Curtiss P-40E Warhawk – Bob’s Robin, 9th FS, 49th FG, USAAF, Robert Vaught, Livingstone Field, Australia, Summer 1942

Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72 scale US35212: Curtiss P-40E Warhawk “Bob’s Robin”, 9th FS, 49th FG,USAAF as flown by Robert Vaught, Livingstone Field, Australia, Summer 1942. Limited Edition of 1,660 Pieces.

Length 5.5 inches  Wingspan 6.25 inches

A former enlisted cavalryman, Vaught was member of the original cadre of 9th pursuit Squadron, who sailed for Australia n January 1942. Assigned to the squadron’s Yellow Flight,” he scored three confirmed victories in the P-40 and eventually achieved acedom with two kills in 1943 after the unit had switched to P-38s. Vaught’s “BOB’s ROBIN” was one of four sharkmouthed -40’s in the 9th FS.

Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a pursuit aircraft, the P-40 Warhawk was first flown on October 14th, 1938. This aircraft was tough, virtually trouble-free and saw continual improvements to arms, armor and engines. The P-40 served in numerous combat areas; often outclassed by its adversaries in speed, maneuverability and rate of climb, it earned a reputation for extreme ruggedness. Its strong construction, heavy firepower, and ability to dive enabled it to compete with enemy fighters, and it was a formidable ground-attack aircraft. P-40s were also flown by the famed Flying Tigers against the Japanese in China.