Bronco Models Aircraft Series 48BK004
Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Diecast Model
AVG Flying Tigers 3rd PS, White 47, Robert Smith, Kunming, China, 1942 |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Curtiss P-40B Warhawk | | 8.25" | | 9.25" |
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.
Robert Tharp (R.T.) Smith (February 23, 1918 – August 21, 1995) received his primary flight training at the Allan Hancock College of Aeronautics at Santa Maria, California and completed basic training Randolph Field, Texas. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in June 1940, and returned to Randolph Field where his first assignment was as a basic flight instructor. Smith resigned his commission in July 1941 in order to join Colonel Claire Lee Chennault's American Volunteer Group (AVG) as a "soldier of fortune" with the Nationalist Chinese Air Force. Promoted to flight leader in the Third Pursuit Squadron, "Hell's Angels", Smith was credited with shooting down a total of 8.9 Japanese planes, and was twice decorated by the Chinese government.
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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Bronco Models "Aircraft Series" range presents diecast detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft in 1:48 scale.
Bronco Models diecast airplanes require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal and plastic components, the die cast airplanes in the Bronco Models Aircraft Series are 100% true to scale.
Bronco Models "Aircraft Series" 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.
- Accurately detailed underside.
- Detailed cockpit interiors.
- No pilot figures.
- Spinning metal propellers.
- Permanently extended landing gear with rotating wheels and rubber tires.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
