Curtiss P-40 Warhawk variants

{{short description|Variants of the P-40 Warhawk}} {{Multiple issues| {{More citations needed|date=December 2018}} {{One source|date=December 2018}} }}

The [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk]] was a WWII [[fighter aircraft]] that was developed from the [[Curtiss P-36 Hawk|P-36 Hawk]], via the P-37. Many variants were built, some in large numbers, under names including the Hawk, Tomahawk, and Kittyhawk. {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{TOC limit|3}}

==Allison-engined Model 75== {{Main|Curtiss P-36 Hawk}}

=== XP-37 === {{Main|Curtiss P-37}}[[File:Curtiss XP-37 060908-F-1234P-010.jpg|thumb|Curtiss XP-37]] In early [[1937 in aviation|1937]], after realizing the Hawk 75 was inferior to more modern European designs, the [[USAAC]] ordered one P-36 to be modified with an [[Allison V-1710]] inline engine. The prototype Hawk was fitted with a turbo-supercharged 1,150 hp (860 kW) Allison V-1710-11 engine as the '''XP-37''' (company designation Model 75I). The cockpit was moved back towards the tail to make room for the massive supercharger, and the engine was cooled by two radiators on either side of the nose. Armament was one .30 [[M1919 Browning machine gun|M1919 Browning MG]] and one .50 [[M2 Browning|M2 Browning MG]] mounted in the nose. The XP-37 was plagued with supercharger and visibility problems.

=== YP-37 === [[File:Curtiss YP-37 SN 38-472 060908-F-1234P-012.jpg|thumb|Curtiss YP-37 with lengthened nose.]] A further 13 Model 75Is were ordered in [[1938 in aviation|1938]] under the designation '''YP-37'''. These differed from the XP-37 in having a V-1710-21 with a more reliable supercharger and an extended nose. The project was cancelled after continued supercharger and visibility problems.

=== XP-40 === [[File:Curtiss XP-40 in flight, circa in 1939.jpg|thumb|Curtiss XP-40 in flight.]] [[File:Curtiss P-40 track test 061019-F-1234P-027.jpg|thumb|XP-40 fitted with tracked landing gear.]] In 1937, the 10th P-36A was fitted with a 1,150 hp (860 kW) V-1710-19. Unlike the Model 75I, the resulting '''XP-40''' (Model 75P) did not have a turbo-supercharger, thus the cockpit was not moved back, and the radiator was moved to the ventral position. Later the [[landing gear]] was redesigned and the radiator was moved under the nose. Armament was two .50 M2 Brownings mounted in the nose.

The new engine conferred a 50 mph speed advantage over the already popular Hawk, and export orders from England and France came in quickly. In April 1939, the [[United States Army Air Corps]] also put in a domestic order for 524 Model 75Ps, which was the largest single order for a US fighter aircraft at the time.

In August 1943, the XP-40 was fitted with rubber-tracked main landing gear. Testing began in 1944, revealing problems with snow and ice being packed between the wheels and track belt, stretching the latter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Aircraft Track Landing Gear |url=https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1919691/history-of-aircraft-track-landing-gear/https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1919691/history-of-aircraft-track-landing-gear/ |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Air Force Materiel Command |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

== Model 81 ==

=== P-40 === [[File:Curtiss P-40 (SN 39-156, first production P-40) 061019-F-1234P-026.jpg|thumb|P-40-CU s/n 39-156, the first of almost 14,000 Warhawks to come off the production line.]]

The production '''P-40''' (Model 81A) were nearly identical to the XP-40, but was built with a 1,040 hp (780 kW) V-1710-33s and one .30 M1919 Browning in each wing. The company designation was changed to Model 81 due to the extensive changes from the standard Model 75. France, who was a large operator of the P-36, was interested in this fighter and ordered 140 aircraft as Hawk 81A-1s. However, following the 1940 [[Armistice of 22 June 1940|French Armistice]] the [[Royal Air Force]] acquired these aircraft as Tomahawk Mk.Is. This variant was not considered combat-ready, as they lacked heavy armament and armor, but as there was a shortage of decent fighter aircraft after the [[Battle of Britain]], the RAF pressed these into service for use in [[North African Campaign|North Africa]] anyway.

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== * '''P-40''', 524 aircraft ordered, only 200 produced. * '''P-40A''', one P-40 that was fitted with cameras for [[photo reconnaissance]] missions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.uswarplanes.net/p40.html|title=P-40|website=www.uswarplanes.net|access-date=2018-11-20|archive-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226110219/http://www.uswarplanes.net/p40.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''P-40G''', 44 P-40s that were fitted with four-gun P-40B/C wings, the first of which being unofficially designated '''XP-40G'''.<ref name=":0" /> * '''Hawk 81A-1''', export version, 140 aircraft ordered by the [[Armee de L'air|Armée de L'air]], but were delivered to the [[Royal Air Force]] as '''Tomahawk Mk.I'''s. A number of minor changes were made, including replacing the .30 Browning MGs in the wings with .303 Browning MGs, which was done on most Tomahawk marks.

=== P-40B === Of the remaining 324 aircraft of the initial order, 131 were built as '''P-40B'''s.

Though strongly built, the first P-40 variant was poorly protected and lacked armor and self sealing tanks. This was partly rectified with the P-40B, which had additional armor behind the cockpit, but fuel system and control line vulnerability remained a problem to some extent with all Tomahawk types. The P-40B also had an additional .30 MG in each wing.

==== Sub-variants ==== * '''P-40B''', 131 aircraft built. * '''Hawk 81A-2''', export version, 110 aircraft produced for the RAF as '''Tomahawk Mk.II'''s and '''Mk.IIA'''s, the latter equipped with .303 Brownings.

=== P-40C === [[File:P-40C 29th Fighter Squadron May 1942.jpg|alt=|thumb|A close up view of the P-40C's drop tank.]]The last 193 aircraft of the original P-40 order were completed as '''P-40C'''s.

In an attempt to further rectify the problem of poor protection, the P-40C was given [[self-sealing fuel tank]]s. The obsolete SCR-283 radio of the earlier P-40s was replaced with an [[SCR-274|SCR-274N]] and provisions were made for a 52 gal [[drop tank]].<ref name=":1" /> The latter change increased the combat radius dramatically, and was a standard feature in all subsequent P-40s.

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== * '''P-40C''', 193 aircraft built. * '''Hawk 81A-3''', export version, 930 aircraft built for the RAF as '''Tomahawk Mk.IIB'''s, many of which were diverted to other allies. * '''Hawk 81A-2/3''', export version, 100 Hawk 81A-3 aircraft were diverted from an RAF order and delivered to the [[Nationalist Chinese Air Force]] for use by the [[Flying Tigers|American Volunteer Group]]. Although they were officially Hawk 81A-3s, they lacked the provisions for a drop tank.

==Model 87== === P-40D === [[File:P-40d 02 172.jpg|thumb|Nosed over P-40D apparently without armament or unit markings. The carburetor intake on top of the nose was positioned farther back than on subsequent Model 87 variants.]] Soon after P-40 production started, Curtiss began development of its intended successor, the [[Curtiss XP-46|XP-46]]. This aircraft was based on the P-40, but was an almost entirely different aircraft. While retaining the rear [[fuselage]] of the P-40, the XP-46 had a new wing with wider track landing gear. The nose was redesigned too, as it housed a new 1,150 hp (860 kW) V-1710-39 engine. This "F-series" engine differed from the "C-series" engine of the Model 81 in having a more compact external spur gear-type [[Propeller speed reduction unit|reduction gear box]].<ref>Whitney 1998, Chapter 12</ref> The production version of the P-46 was to have four .30 MGs in each wing and two .50 MGs in the nose for a total of ten guns. This would have been the heaviest armament for a US fighter at the time. Both the USAAF and RAF placed orders for this aircraft, with the latter naming it "Kittyhawk".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1941/1941%20-%201120.html|title=1941 {{!}} 1120 {{!}} Flight Archive|website=www.flightglobal.com|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref>

Due to delays in the P-46 program, the USAAF asked Curtiss to prioritize development of an improved P-40. Curtiss did so, and reworked the P-40 to accommodate the V-1710-39 of the XP-46. The resulting '''P-40D''' (Model 87A) had a shorter nose with a larger radiator, four .50 Brownings in place of the .30 units, a revised windscreen, and provisions for two [[20 mm caliber|20 mm cannons]] (one in each wing, never used). The nose guns were deleted as there wasn't room for them in the final design.<ref name=":1" /> Upon testing both the P-40D and XP-46 prototypes, the USAAF found that the XP-46 offered no significant improvement over the P-40C, and was inferior to the P-40D. Both the USAAF and RAF cancelled their orders for the P-46 and the name "Kittyhawk" was given to the P-40D.

==== Sub-variants ==== * '''P-40D''', 2 aircraft built for testing purposes, both were later modified into the prototypes of subsequent variants. * '''P-40D-1''', 21 aircraft built for service with the USAAF. * '''Hawk 87A-1''', export version, 560 were built for the RAF as '''Kittyhawk Mk.I'''s. The first 20 of these aircraft were built with the standard four guns, but the rest had six, making them almost identical to the later Mk.IA. Some were diverted to other allies.

=== P-40E === [[File:Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk1A AN1096502.jpg|thumb|Curtiss P-40E (Kittyhawk Mk.IA) in the markings of [[No. 3 Squadron RAAF]], which was part of the [[Desert Air Force]].]] [[File:Curtiss P-40.jpg|thumb|''41-36504'', a P-40E-1 with a large vertical stabilizer, similar to that of the early P-40K.]] Starting with the 24th Model 87, an additional .50 MG was added to each wing and the [[carburetor]] intake was moved forward 6 in. Although these changes were relatively minor, this new variant was given the designation '''P-40E'''.

When the P-40D and E went into service, several problems were discovered. When maneuvering in high G turns the guns would often jam due to the way the ammunition was stored.<ref>Shores 2014, p. 22.</ref> Another problem was that engine and trim management were both somewhat complex and taxing with earlier P-40's required strong rudder pressure to offset engine torque and frequent trim adjustments were needed during rapid speed changes. Both these problems were remedied sometime late in production by enlarging the [[vertical stabilizer]] and changing how the ammunition was stored.

P-40's were more a powerful, faster-flying aircraft than the primary and advanced trainers most pre-war and early-war Allied pilots were familiar with, and transition training was often inadequate or neglected altogether in the early years of the war. The landing gear was also more narrow and not as strong as in fixed gear aircraft (like the Gladiator) or on some other retractable gear fighters such as the Hurricane. As a result, novice pilots had a hard time adjusting to the new fighter and there were many accidents on landing and takeoff in the early years of the war, with both Tomahawk and Kittyhawk types. Therefore, two P-40Es were fitted with a second seat to be used as [[trainer aircraft]] under the designation '''P-40ES'''. With these aircraft and improved training techniques these problems subsided.

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== * '''Prototype P-40E''', the second P-40D fitted with a six-gun wing. * '''P-40E''', 820 aircraft built. Somewhere along the production line flared "fishtail" exhaust stacks appeared, and an unknown number of late production aircraft had larger vertical stabilizers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=P-40 Warhawk in action - Aircraft No. 205|last=Dann|first=Richard|publisher=Squadron/Signal Publications|year=2007|isbn=978-0897475372}}</ref> * '''P-40ES''', two aircraft modified into two-seat [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer aircraft]]. * '''P-40EF''', a number of P-40Es and Ks modified by the [[Soviet Air Forces|Soviet Air Force]] as two seat photo reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name=":0" /> The "EF" designation was unofficially given to the aircraft by the Soviets, with the F standing for "Foto", the Russian word for photo.<ref name=":1" /> * '''Hawk 87A-2''', export version, the RAF received 1,500 '''Kittyhawk Mk.IA'''s under [[Lend-Lease]]. These were given the USAAF designation '''P-40E-1'''. Some were diverted to other allies.

=== P-40J ===

The main problem with the P-40 was its effective altitude ceiling of about 12,000 feet. Above that altitude the single-stage Allison V-1710 engine started to perform poorly. As a result, unless combat was taking place at low altitude, P-40 pilots often faced attack from above in the opening stages of an interception, a chronic problem which cost many lives. In response, Curtiss proposed the '''P-40J''', which was basically a P-40E with a [[Turbocharger|turbo-supercharged]] V-1710. Although a good idea on paper, there were many problems with fitting a turbo-supercharged V-1710 into the P-40. One of the main problems was the size of the turbocharger, which would not fit in the standard P-40 airframe. On top of that the intended engines were reserved for [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning|P-38]] production. In May 1942 the project was cancelled without anything being built.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40.html|title=Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Tomahawk, Kittyhawk|website=www.joebaugher.com|access-date=2018-11-21}}</ref>

=== P-40F === [[File:Warhawk Curtiss P-40F (16140386735).jpg|thumb|The prototype P-40F, converted from a P-40D.]]

Another solution to the high altitude performance problem was to fit the P-40 with a supercharged [[Rolls-Royce Merlin]] engine. This idea came from the British, as they noticed that their Allison powered Kittyhawks and [[North American P-51 Mustang|Mustangs]] had poor performance at high altitudes, while their own Merlin powered [[Hawker Hurricane|Hurricanes]] and [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfires]] did not have the same problems. Curtiss fitted the second P-40D with a 1,300 hp (969 kW) Merlin 28. Production aircraft had the American-made 1,390 hp (1,040 kW) [[Packard V-1650 Merlin|Packard V-1650-1 Merlin]]. The resulting '''P-40F''' (Model 87B) was the first variant to carry the "Warhawk" name.

Along with the added power of the Merlin engine came a decrease in directional stability. Curtiss attempted to fix this by fitting a dorsal fillet to the tail of a single P-40F; however, this was not adopted into production. Starting with the P-40F-5, the tail was lengthened by about 20 in.

Although the P-40F was superior to the Allison powered P-40s, there was a shortage of Merlin engines due to the vast number of aircraft that used them. Parts for these engines were becoming scarce, and maintenance became an issue. As a result, at least 70 P-40Fs were re-engined with V-1710-81s of 1,360 hp.<ref name=":1" /> These aircraft became known as '''P-40R-1'''s.

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== *'''XP-40F''', the second P-40D fitted with a 1,300 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 28. *'''P-40F''', (also '''P-40F-1''') the first production batch of 699 aircraft with American-made Packard V-1650-1 engines. *'''P-40F-5''', 123 aircraft with an extended fuselage to counteract extra torque from the Merlin. *'''P-40F-10''', 177 aircraft with manually operated cowl flaps replacing the electric units of the earlier variants. *'''P-40F-15''', 200 aircraft with winterized equipment. *'''P-40F-20''', 112 aircraft with a revised cockpit oxygen flow system. *'''YP-40F''', the third production P-40F used for streamlining tests. *'''P-40R-1''', at least 70 P-40Fs that were fitted with V-1710-81 engines due to the shortage of Merlins. *'''Hawk 87B-2''', export version, 150 built for the RAF under Lend-Lease as '''Kittyhawk Mk.II'''s.

=== P-40K ===

[[File:Curtiss P-40K Kittyhawk.jpg|thumb|An early P-40K with an enlarged vertical stabilizer.]]

The '''P-40K''' was intended to be the last P-40 production variant before replacement by the [[Curtiss P-60|P-60]], and only 600 were ordered by the USAAF to supply to China.<ref name=":2" /> However, with the cancellation of the P-60 the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] led to this order being increased to 1,300 aircraft. A continuation of the Allison-powered Warhawk, the K was similar to the P-40E, but was powered by a 1,325 hp V-1710-73. It also featured improved machine gun ammunition storage reducing gun stoppages. These were the heaviest P-40 variants, but the extra horsepower on the P-40K gave it good performance particularly at low altitude (noticeably better than the P-40E).

As with the P-40F, the increase in power led to decreased directional stability, but Curtiss predicted this and incorporated an enlarged vertical stabilizer to early P-40Ks. On the K-10 sub-variant onward, this was replaced with the lengthened tail of the P-40F-5. This feature was standard on all subsequent Warhawks.<ref name=":1" />

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== *'''P-40K-1''', the first 600 aircraft ordered for Lend-Lease to China but were taken over by the USAAF and RAF after [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]]. *'''P-40K-5''', 200 aircraft with rotary valve cooling. *'''P-40K-10''', 335 aircraft with the long tail of the P-40F-5. *'''P-40K-15''', 165 aircraft with winterized equipment. *'''TP-40K''', one P-40K modified as a two-seat trainer.<ref name=":0" /> *'''XP-40K''', one P-40K-10 with a V-1710-43 used to test [[wing root]] radiators. *'''Kittyhawk Mk.III''', 351 P-40Ks built for the RAF under Lend-Lease as Kittyhawk Mk.IIIs, about half which were diverted to other allies.

=== P-40L ===

A continued development of the Merlin powered Warhawk, the '''P-40L''' was a lightened version of the P-40F. Many weight saving changes were made to the aircraft, including removal of armor plating and reduction of rounds per gun. On the P-40L-5, weight was further reduced by removing two of the guns and reducing the internal fuel capacity from 157 gal. to 120 gal.<ref name=":1" />

As with the P-40F, at least 53 P-40Ls were re-engined with V-1710-81s.<ref name=":2" />

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== *'''P-40L-1''', 50 aircraft built similar to the P-40F-5 but with some equipment removed. *'''P-40L-5''', 220 aircraft with two wing guns removed and reduced fuel capacity. *'''P-40L-10''', 148 aircraft with electric [[aileron]] trim tabs and revised engine controls. *'''P-40L-15''', 112 aircraft with revised carburetor filters and signal lights. *'''P-40L-20''', 170 aircraft with radio and electrical system changes and provisions for an incendiary grenade. *'''P-40L-25''', 567 aircraft ordered, cancelled and never built. *'''P-40L-30''', 60 aircraft ordered, cancelled and never built. *'''P-40R-2''', at least 53 aircraft re-engined with V-1710-81s. *'''Hawk 87B-3''', export version, 100 built for the RAF as '''Kittyhawk Mk.II'''s, and a further 160 as '''Kittyhawk Mk.III'''s. Most of these had the three gun wings of the P-40F.

=== P-40M ===

[[File:P-40M in Finnish markings in 1944.jpg|thumb|The sole Finnish Warhawk (KH-51) was a captured Soviet P-40M-10.]]

Due to the shortage of Merlins, development of the Allison powered Warhawk was again continued. The P-40K airframe was given a 1,360 hp V-1710-81<ref>Shamburger 1973, P.231</ref> with a cooling grill forward of the exhaust stubs.

The '''P-40M''' was supposed to be a purely export variant of the K, although many ended up in USAAF units. In RAF service the aircraft was named '''Kittyhawk Mk.III''', the same as the P-40K, which can cause some confusion.

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== * '''P-40M-1''', the first 60 aircraft. * '''P-40M-5''', 260 aircraft with carburetor air filter and aileron improvements. * '''P-40M-10''', 280 aircraft with changes to the fuel system and undercarriage warning system. * '''TP-40M''', a small number of aircraft converted to two-seat trainers. * '''Kittyhawk Mk.III''', 466 aircraft built for the RAF, [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]], and [[Royal New Zealand Air Force|RNZAF]].<ref name=":1" /> Many were diverted to other allies.

=== P-40N === [[File:Cavanaugh Flight Museum-2008-10-29-052 (4269836337).jpg|thumb|P-40N at the [[Cavanaugh Flight Museum]]]]

The '''P-40N''' was the most produced variant of the Warhawk, with 5220 aircraft built.<ref name=":1" />

In an attempt to increase performance, Curtiss lightened the P-40M by introducing a lightweight structure, lighter, smaller-diameter undercarriage wheels, removing two of the guns, and installing aluminum radiators and oil coolers. Head armor was also re-introduced. With these changes, the P-40N-1 (Model 87V) was the fastest production Warhawk, reaching a speed of 378 mph below 12,000 feet.

Starting with the P-40N-5 (Model 87W), the canopy was redesigned to give the pilot a better field of vision. This variant also reverted to the six gun wing and one rack was added to each wing, these could carry either bombs or drop tanks.<ref name=":3" /> A more powerful V-1710-99 engine was introduced on the N-20, and a further improved V-1710-115 was introduced on the N-40. Curtiss attempted to further improve visibility and fitted one P-40N with a bubble canopy; this feature never made it to production.

==== Sub-variants and modifications ==== *'''P-40N-1''', the first 400 aircraft with a lighter structure, 4 wing-mounted MGs, smaller diameter undercarriage tires, aluminum radiators and oil coolers, and head armor. *[[File:Curtiss P-40N NL-1011N (5433030466).jpg|thumb|A civilian P-40N. Note the revised canopy introduced on the N-5.]]'''P-40N-5''', 1,100 aircraft with a revised cockpit canopy, 6 wing-mounted MGs, and wing racks for bombs or drop tanks. *'''P-40N-6''', P-40N-5s modified in the field with fuselage mounted cameras for reconnaissance. *'''P-40N-10''', 100 winterized aircraft with 4 wing-mounted MGs. *'''P-40N-15''', 377 aircraft with 6 wing mounted MGs, a relocated battery,<ref name=":2" /> and larger wing fuel tanks. *'''P-40N-16''', P-40N-15s modified for reconnaissance. *'''P-40N-20''', 1,523 aircraft with a V-1710-99. *'''P-40N-25''', 500 aircraft with a revised instrument panel and non-metal fuel tanks. *'''P-40N-26''', P-40N-25s modified for reconnaissance. *'''P-40N-30''', 500 aircraft with valve and electrical system changes. *'''P-40N-35''', 500 aircraft with system changes and a new radio *'''P-40N-40''', 220 aircraft with a 1,360 hp V-1710-115 engine, metal covered ailerons, improved fuel tanks, new radio and oxygen system, and flame-dampening exhaust stacks. An order for 780 aircraft was cancelled. *'''TP-40N''', 30 various P-40Ns modified or factory built with a second seat for training purposes.<ref name=":0" /> Other known designations included '''RP-40N-26''' (TP-40N-25) and '''P-40N-31''' (TP-40N-30). *'''XP-40N''' ('''P-40XN'''), one P-40N aircraft modified with a [[bubble canopy]]. Designation was not official. One source states that this aircraft was converted from a P-40N-25 and later converted into the third XP-40Q.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Pearce|first=William|date=2015-08-19|title=Curtiss XP-40Q Fighter|url=https://oldmachinepress.com/2015/08/18/curtiss-xp-40q/|access-date=2020-06-14|website=Old Machine Press|language=en}}</ref> However, another source states that the XP-40N was converted from a P-40K-1 and later converted into the second XP-40Q, but this is unlikely as photographic evidence shows that the XP-40N had the long tail that first appeared on the P-40K-10.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Photo of the XP-40N|url=https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/FisherJack/10910L.jpg}}</ref> *'''Hawk 87V''' and '''87W''', export versions, 586 built for the RAF as '''Kittyhawk Mk.IV'''s. Some were diverted to other allies.

=== P-40P ===

The '''P-40P''' was a planned variant of the P-40N with a Merlin engine. The project was cancelled due to a shortage of Merlins and the aircraft were delivered as P-40Ns.

=== P-40Q ===

[[File:Warhawk Curtiss XP-40Q 42-9987 (16140403045).jpg|thumb|Curtiss XP-40Q-1]]

In 1944, Curtiss attempted to bring the Warhawk to the standards of more modern fighters such as the [[North American P-51 Mustang]]. To do so, Curtiss installed a 1,425 hp [[Water injection (engine)|water injected]] V-1710-121 into the Hawk 87 airframe. The resulting aircraft became the fastest P-40 model at 422 mph.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://p40warhawk.com/Variants/Variants.htm|title=P-40 Warhawk Variants|website=p40warhawk.com|access-date=2018-11-05}}</ref> Even with these modifications, the '''P-40Q''' (Model 87X) was still inferior to modern fighters and the project was cancelled.<ref name=":1" />

==== Sub-variants ==== *[[File:Curtiss XP-40Q-2A-CU.jpg|thumb|The second XP-40Q. This aircraft was sold to Joe Ziegler, who flew it in air races as "Race 82".<ref name=":1" /> The aircraft was destroyed in the 1947 [[Thompson Trophy]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=USAF Serial Number Search Results|url=http://cgibin.rcn.com/jeremy.k/cgi-bin/gzUsafSearch.pl?target=42-45722&content=|access-date=2020-06-14|website=cgibin.rcn.com}}</ref>]]'''XP-40Q-1''', originally a P-40K-10, this prototype bore a resemblance to the XP-40K, having similar wing root radiators. Apart from this, the aircraft had a lengthened nose and four-bladed propeller.<ref name=":4" /> Armament consisted of four .50 Brownings, these were carried on all XP-40Q prototypes.<ref name=":1" /> * '''XP-40Q-2''', initial prototype after extensive modifications. The radiator intake was relocated to its original position under the nose, but was more streamlined. A bubble canopy similar to the one on the XP-40N was installed. The aircraft was originally flown with round wingtips, but these were later clipped by one foot, giving them a square appearance.<ref name=":4" /> *'''XP-40Q-2A''', the first P-40K-1 was converted into the second XP-40Q. This aircraft was similar to the XP-40Q-2, but with minor changes. One source states that this aircraft was converted from the XP-40N.<ref name=":4" /> * '''XP-40Q-3''', P-40N-25 was modified into the third prototype. This aircraft was almost identical to the XP-40Q-2 with the exception of a more streamlined canopy. One source states that this aircraft was converted from the XP-40N.<ref name=":1" /> * '''P-40Q''', proposed production version with either six .50 guns or four [[20 mm caliber|20 mm]] cannons. Never built.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Curtiss P-40Q|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p40_16.html|access-date=2020-06-14|website=www.joebaugher.com}}</ref>

== Twin P-40 == A single photo exists of a P-40 with two Merlin engines mounted on top of the wings over the landing gear.<ref>{{Cite web|title=p40-twin.jpg|url=https://ww2aircraft.net/forum/attachments/p40-twin-jpg.244174/}}</ref> The apparent [[United States military aircraft serial numbers|serial number]], 41-13456, belongs to a P-40C,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cgibin.rcn.com/jeremy.k/cgi-bin/gzUsafSearch.pl?target=41-13456&content=|title=USAF Serial Number Search Results|website=cgibin.rcn.com|access-date=2018-12-21}}</ref> however, the canopy is from an early Hawk 87.

==References== ===Notes=== {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== {{Refbegin}} * {{cite book|last=Whitney|first=Daniel|title=Vee's for Victory!: The Story of the Allison V-1710 Aircraft Engine 1929–1948|location=Atglen, Pennsylvania|publisher=Schiffer Publishing|year=1998|isbn=0-7643-0561-1}} * {{cite book|last1=Shores|first1=Christopher|first2=Giovanni|last2=Massimello|first3=Russell|last3=Guest|first4=Frank|last4=Olynk|first5=Winfried|last5=Bock|display-authors=1|title=A History of the Mediterranean Air War|volume=2|publisher=Grub Street|year=2014|isbn=9781909166127}} * {{cite book|last1=Shamburger|first1=Page|last2=Christy|first2=Joe|title=The Curtiss Hawks|publisher=Wolverine Press|year=1972|lccn=79-173429 |oclc=2177088}} {{Refend}}

[[Category:Curtiss aircraft|P-40 variants]]