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Aviation History
1944
1944 - 0556.PDF
•286 FLIGHT Aireraii in w A FIGHTER dive-bomber version of the North American Mustang single-seater fighter (P-51), the Invader, with U.S.A.A.F. designation A-36, proved its worth in the invasion of Sicily. Having done its dive-bombing, it can function as a low- and medium-altitude fighter. Powered by the 1,150 h.p. Allison engine, the Invader differs externally from the Mustang only in having bomb-racks beneath the wings and slotted-type dive brakes, outboard of these, opening above and below the wings. Two 500 lb. bombs are carried and armament consists oi two o.5in. machine guns firing from blast tubes under the nose, and four machine guns of either 0.5H1. or 0.303m. in the wings. Top speed is 350 m.p.h. Recognition features are basically those of the Mustang and include square-tipped tapered wings and tailplane, angular fin and rudder and radiator amidships. Dimensions: Span 37ft.. length 32ft. 3111. height 8ft. 8in., wing area 235.75 sq. ft. North-American Invader (A-36) Fighter-bomber. r**~ Curtiss Warhawk (P-40F) Single-seater Fighter. THE first American fighter to be fitted with a Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine of 1,280 h.p., the Warhawk, P-40F, is also in service with the R.A.F. as the Kittyhawk II. Top speed is over 350 m.p.h. Armament comprises six 0.5m. machine guns in the wings, and a 500 lb. bomb or auxiliary fuel tank can be carried under the fuselage centre-section. The Warhawk can be distinguished from earlier P-40 types by the absence of the air intake found on top of the cowling of Allison-engined versions. Other recognition features include heavy radiator beneath nose, straight leading edge and sharply forward-swept trailing edge, "wing-nut" tailplane, typically "Curtiss" fin and rudder, and backwardly retracting under carriage with fairings beneath wings. Dimensions: Span 37ft. 4U1., length 31ft. gin., height 10ft. 9m., wing area 236 sq. ft.
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