An improved version of the Allison V-1710 engine gave rise to the Curtiss H-87; which began life in 1941 as the P-40D and featured a completely redesigned fuselage. The shorter and deeper nose of the new fighter gave it a decidedly snub-nosed appearance compared to the earlier P-40 models. Curtiss continued to tweak the H-87 for the next two years in the search for better performance; but the last major version; the P-40N; was only marginally faster than the first. In the process; Curtiss even tried an engine change to the Packard Merlin in the P-40F and L but to no avail. What the late model P-40s lacked in speed and service ceiling; they traded for maneuverability; durability and availability. Their niche became fighter-bomber operations; and they fought on fronts as varied as the arctic wastes of the Aleutian Islands and Iceland; the steaming jungles of the South Pacific and the barren deserts of North Africa. P-40s were a common sight in the skies over Burma and China; Sicily and Italy; and western Russia as well. By the time production ceased in 1944; Curtiss had produced nearly 14;000 P-40s.
#7143859 in Books 2010-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.00 x 6.00l; 1.55 #File Name: 1742231187304 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not your usual ship historyBy JimKnightWith the recent tragic sinking of the South Korean warship 'Cheonan' by North Korea; this book is a timely look at the naval side of the Korean War 60 years ago. The story is about an Australian Tribal class destroyer; but it could equally tell the story of just about any allied warship operating in those waters - US; British; or Canadian - many of which are mentioned in the book. The author's angle is that his father served on Bataan in 1952; and his letters are one of the major sources used. However; the book is a lot better than a mere memoir; as it is extensively researched from Australian archives and from a broad reading of all the relevant Korean War and naval literature. His father was also the source of the book's photos; very few of which have been seen before; many of which are like tourist snaps taken on the frontline. These visual sources add authenticity to the book's narrative of what it was like being at war in the navy in the mid 20th Century.The navy in the Korean War did not suffer the losses the army had to endure; but there was still plenty of risk; as the story makes clear. Bataan was ambushed by a communist shore battery at the start of her tour and hit by a 76mm shell. The author's account of that action makes gripping reading. He also includes lots of screw-ups in this 'warts and all' account of combat service; with mechanical breakdowns and collisions and conflicts with higher command. The ship's captain; Commander 'Braces' Bracegirdle; was a piratical figure famous in the Australian Navy from his combat service in WW2; judging by the author's account was quite a character - they'd be very few like him left in today's navy; I'd say.This story is honest; entertaining; funny; critical. It makes a serious contribution to naval history. Highly recommended.
