In production since 1940, the prewar P-40 “Tomahawk” was the primary front-line USAAF fighter when the Second World War began. It was relegated to second line status by late 1942, when the P-40 “Kittyhawk,” and subsequent variant the “Warhawk,” emerged. These fought in every theater of war until being replaced by more advanced models. The P-40 aircraft is famous for its response to desperate actions, such as the Pearl Harbor defense of December 7, 1941, AVG use in China with the Flying Tigers, and the North Africa fight against Rommel. The P-40 is firmly established as the definitive early war American combat aircraft. Over 200 pilots from 7 nations became Aces flying the P-40.
