Author Topic: P40 Experts (Read 375 times)

Chris · « **on:** July 06, 2002, 10:22:55 AM »

Hi all. Can anyone tell me what info they think htc used for speed and climb for the P40's?

It seems from the charts that the P40B weighs about what a P40C should. (From the Info I have) Which IS limited!

The b should be faster then the E in level flight at 12 to 15 thou.
The E weighed around 330lbs more that the B (empty weights) and only had about 60 or so more hp. ( without wep) .

Info I have is prolly just Curtis publicity bs but here it is.

P40 b inital rate of climb 2,860 fpm
top speed 352 mph
gross weight 7,325 lbs
internal fuel 160 gal

p40 c inital rate of climb 2,650 fpm
top speed 345mph
gross weight 7,594
internal fuel 135 ga
Let the debates begin.

J_A_B · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2002, 12:22:34 PM »

The P-40E had a completely different body than the "B". It was quite a bit thinner and most likely had lower drag.

They should have had different designations entirely as they reallywere different designs. The British recognized this by renaming the P-40E "Kittyhawk" instead of the "Tomahawk" which earlier P-40's were called. I believe the P-40E retained the P-40 number for political reasons.

J_A_B

Chris · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2002, 08:19:30 AM »

Hi J A B.

I was wondering if the E might have been more aerodynamic. It doesn't look it but you can not tell by looks.

still wnodering about the speeds of the B C and E.

My limited info has the E with a max of about 345 mph. That would make the b and c faster. Not better just faster.

Regards
Chris

J_A_B · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2002, 10:58:04 AM »

The P-40 is one of those planes for which you'll find a different number from practically every source. From various sources, I've seen figures ranging from as low as 317 MPH to as high as 365 MPH for the Kittyhawk. Since the Kittyhawk had a reputation for being able to outrun the Bf-109E at low to medium altitudes, I'd expect it to have a top speed of at least 350 MPH which matches well with the AH version. I do not believe the higher (360+) figures; later P-40's with less weight and more power could barely make 370.

The P-40C was certainly the slowest of the entire P-40 line. It had the weak early engine, the draggy body, and even more drag from the bombrack. 335-340 MPH is likely about as fast as the P-40C could go; the P-40B would be a hair faster but not much.

From the side the Tomahawk and Kittyhawk look very similar. However, look at them from the front sometime, in person if possible. The P-40B/C is a lot "rounder" than the rather narrow P-40E.

J_A_B