P-40E Warhawk Flying Tigers

by Toys and Models

Product Features

• Handcarved Mahogany Wood Model Airplane
• Handcrafted and Handpainted
• Comes with base stand ready to display
• Comes with base stand ready for display

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 18.5 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000U7TVSA
• Item model number: AP40AVTS
• Manufacturer recommended age: 12 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,112 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Flying Tigers was the nickname of the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG), consisting of United States Army (USAAF), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC) pilots and ground crew, recruited under Presidential sanction and commanded by Claire Chennault. They comprised three fighter squadrons that trained in Burma prior to the American entry into World War II to fight against Japanese forces. The Flying Tigers achieved notable success against the forces of Japan during the lowest period of the war for American forces, and gave hope to Americans that they would eventually succeed against the Japanese. The Flying Tigers were credited for destroying almost 300 aircraft with a loss of only fourteen of their own on combat missions. The 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) was formed with plans for a follow-on bomber group and second fighter group that were aborted after the Pearl Harbor attack. The Flying Tiger P-40E's good qualities included pilot armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, sturdy construction, heavy armament (two 50-cal. and four 30-cal. machine guns), and a faster diving speed than most Japanese planes; used to advantage in accordance with Chennault's tactics as they would reach a higher altitude and then pounce upon Japanese planes. General Chennault was a masterful combat teacher and he taught his men unorthodox tactics which took advantage of the Flying Tiger P-40E's good qualities.

Product Description

This collectable model P-40 Warhawk represents one of the most famous outfits in military history, the American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers. With their iconic paint schemes a familiar icon of the war, the Flying Tigers fought for less than a year, but became legendary. Painted as the P-40 Warhawk flown by Flying Tiger Tex Hill in World War II, this 1/24-scale model P-40 Warhawk makes a great pilot gift or a present for any veteran, aviation enthusiast or history buff. Design work on the P-40 began in 1937, but numerous experimental versions were tested and refined before service deliveries began in September 1940. P-40s first saw wartime service with the British Commonwealth squadrons of the Desert Air Force in August 1941. Unable to outperform the top Japanese and German fighters of the day, the Warhawk's tough build and good diving performance made it an effective warfighter. In 1941, the American Volunteer Group - the Flying Tigers - began combat operations in China against Japanese forces. In little more than six months, the Tigers shot down 229 Japanese aircraft and destroyed scores more on the ground. David lee "Tex" Hill joined the AVG in 1941, and had achieved 12 ½ victories by the time the AVG disbanded in 1942. One of only a handful of Flying Tigers to join its successor, the 23rd Fighter Group, Hill later became the group commander. By war's end, Hill had shot down six more aircraft. Hill died in 2007, but the Commemorative Air Force honors his service and memory by flying a P-40 Warhawk painted as his AVG aircraft. Handcarved Mahogany Wood Model Airplane. Handcrafted and Handpainted. Comes with base stand ready to display. Scale: 1/24. Wing Span: 18.5". Length: 16".