Skyshark R/C P-40N Specifications:
The last production version of the P-40 was designated the P-40N in the summer of 1943. Since the performance of previous P-40 versions left much to be desired, Curtiss decided it was time to make a last ditch effort to improve the performance capabilities.Originally, the P-40N was to be fitted with the Merlin engine, however, a shortage of engines caused Curtiss to, instead, use the 1200hp Allison V-1710-81 engine in it's place. (The last 220 planes off the production line used the Allison V-1710-115) Along with the new powerplant, the P-40's frame structure was also lightened. Two of the six wing-mounted guns were removed, smaller and lighter undercarriage wheels were installed, head armor, aluminum radiators and oil coolers were also installed. The resulting reduction in the weight made the P-40N the fastest of the P-40 series, reaching a speed of 380 mph at 10,500 feet. Even though by 1943 standards the Warhawk was rapidly becoming obsolete, the P-40N became the version that was most widely built--5220 examples rolling off the Curtiss lines before production finally ceased.
The P-40N had an unloaded weight of 6000 lbs and a range of 753 miles (1406 with drop tank). Most were made with a fuselage that was 33' 4" in length, although a few used the shorter 31' 4" fuselage that was predominant on earlier P-40 versions.