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The Curtiss P-40 originated as a development of the radial-engined Curtiss P-36A Hawk. A prototype flew in October 1938 and handling characteristics were praised by the USAAC test pilots. On April 27, 1939, the USAAC awarded Curtiss-Wright a contract for 524 production P-40s, the largest order ever placed for an American fighter up to that time. The P-40B was a modified variant with four 7.7mm machine guns in the wings, an armoured windscreen and armour plating for the pilot. 130 P-40Bs were delivered to the USAAC, together with 110 identical aircraft which went to the RAF as the Tomahawk IIA. The P-40s of the USAAF saw major action in the South Pacific during World War II. The 'Flying Tigers' were flown by the American Volunteer Group which began operations in December 1941.
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