 |
| | Code: HM-HA9207 
Price: $119.95
Status: New Item In Stock
Quantity in Cart: none
| Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA9207
Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Diecast Model
AVG Flying Tigers 3rd PS Hell's Angels, White 77, Robert Smith, Burma, November 1941 | |
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Curtiss P-40B Warhawk | | 8.25" | | 9.25" |
The American Volunteer Group (AVG), famously known as the Flying Tigers, was a unit of the Republic of China Air Force, recruited from U.S. aviators to fight against Japan before America entered World War II. Flying shark-mouthed P-40 Warhawks, they achieved remarkable success in 1941 - 1942, destroying far more enemy aircraft than they lost. Led by Claire Chennault, their bravery and skill boosted Chinese morale and became legendary. The unit disbanded in mid-1942, with many members joining the U.S. Army Air Forces. 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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
