; six .50 machine guns in the wing; provision for bombs under the wing . [USAF serials: 42-104829 - 42-105928.]
  • P-40N-10: provisions for use in cold areas; four machine guns in the wing; about 100 examples built [USAF serials: 42-105929 - 42-106028.]
  • P-40N-15: about 375 examples with battery repositioned; six machine guns in the wing and enlarged internal fuel capacity. [USAF serials: 42-106029 - 42-106405]
  • P-40N-20: Over 200 examples with an Allison V-1710-99 engine (in fact a V-1710-81 with automatic engine control. [USAF serials: 42-106406 - 42-106428 en 43-22752 - 43-24251 ]
  • P-40N-25: 500 examples as P-40N-20 with a revised instrument panel and non-metal self-sealing fuel tanks.  [USAF-serials: 43-24252 - 43-24751]
  • P-40N-30: Identical to P-40N-25, but with renewed electronic equipment and flaps. [USAF-serials: 44-7001 - 44-7500]
  • P-40N-35: Version with revised carburettor, instruments such as radio and ADF equipment and lights. [USAF serials: 44-7501 - 44-8000]
  • P-40N-40: Last version of the P-40; equipped with an Allison V-1710--115 engine rated 1300 hp. Further metal ailerons; improved self sealing fuel tanks; new radio an oxygen equipment and flame dampening exhausts . [USAF serials: 44-47749 - 44-47968 ]

 

Technical Information Curtiss P-40E
Dimensions:
Length: 9,66 m Wing span 11,38 m
Height: 3,76 m Wing area: 21,92 m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 2880 kg Max. start weight: 4000 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 580 km/hr Cruising speed: 435 km/hr
Range: 1100 km Service ceiling: 8800 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Allison V-1710-39 rated 1150 hp
Crew: One pilot
Armament: Six .50 inch machine guns plus 680 kg bombs.

 

Technical Information Curtiss P-40N
Dimensions:
Length: 10,2 m Wing span 11,42 m
Height: 3,76 m Wing area: 21,95 m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 2724 kg Max. start weight: 4018 kg
Performance:
Max. speed: 609 km/hr Cruising speed: - km/u
Range: 3060 km (with extra tanks) Service ceiling: 11 630 m
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Allison V-1710-82 rated 1200 hp
Crew: One pilot
Armament: Six .50 inch machine guns plus 680 kg bombs.

 


Curtiss P-40E Warhawk

The Dutch Government was looking urgently for fighter aircraft to strengthen the NEIAF. Attempted was to buy Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. This was not possible because the US itself needed these aircraft urgently.Finally the Government managed to order 100 Hurricanes, which were not delivered in time. See the story about the NEIAF-Hurricanes.
During the Japanese attacks in Dutch East Indies a series of USAAF P-40E's were assigned to the NEIAF. Originally these Warhawks were meant to defend the British area in South-East Asia. Due to the speed of the Japanese attack, they were sent to Java, Dutch East Indies: 32 P-40E's on board of the aircraft tender Langley and 27 crated aircraft on board of freighter Seawitch. Both ships left Perth in Australia on February 22, 1942.

Threatened transport.

Japan conquered February 20, 1942 the isle of Bali and has landed on Timor. This was a thread to cut off the lines between Australia and Java. The islands were used for stops by the ferry flights of P-40's of the USAAC [several were lost because of the air attack on Bali and also because the US pilots could not find the air field Denpassar].
A limited number of US P-40E's was based on the eastern part of Java from early February 1942 and countered air fights over Ngoro and Soerabaja.
February 27 both transport ships approached the south coast of Java and were attacked. The Langley was lost. The same day the battle of the Java sea was fought.

Inconspicuous end.

The Seawitch arrived February 28, 1942 at Tjilatjap. Fifteen P-40E's were directed to the technical services at Bandoeng and twelve were sent to the Technical services at Tasikmalaja. The aircraft were assigned to no 605 squadron RAF and NEIAF group 1V1.G.IV (ex Curtiss Hawks).
Assembly of the aircraft was done by two groups, which changed every twelve hours. These groups of technical personnel consisted of NEIAF, KNILM and several technicians of the RNlNAS.
Very little is known about the Warhawks of the NEIAF. Pilot-officer Van de Vooren had received a check on the P-40 on March 1, shortly after the arrival of the unassembled P-40's.
The Japanese approached very quick and the Dutch started to destroy their own airfields, harbour- and oil-installations. Also the evacuations of civil and military personnel had started. The USAAC left Java March 4 with the remaining aircraft. March 7, just one day before the capitulation of Java, three Dutch Warhawks were finished and some pilots made some test flights.
The P-40's were destroyed the same day "without smoke and fire", meaning with hammers and axes.

In MIP (Modelbouw in Plastic) 1979/ nr.3 a short story of Jim Maas about the NEIAF P-40E's was published. In a Japanese magazine Koku-Asahi, released during the war, he had discovered a photo of a NEIAF P-40E This aircraft looked rather undamaged, no engine was mounted.

RNMFS at Jackson

During the Japanese attacks the flying schools of the NEIAF and RNLNAS were evacuated to Australia. Permission was acquired to start a combined flying school at air base Jackson.
In order to train fighter pilots, about twenty aircraft were sent to Jackson on loan. These were various version of the P-40, one P-40E, one P-40L and 18 P-40F’s. These types differed in engine type, armament and other equipment. Further more the aircraft were in poor condition and lot of overhaul was needed. Later ten new Lend-Lease P-40N’s were added. February 1944 the training of fighter pilots was finished and the aircraft were returned to the US. Eight of the delivered eighteen P-40F's were written off in the mean time.

Curtiss P-40N Warhawk 120 squadron NEI

This squadron was founded December 10, 1943, shortly after the first pilots arrived from Jackson. Between December 1943 and half of January 1944 the first P-40N's arrived at Canberra. These aircraft were delivered under lend-lease conditions.
here the crew received a further training from RAAF. Initially based at Batchelor, where no 18 squadron NEI was based, 120 squadron was based at Merauke, Dutch New Guinea.

But in the meantime the base was changed unexpectedly in Potshot, Australia. During the two weeks the squadron was based there, two pilots were lost with C3-524 and C3-527 due to a desert storm and had to bail out. April 10, 1944 the squadron could move to air base Mopah, Merauke. By the end of April the tasks of another P-40 squadron could be taken over. After a couple of months of training and a interception flight every now and than, the first operational action was flown, an attack of Japero, near Timaka.

Curtiss Kittyhawk van 120 Sqn in Nederlands-Indië.
Curtiss P-40N Kittyhawk J-301 of squadron 120 NEIAF.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]


The last months of 1944 and the first months of 1945 often patrols were based at Noemfoer or at Biak, as part of an Australian PP-40 squadron,. War flights were flown to "Vogelkop". Several losses occurred.
From may 1945 several succesful attacks of targets at Vogelkop, Ceram or the isles Banda were flown. Two pilots were lost in action and four aircraft were lost.
After the end of the war the squadron remained under RAAF command and based at Biak. At that time 34 of the 67 P-40's delivered, remained.
For political reasons no permission was given to move to Java.

After a while the crew were bored. They started searching the American army dumps looking for useful materials.
The RAAF personnel was demobilized and replaced with volunteers and repatriated and exhausted prisoners of war.
At the end of 1945 120 squadron was bound for Balikpapan, where 18 squadron was based already.
Ms Japara had arrived to transport the materials of the squadron to Balikpapan, but this ship didn't had enough room to hold all material. Shortly after MS Japara left for Batavia, the departure of personnel and aircraft was delayed. MS Japara was not allowed by the British authorities to debark at Batavia.
As no material was available the personnel started to collect material from the US dumps.

April 1946 the squadron could be moved to Perak near Soerabaja to relieve an English squadron. The British were in fight with Indonesian rebels, often supported by deserted Japanese military.
During the move two aircraft were lost, one because of an engine failure and the other crashed.
In order to support a NEI Army battalion, three aircraft were based on Bali.
The squadron was was relieved by 860 squadron RNlNAS, equipped with Fireflies and moved to Kalibanteng.
Several patrols were flown against the Indonesian rebels. Also the squadron joined the "Politionele Actie", summer 1947. The aircraft became very old and worn. January 1948 the task of 120 squadron was taken over by 322 squadron RNlAF, equipped with Spitfires.

Verblijf en optreden van het 1e Bataljon Regiment Stoottroepen in Nederlands-Indië. Militairen poseren bij Curtiss P40
Military in front of Curtiss P-40N "Kittyhawk" aircraft of squadron 120 of NEIAF.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

During 1948 several P-40's were written off or cannibalized. November 1948 just nine aircraft were remaining, total nineteen P-40's were left.

During the second "Politionele Actie" (police action, but in fact it was a war) between December 19 and January 5 several flights were flown. Four machines were lost. Note that, despite the old aircraft 120 squadron flew most flying hours of all three fighter squadrons. between April and July 1949 the P-40's were finally replaced with the long expected Mustangs. Conversion training had started in January 1948. From July 1949 and later no P-40 can be found in the books as operational aircraft.

Military of the 1e Batallion "Regiment Stoottroepen in Nederlands-Indië" posing in front of Curtiss P40 "Kittyhawk" of NIEAF.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk of 120 SQN NEIAF, left near Merauke
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Fuelling a P-40 of 120 Squadron NEIAF at Merauke. .
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 


Curtiss P-40E Warhawk

Note: No information is known.

See http://www.adf-serials.com.au/research/nei.htm

Curtiss P-40s RNMFS

US Fiscal Year nr.
US Fiscal Year nr.
Date in service
Date in service
Date out of service
Datum uit dienst
Notes
Notes
Curtiss P-40E-1
41-24791      
Curtiss P-40F & P-40F-15
41-13638      
41-13732      
41-13781      
41-14012   15-09-1943 Crashed
41-14013      
41-14027      
41-14070      
41-14078      
41-14124      
41-14126      
41-14144      
41-14188      
41-19775      
41-19786   09-07-1943 Crashed during landing at JAAB
41-19875      
41-19885      
41-19886   04-08-1943 Crashed because of ground loop
41-19948      
Curtiss P-40L-5
42-10497   08-10-1943 Landing accident JAAB
Curtiss P-40N-1 & P-40N-5
42-104768      
42-104788      
42-104808   06-07-1943 Landing accident
42-104828      

 

Curtiss P-40N Kittyhawk

The serials of the NEIAF were changed from midst of August 1945. For the remaining Curtiss P-40s the C3-5XX serials became J-3XX

Note: in the listing below the column "Date in service" is the first date the aircraft was added to the inventory of 120 squadron.

Serial
Serial
Tail-code & colour of spinner
Tail-code & colour of spinner
2nd Serial
2nd Serial
US Fiscal Year nr.
US Fiscal Year nr.
Nickname
Nickname
Date in service
Date in service
Date out of service
Date out of service
Notes
Notes
Curtiss P-40N-20-CU
C3-500 Y Red J-300 43-22972 Nebukadnezar
Buffalo-badge on starboard
01-01-1944 09-06-1947 Written of after emergency landing
C3-501     J-301 43-22974   01-01-1944 28-12-1948 Crashed near Sapoeran
C3-502 B Blue J-302 43-22975 Spit Kitty [Poublon]
Buffalo-badge on starboard
01-01-1944 09-03-1949 Belly landing at Perwakarta;
Written of 01-05-1949
Red Miss Carriage [Brameijer]
Buffalo-badge on starboard
C3-503   Red   43-22976 Wham Bham
Buffalo-badge on starboard
01-01-1944 19-09-1944 Mid air collision with C3-544
C3-504   -   43-22977   01-01-1944 01-08-1944 Emergency landing in sea after attack on Maniokwari.
C3-505   - J-305 43-22978 Don Quichote (starboard) 01-01-1944 08-1947 Date wfu unknown; 08-1947 Dismantled for spare parts at 1-VRA;
Written of May 1948
C3-506   -   43-22979   01-01-1944 14-11-1944 Crash at Merauke
C3-507   -   43-22980   01-01-1944 17-12-1948 Carried (fake) RAAF serial A29-503;
Burned after belly landing at Kalibanteng.
C3-508       43-22981   01-01-1944 24-08-1944 engine caught fire during flight.
C3-509 D Red J-309 43-22982 Mississipi Belle (starboard) 01-01-1944 22-12-1948 Crashed near Kaliangtrik.
C3-510 J - J-310 43-22983   01-01-1944 05-05-1946 Crash during ferry flight from Biak to Java on 20-04-1946
C3-511   Red J-311 43-22984 Flying Dutchman (starboard) 01-01-1944 mid 1949 To AURIS.
C3-512   Red   43-22789 Rocky (starboard)en Karaoki (parrot) port 01-12-1943 - 07-02-1944 to NEI pool;
Further history unknown
C3-513   Red   43-22790 Karaoki (parrot) port 01-12-1943 20-12-1944 Crashed near Yass (Australia)
C3-514   Red   43-22793 Mata Hari
Buffalo-badge on starboard
01-12-1943 25-07-1944 Crash during practice flight
C3-515   Red   43-22799 Gooney Bird (starboard) [partouille Mulder] 01-12-1943 05-07-1944 Crash landing near Cooks Bay;
Written of
Amigo(port) en Karaoki (parrot) starboard [De Raadt]
C3-516     J-316 43-22762   01-12-1943 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-517       43-22763   01-12-1943 - On 08-06-1944 to NEI pool;
Further history unknown
C3-518     J-318 43-22769   01-12-1943 04-05-1946 Crash because of AA fire.
C3-519       43-22771   01-12-1943 12-06-1945 Written off after taxying accident
C3-520 P   J-320 43-22772 Izzy the Injun (starboard); Indanenhead (port) 01-12-1943 03-02-1949 From 10-1948 and on as J-320 based at Photo VerkenningsAfdeling (recce unit) and had PVA badge applied; Belly landing at Tjililitan
C3-521 E   J-321 43-22774   01-12-1943 07-02-1946 Written of
C3-522 R   J-322 43-22775 Patricia 01-12-1943 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-523     J-323 43-22777 Letha (port) 01-12-1943 29-11-1949 Crash at Bundaberg;
Written of 12-1949
C3-524       43-22778   26-01-1944 29-03-1944 Ex RAAF A29-600 received as replacement;
Crashed near Mildura
C3-525     J-325 43-22784 Nelly (port) 26-01-1944 29-07-1947 Ex RAAF A29-601 received as replacement;
Shot near Magoewo
C3-526     J-326 43-22804 Buffalo-badge on starboard 26-01-1944 22-08-1945 Ex RAAF A29-607 received as replacement;
Written of
C3-527       43-22757   26-01-1944 29-03-1944 Ex RAAF A29-634 received as replacement;
Crashed near Mildura
C3-528       43-22985   15-02-1944 09-07-1945 Ex RAAF A29-645 received as replacement;
Crashed near Biak
C3-529   Yellow J-329 43-22986 Streamline Babe [Levy/A. De Jong] 15-02-1944 mid 1949 Ex RAAF A29-646 received as replacement;
To AURIS
Blue Jinx [Simons/E. Poublon]
C3-530       43-22988   15-02-1944 30-08-1944 Ex RAAF A29-648 received as replacement;
Belly landing at Merauke
C3-531     J-331 43-22991   15-02-1944 17-03-1948 Ex RAAF A29-650 received as replacement;
Collison with tractor during take off.
C3-532     J-332 43-22995   15-02-1944 13-04-1949 Ex RAAF A29-654 received as replacement;
Belly landing at Solo and written off 01-05-1949
C3-533       43-23003   01-03-1944 17-02-1945 Crash at Musselbroek
Curtiss P-40N-25-CU
C3-534     J-334 43-24347   01-10-1944 01-08-1945 Shot near Manokwari
C3-535 G   J-335 43-24349   01-12-1945 23-06-1948 Crashed near Canberra
C3-536     J-336 43-24353   01-11-1944 13-12-1945 Crashed near Bandoeng
C3-537     J-337 43-24355   01-12-1945 04-1947 Dismantled for spare parts at 1-VRA;
04-1948 Written off.
C3-538     J-338 43-24357   01-12-1945 29-01-1946 Date entering service uncertain;
Crash near PEP Bundaberg;
Written off 22-02-1946
C3-539     J-339 43-24537   01-07-1944 04-07-1945 Crashed near Mokmer
C3-540       43-24540   01-07-1944 07-07-1944 Landing accident at Merauke;
Written off.
C3-541   Red   43-24541 Crazy Number 23 (starboard) 01-09-1945 11-08-1945 Crashed while strafing target;
16-08-1945 Written off
C3-542   Blue ?   43-24545 The Harlem Hawk (starboard) 01-09-1945 14-02-1945 Groundloop at Tanhemerah;
Dismantled for spare parts.
C3-543       43-24549   - - 12-08-1944 crash at Amberley during test flight;
Not delivered to NEI AF.
C3-544       43-24548   01-09-1944 19-09-1944 Mid air collision with C3-503
C3-545     J-345 43-24552   01-08-1944 08-09-1944 Crash at Merauke
C3-546     J-346 43-24553   01-08-1944 19-07-1945 Crash while lading at Middelburg I
C3-547     J-347 43-24556   01-12-1945 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-548     J-348 43-24544   01-12-1945 14-02-1945 Emergency landing near Yea Norht South Wales; Written off
Curtiss P-40N-30-CU
C3-549 H Yellow J-349 44-7195 Snafu (starboard) 01-09-1944 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-550       44-7198   01-09-1944 19-09-1944 Written off after emergency landing because of engine fire.
C3-551       44-7200   01-09-1944 04-1948 Written off
C3-552 P / R   J-352 44-7202 Rhanie Thully 01-12-1945 06-09-1949 Landing accident at Andir; Written off
C3-553       44-7207   01-09-1944 19-11-1944 Crash during practice dive bombing.
C3-554       44-7209   01-09-1944 10-12-1944 Crash during attack of Lantar (Banda)
Curtiss P-40N-35-CU
C3-555     J-355 44-7856   01-03-1945 mid 1949 Date entering service uncertain; To AURIS
C3-556     J-356 44-7857   01-06-1945 mid 1948 Date entering service uncertain; To AURIS
C3-557     J-357 44-7858   01-03-1945 18-07-1945 Crashed North of Sorong
C3-558     J-358 44-7859   01-06-1945 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-559     J-359 44-7860   01-06-1945 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-560     J-360 44-7861 Irma (port) 01-06-1945 18-11-1948 Date entering service uncertain;
Belly landing at Andir and written off
C3-561     J-361 44-7862   01-03-1945 17-05-1946 Crashed at Tjilililitan and Written off
C3-562       44-7863   01-03-1945 01-08-1945 Ditched in sea near Manokwari
C3-563     J-363 44-7864   01-03-1945 06-1946 Date entering service uncertain;
Written off PEP Biak.
C3-564     J-364 44-7865   01-03-1945 06-1946 Date entering service uncertain;
Written off PEP Biak.
C3-565     J-365 44-7866 Betty (starboard) 01-03-1945 mid 1949 To AURIS
C3-566     J-366 44-7867   01-12-1944 23-05-1945 Date entering service uncertain;
Further history unknown.

 


1/72nd scale

Kits

  • Academy
    • Kit 1668: A very good model of a Curtiss P-40N. It has spooked wheels added as where mainly used in NEIAF service.
    • Kit 1671: Curtiss P-40E Warhawk
  • Airfix
    • Kit 01038: Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk
  • AZ Models
    • Kit AZ 7400: Curtiss P40E Warhawk Special
    • Kit AZ 7410: Curtiss P-40E Warhawk
    • Kit AZL 7223: Curtiss P40E "Warhawk" "Aces" [uitgebracht onder Legato]
    • Kit AZL 7222: Curtiss P40E "Warhawk" [uitgebracht onder Legato]
  • Chematic
    • Kit 002: Curtiss P-40E
  • Hasegawa
    • Kit XX: A good 1:72 model of the Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk. For an extinguished description of this model I refer to MIP 1986, nr. 2.  Here you can find an article about the Hasegawa Curtiss P-40N, but this is very useful for the P-40E.
    • Kit BO10:350/ 510:500/...: A CurtissP-40N [with wheelcovers. The Dutch P-40Ns usually had the wheelcovers removed. For an extinguished description of this model I refer to MIP 1986, nr. 2.]
  • HobbyBoss
    • Kit 80250: A model of a Curtiss P-40E
    • Kit 80252: A model of a Curtiss P-40N
  • Heller
    • Kit 80266: Curtiss P-40E
  • Special Hobb
    • Kit SH72155: Curtiss P-40F Warhawk
    • Kit SH72298: Curtiss P-40F/L Warhawk "Checkertails"

 

A nice diorama with a Curtis P-40E, built by Peter Banis.

Curtiss P 40E PBanis 6 Curtiss P 40E PBanis 13 Curtiss P 40E PBanis 8 Curtiss P 40E PBanis 7 Curtiss P 40E PBanis 6 Curtiss P40E-Banis-3 Curtiss P40E-Banis-4 Curtiss P-40E-Banis Curtiss P40E-Banis-6 Curtiss P40E-Banis-7 Curtiss P 40E PBanis 1 Curtiss P40E-Banis-9 Curtiss P40E-Banis-10

 

Curtiss P40N RNEIAF Medan 1947 AKleijn
A model of a Curtiss P-40N, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Curtiss P40N RNEIAF PVA Medan 1947 AKleijn
A model of a P-40N of the photo flight of NEIAF, built by Adri Kleijn.

 

Modelling add-on

  • Aires
    • Set 7023: Curtiss P40N Warhawk Cockpit Detail Set
    • Set 7284: Curtiss P40M/N Wheels and paint mask (Academy)
    • Set 7278: Curtiss P40B/E Wheelbay (Airfix)
    • Set 7257: Curtiss P40 Warhawk wheels (Academy)
    • Set 7253: Curtiss P40 Warhawk wheel bays (Academy)
  • AirWaves
    • Set SC7231: Curtiss P40F Late Nose & Tail
    • Set SC7232: Curtiss P40F Early Nose
    • Set AC7254: Detailset Curtiss P40 Tomahawk
  • AML Models
    • Set A72033: Curtiss P40/P36/H75 Hawk Wheels and Masks
    • Set A7211: Curtiss P40B/C/E/M/N Wheel wells
  • CMK
    • Set A7249: Curtiss P40E/M/N Armament set (Academy)
    • Set A7250: Curtiss P40E/M/N Undercarriage set (Academy)
    • Set A7251: Curtiss P40E/M/N Control surfaces set (Academy)
  • Eduard
    • Set SS121: Detailset Curtiss P40M/N Warhawk (Academy)
    • Set E72-419: Detailset Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk Landing Flaps (Hasegawa)
    • Set E72-420: Detailset Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set E72-313: Detailset Curtiss P40M/N Warhawk (Academy)
  • Extra Tech
    • Set 72105: Curtiss P40M/N Kittyhawk (Academy)
    • Set 72106: Curtiss P40M/N Kittyhawk Flaps (Academy)
  • Falcon
    • Set VAX46: Canopies USAF Part 4
  • Kora Models
    • Set 7275: Curtiss P40 Warhawk wheels with disc
  • Part Etchings
    • Set S72-125: Canopy Frames Curtiss P40D/N
    • Set S72-126: Canopy Frames Curtiss P40N
    • Set S72-105: Curtiss P40N Warhawk (Hasegawa, Academy)
    • Set S72-122: Curtiss P40E Warhawk (Academy, Hasegawa)
  • Rexx
    • Set 72.002: Curtiss P40N/M Exhausts
  • SBS
    • Set 72025 : P40N Warhawk wheels set (27" diamond tread)
  • Squadron
    • Set 09133: Canopies Curtiss P40N Warhawk
  • True Details
    • Set 72458:  Curtiss P40E/N Cockpit Detail Set
    • Set 72010: Curtiss P40E/M Wheel Set
  • Verlinden
    • Set 00001451: Curtiss P40N Update set
  • Eduard
    • Set SS121: Detailset Curtiss P40M/N Warhawk (Academy)
    • Set E72-419: Detailset Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk Landing Flaps (Hasegawa)
    • Set E72-420: Detailset Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set E72-313: Detailset Curtiss P40M/N Warhawk (Academy)
  • Wurmcastings
    • Set 7212: Curtiss P40 U/C Bay with P40N diamond tread wheels with spoked hubs.
    • Set 7213: Curtiss P40 6 gun wing detail set, commonwealth type
    • Set 7214: Curtiss P40 6 gun wing detail set, US type
    • Set 7215: Curtiss P40 Allison V1710 engine with poanels, exhausts and acc
    • Set 7210: Curtiss P40 early U/C Bay with block tread wheels.
    • Set 7211: Curtiss P40 early U/C Bay with diamond tread wheels.

Decals

  • AeroMaster
    • A set for several aircraft such as the aircraft on the photo shown in Koku-Asahi 48-03
  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 72020: A decal set for several aircraft such as P-40N C3-503 "Wham Bam"and C3-512 "Rocky"
    • Set 72032: A decal set for several aircraft such as P-40N J-320
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set FD72-003: A decal set for e.g. Hurricane, C47, P40N, B25 Mitchell
  • Dutch Profile
    • Set DDS97248: A decalset for Curtiss P40E/N (RNEIAF)
    • Set DDS107248: A decalset for Curtiss P40N Warhawk (RNEIAF)
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set FD72-003: Decalset for aircraft such as Hurricane, C47, P40N and B25 Mitchell

1/48th scale

Kits

  • Arii
    • Kit 332-800: Curtiss P40E Warhawk
  • Hasegawa
    • Kit 2409924: Curtiss P40N Warhawk "Natural Metal"
    • Kit 24sp304/2409966/2409789/24JT86: Several releases of the Curtiss P40E
  • HobbyCraft
    • Kit 1413: Curtiss P40F "Deserthawk"
    • Kit 1417: Curtiss P40F/L Allied
    • Kit 1417: Curtiss P40F/L Checkertails
  • Italeri
    • Kit 2717: Curtiss P40E/K Kittyhawk
  • Mauve
    • Kit 00081: Curtiss P40N Warhawk
  • Revell
    • Kit 04566: Curtiss P40E Warhawk
  • Aires
    • Set 4268: Curtiss P40E Warhawk cockpit detail set (Hasegawa)
  • AML Models
    • Set A48011: Curtiss P40 Detail set
    • Set A48044: Curtiss P40 (early) Wheels and Masks
  • Avionix
    • Set CS48012: Curtiss P40E Warhawk resin Cockpit set (Hasegawa)
    • Set CS48013: Curtiss P40N Warhawk resin Cockpit set (Hasegawa)
  • Brengun Model Accessories
    • Set BML48014: Curtiss P40M,N Warhawk canopy rails (Eduard/Mauve)
  • CMK
    • Set Q48013: Curtiss P40E/M/N wheels
  • Cutting Edge
    • Set BM48155: Curtiss P40E to P40M Wheel Hub Masks
    • Set BM48226: Curtiss P40N Warhawk Canopy/Wheel Hub Masks (Mauve/Eduard)
  • Eduard
    • Set E49-652: Detailset Curtiss P40E/K Self Adhesive (Italeri)
    • Set E49-356 / FE356: Detailset Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk MKIII (Hasegawa)
    • Set E49-333: Detailset Curtiss P40N Warhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set BIG4838: Detailset Curtiss P40N Warhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set E49-314: Detailset Curtiss P40E Warhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set E48-403: Detailset Curtiss P40N/M Flaps (Mauve)
    • Set E48-223: Detailset Curtiss P40N Warhawk Flaps (AMT)
    • Set E48-135: Detailset Curtiss P40N Warhawk (Mauve)
  • Extra Tech
    • Set 72105: Curtiss P40M/N Kittyhawk (Academy)
    • Set 72106: Curtiss P40M/N Kittyhawk Flaps (Academy)
  • Hi-Tech
    • Set 48003: Curtiss P40D/E Tail Conversie
  • Master, reality in Miniature
    • Set AM-48-025: Curtiss P40E-N fairings with blast tubes for .50cal Browning (6pcs).
  • Moskit
    • Set MT4857: Curtiss P40E Fish tail exhaust (Revell).
    • Set MT4858: Curtiss P40 Fish tail exhaust (Eduard/Mauve).
  • Part Etchings
    • Set S48139: Detailset Curtiss P40K/M/N Flaps (Hasegawa)
    • Set S48138: Detailset Curtiss P40N-5/-40 Warhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set S48137: Detailset Curtiss P40D/E/F/L Flaps (Hasegawa)
    • Set S48136: Detailset Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk (Hasegawa)
  • QuickBoost
    • Set 48041: Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk Exhaust (Hasegawa).
  • Rob Taurus Canopies
    • Set 48046: Canopy Curtiss P40N Warhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set 48025: Canopy Curtiss P40E Warhawk (Hasegawa)
    • Set 48011: Canopy Curtiss P40N Warhawk (Eduard/Mauve)
  • Squadron
    • Set 09527: Canopies Curtiss P40 Tomahawk
    • Set 09537: Canopies Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk
    • Set 09569: Canopies Curtiss P40N Warhawk
    • Set 09597: Canopies Curtiss P40F/K
  • True Details
    • Set 48451: Curtiss P40N Warhawk Cockpit detail set
    • Set 48451: Curtiss P40N Warhawk Cockpit detail set
    • Set 48015: Curtiss P40E/M Wheel Set
    • Set 48055: Curtiss P40E/N Warhawk Wheel Set
  • Yahu Models
    • Set A4814: Instrument Panel Curtiss P40E Warhawk (Hasegawa).

Decals

  • Dutch Decal
    • Set 48041: decalset for e.g. P40N RNMFS Jackson Sharkmouth, S51, "Jezebel", F16 323 sq "Sharkmouth", Auster LSK
  • Dutch Profile
    • Set DDS97248: decalset for Curtiss P40E/N (RNEIAF)
    • Set DDS107248: decalset for Curtiss P40N Warhawk (RNEIAF)
  • FlevoDecal
    • Set FD48-003: Decalset for aircraft such as Hurricane, C47, P40N, B25 Mitchell

 


The P-40E's were originally meant for the USAAC and had the standard USAAC paint scheme scheme applied. The Dutch red-white and blue flag was painted over the US markings on fuselage and undersides of the wings.
The rest of the US markings were painted over, most probably with available paint, such as "Donker Blad": The flag was also applied on the under surfaces of the wings.

The Curtiss P-40Ns initially also had the standard USAAF colour scheme of olive drab over neutral grey.

Scheme Colour name FS number Humbrol XtraColor VAllejo ModeColor
Standard #1 Upper surfaces US Dark Olive Drab 41 ~4088 H66 X111/X112/X113 70.887
US Medium Green 42 (spots on some P-40N) ~4092 149 X114 70.895
Undersides US Neutral Grey 43 abt ~6173 Mix: 1*156 + 1*34 (H176) X133/X207 70.992

Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

Curtiss P-40E-SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40E NEIAF, February 1942.

 

Below some examples of colour schemes of the Curtiss P-40N. Per individual aircraft this may differ, depending on the period, but also from the pilots, who often gave a name to their personal aircraft.

Both  "Dutch Profile" issues, written by ax Schep and Luuk Boerman you may find a large quantity of photographs and lots of colour profiles.

Curtiss P 40N 8 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N 120 squadron NEI: Blue patrol; Flags and white, sometimes medium grey aircraft letter.
Curtiss P 40N 7 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N 120 squadron NEI: Yellow patrol; Flags and white, sometimes medium grey aircraft letter.
Curtiss P 40N 6 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N 120 squadron NEI: Red patrol; Flags and white, sometimes medium grey aircraft letter
Curtiss P 40N 5 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N NEIAF 1948: Flags replaced by Dutch roundels. Part of camouflage paint is removed. This differed per individual aircraft
Curtiss P 40N 4 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N NEIAF 1947: Flags had an white border applied. Part of camouflage paint is removed. This differed per individual aircraft
Curtiss P 40N 3 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N NEIAF 1948: Flags replaced by Dutch roundels. Part of camouflage paint is removed. This differed per individual aircraft
Curtiss P 40N 2 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N NEIAF J-320 PVA, 1950. Aircraft completed stripped of paint, though some parts (anti glare) still in (faded)  Olive Drab ANA 613.
Curtiss P 40N 1 SMALL
Colour scheme Curtiss P-40N NEIAF, 1949 - 1950. Aircraft completed stripped of paint, though some parts (anti glare) still in (faded)  Olive Drab ANA 613. Differed per individual aircraft.

 

 


Literature.

Van Glenn Martins en Mustangs H.Hooftman Pag. 160 - 164 1967 La Rivière & Voorhoeve, Zwolle
Aircraft Number 26: Curtiss P-40 in action Ernest R. McDowell Pag. 16 - 21; 43 - 55 1976 Uitgever Squadron/Signal Publications Inc., Carrolton, Texas
Militaire Luchtvaart in Nederlandsch-Indië in beeld, Deel 2 Hugo Hooftman Pag. 95 - 109 1981 Uitgever Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
The Royal Netherlands Military Flying School 1942-1944: Bijdrage tot de Geschiedenis van het Zeewezen deel 16 O.G. Ward & P.C. Boer Pag. 105 - 112; 252 - 257 1982 Uitgever Afdeling Maritieme Historie, 's Gravenhage
Squadrons van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht Willem Helfferich Pag. 48 1983 Uitgever Unieboek b.v., Houten
Modelbouw in Plastic: nr.2: KNIL Nationaliteitskenmerken', dl. 2 M. Schep Pag. 26-29. 1984 Uitg. IPMS Nederland
Luchtvaartwereld; 3e jaargang nummer 4: De vliegtuigen van Jackson (2) Gerard Casius Pag. 1986 Uitgeverij Ten Brink Plaats: Meppel
Luchtvaartwereld; 3e jaargang nummer 3: De vliegtuigen van Jackson Gerard Casius Pag. 82 - 92 1986 Uitgeverij Ten Brink Plaats: Meppel
Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 15,: nr 1: De P-40N van het ML-KNIL, deel 1 M.Schep & L. Boerman Pag. 11 1986 Uitg. IPMS Nederland
Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 15,: nr 2: De P-40N van het ML-KNIL, deel 2 M.Schep & L. Boerman pag. 52 - 57 1986 Uitg. IPMS Nederland
Modelbouw in Plastic jaargang 15,: nr 3: De P-40N van het ML-KNIL, deel 3 M.Schep & L. Boerman pag. 80 - 85 1986 Uitg. IPMS Nederland
De Militaire Luchtvaart in Nederlands-Indië.   Pag. 23-24. 1987 De Bataafsche Leeuw; Amsterdam
Luchtvaartwereld; 5e jaargang nummer 10: De Curtiss Kittyhawk in Indië Gerard Casius pag. 277 - 282 1988 Uitgeverij Ten Brink, Meppel
40 Jaar luchtvaart in Indië. B. van der Klaauw, B.M. Rijnhout Pag. 61, 82-83, 152. 1989 De Alk; Alkmaar
De luchtstrijd om Indië. P.C.Boer e.a Pag. 137, 181 1990 Unieboek, Houten
NEIAF-colours and markings, SAFO, vol. 16, nr 7 (62) J. Maas, pag. 53-55 April 1992  
Squadrons van de Koninklijke Luchtmacht (derde herzien druk) Willem Helfferich Pag. 21 1994 Uitgevers Wyt, Rotterdam
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)

 

Websites.