P-40 Warhawk

First appearing in 1941, the American fighter aircraft was considered fast, maneuverable and heavily armed. It served well early in WWII, particularly in Africa and the Pacific.

DAYTON, Ohio -- Curtiss P-40E Warhawk at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
DAYTON, Ohio — Curtiss P-40E Warhawk at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

As the war progressed, other higher performance fighter aircraft were introduced, among them the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt, which replaced the P-40 in many front line squadrons. The P-40 still served well in the role of advanced trainers for Army pilots.

Hells_Angels,_Flying_Tigers_1942
Hells_Angels,_Flying_Tigers_1942

A Young Man Went Off to War