P-40K
Overview
A classic World War II fighter for Stunt
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk represented the classic American fighter aircraft at the onset of WWII. When the AVG (American Volunteer Group) painted a shark’s mouth on it, the P-40 became an icon.
Pat Johnston designed his P-40K to retain the charisma of the full-scale fighter while incorporating tweaks that lend themselves to control-line (CL) flying. For example, the wing employs sweepback in the leading edge and forward sweep in the flap hinge line, producing a wing with the correct P-40 proportions.
Pat built and flew the P-40K with a .60-size two-stroke engine; however, a smaller .46 or .53 would also work. He recorded the model’s flying weight at 61 ounces and the wingspan at 59 inches. According to Pat, the P-40 is great for fun-flying or competition, and he achieved his highest personal Stunt (CL Precision Aerobatics) score with it.
This design was the subject of a construction article published in the August 1999 issue of Model Aviation (MA). Members can access the magazine’s digital archives on the Academy’s website to read more.
Specifications
- Designer: Pat Johnston
- Inspiration: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
- Power: .60-size two-stroke (recommended); .46 or .53 also suitable
- Flying weight: 61 oz
- Wingspan: 59 in
- Best use: Fun-flying and CL Stunt (Precision Aerobatics)
Ordering / Plans
- AMA Plans Service listing: 879E
- Price: $30 plus shipping and handling
- Order info: See page 175 of the magazine or visit www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
