Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was the primary Allied fighter during the early years of WWII, famous for the Flying Tigers' shark-mouth markings and defending the Allied cause in North Africa, China, and the Pacific. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. undefined
What is the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk used for in flight training?
The P-40 was considered a transitional type during WWII, more demanding than training aircraft but less capable than the Spitfire or Mustang in high-altitude combat. Its Allison or Packard Merlin engine required careful cooling management, and its heavy controls at high speed taught pilots the muscle-memory discipline essential for combat manoeuvring. Several airworthy P-40s fly the European airshow circuit. Pilots seeking a P-40 checkout approach it through the warbird community with prior tailwheel and high-performance experience.