Unimax Forces of Valor 85231
Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Diecast Model
AVG Flying Tigers, "White 68", Charles Older, Kunming, China, 1942 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Curtiss P-40B Warhawk | | 5.5" | | 6.25" |
The Flying Tigers, known officially as the American Volunteer Group, were a unit of the Republic of China Air Force, recruited from U.S. aviators. From late 1941, the P-40B was used by the Flying Tigers. Compared to opposing Japanese fighters, the P-40B's strengths were that it was very sturdy, well armed, generally faster in a dive and possessed a good rate of roll. While the P-40s could not match the maneuverability of Japanese Nakajima Ki-27s and Ki-43s they were facing, AVG leader Claire Chennault trained his pilots to use the P-40's particular performance advantages. The P-40 had a higher dive speed than the Japanese fighters, for example, and could be used to exploit so-called "boom-and-zoom" tactics. The AVG was highly successful, and its feats were widely-published, for propaganda purposes. According to their own count, the Flying Tigers shot down 286 aircraft for the loss of up to 19 pilots. The lowest count of AVG victories from other sources is 115 kills. Charles Herman "Chuck" Older (29 September 1917–17 June 2006) was a member of the American Volunteer Group "The Flying Tigers" and one of its Aces. In his distinguished military career, he served in both World War II and the Korean War. Older shot down 18 enemy planes and only two others bested his record. Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a pursuit aircraft, the P-40 Warhawk was first flown on October 14th, 1938. This aircraft was tough, virtually trouble-free and saw continual improvements to arms, armor and engines. The P-40 served in numerous combat areas; often outclassed by its adversaries in speed, maneuverability and rate of climb, it earned a reputation for extreme ruggedness. Its strong construction, heavy firepower, and ability to dive enabled it to compete with enemy fighters, and it was a formidable ground-attack aircraft. P-40s were also flown by the famed Flying Tigers against the Japanese in China. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. Forces of Valor's 1:72 scale P-40B Warhawk is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, with a solid metal fuselage, diecast metal wings and plastic components in those areas requiring greater detail. The wing features simulated fabric-stretched control surfaces, radiator details and two machine guns with shell casing vents below. The two side cowlings are removable, and underneath is a beautiful engine that has been meticulously hand-painted. The landing gear is expertly crafted, with structural details seen inside the wheel wells. A hand-painted pilot is visible through the birdcage canopy. © Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Unimax "Forces of Valor" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aicraft. Unimax "Forces of Valor" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Fixed display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed pilots and crew members.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
