The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk flew for the first time 76 years ago today. Developed from the P-36, the P-40 was America’s most numerous fighter aircraft in service when World War II started. The P-40 bred a generation of fighter pilots with Boyd “Buzz” Wagner becoming the first United States Army Air Forces ace of World War II. The P-40 was immortalized by Claire Chennault and the “Flying Tigers” of the American Volunteer Group who used the aircraft with great success in China. Production of all P-40s totaled more than 13,000 and the aircraft served with over a dozen nations. Depending on which country operated which variant, early P-40s were known as the Tomahawk and the Kittyhawk name was used for later models (all P-40s in American service were termed Warhawks).
Here is a photo of a P-40E from the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia taking-off during the 2013 Flying PROMS airshow.
This P-40E was built in 1941 and was used by the Royal Air Force under the Lend-Lease program before being transferred to the Soviet Union. It is painted to replicate the P-40 of David Lee “Tex” Hill who led the famous mission over the Salween River and had 12.25 victories as part of the “Flying Tigers.”
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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