Curtiss Hawk 81-A2
Arma Hobby 70094

Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 „Flying Tigers”

Plastic model kit of the Curtiss Hawk 81-A2, the export version of the American fighter that became famous through its service with the American Volunteer Group (AVG), better known as the „Flying Tigers”. The kit represents the aircraft used by AVG pilots during combat over China in 1941–1942.

Kit features

• plastic parts moulded in grey plastic,
• clear parts, including the Arma Jig tool for accurate positioning of the landing gear,
• 3D-printed pilot seat with seat belts,
• masks for the canopy and wheels,
• Cartograf decals for three Flying Tigers aircraft,
• a code providing access to 3D files for printing exhaust pipes, machine-gun barrels and gunsights.

Marking options

1. Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 P-8109, flown by Charles Older of the 3rd Pursuit Squadron „Hell’s Angels”, American Volunteer Group.
2. Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 P-8182, flown by Greg „Pappy” Boyington of the 1st Pursuit Squadron „Adam & Eves”, American Volunteer Group.
3. Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 P-8103, flown by Dick Rossi of the 1st Pursuit Squadron „Adam & Eves”, American Volunteer Group.

The aircraft

The Curtiss Hawk 81 was developed directly from the successful Hawk 75 fighter, known in the U.S. Army Air Corps as the P-36. While retaining much of its predecessor's design, the new aircraft was powered by an Allison V-1710 inline engine. The Hawk 81 became the first member of the famous P-40 family, which went on to serve on virtually every major front of the Second World War.

The first production aircraft were delivered both to the U.S. Army Air Corps as the P-40 and to the Royal Air Force as the Tomahawk. Aircraft built for British contracts were painted at the Curtiss factory using American DuPont paints matched to RAF camouflage colours. One hundred export Hawk 81-A2 fighters were eventually supplied to the American Volunteer Group in China.

From late 1941, the Flying Tigers became famous for defending China and the Burma Road against Japanese air attacks. Under the command of Claire Chennault, AVG pilots made effective use of the Hawk's speed, rugged construction and heavy armament, while avoiding turning fights with more manoeuvrable Japanese fighters.

The famous shark-mouth markings, inspired by RAF Tomahawks operating in North Africa, became one of the most recognisable aircraft markings of the war. The individual squadron emblems, including „Adam and Eve”, „Hell’s Angels” and „Panda Bears”, were also distinctive features of the Flying Tigers aircraft.

The American Volunteer Group was disbanded in July 1942 and replaced by the 23rd Fighter Group of the USAAF. The new unit initially operated surviving Hawk 81 aircraft and later received P-40Es, continuing operations in China with many former AVG pilots and preserving the combat experience and legacy of the Flying Tigers.

Note: The kit does not include glue or paints. Basic modelling tools are also required to assemble and finish the model.