P-40E 40-384, the third production P-40E, at Wright Field, September 2nd, 1941.
This ship was apparently damaged beyond economical repair in a landing accident
at Ladd Field, Alaska on January 19th, 1942 and was later condemned.


Project 914 Archives (S. Donacik collection) - Larger Image

The P-40E was essentially a continuation in the production of the P-40D with the addition
of a third 50cal in each wing and the exclusion of fittings for the optional mounting of 20mm
cannon. (With so few produced, you could almost say that the P-40D served as something of a
service test model for the P-40E.) Other minor changes and refinements were made throughout
the production of the P-40E, and most were pretty much identical in both outward appearance
and general performance. However, latter production machines, perhaps a few hundred, were
apparently completed with the new engine and vertical tail fillet used on early P-40Ks.

The P-40E is generally considered to be the first truly effective combat model of the P-40
and, if nothing else, was a key player early on in the Pacific, China, and in North Africa.

One of the most comprehensive online written texts concerning the P-40 is a series
of articles by Joe Baugher. You can see his 'P-40E' page HERE...

Another view of 40-384...


Project 914 Archives (S. Donacik collection) - Larger Image

A trio of newly constructed P-40Es stands just outside the equally new Curtiss Plant #2
at the Buffalo Airport in Cheektowaga, New York, mid-1941.


From an ish of the 'Curtiss Fly Leaf' - Larger Image

Back to 'P-40 Variants'