Curtiss “Hawk” Model 75A3 - Finnish

Curtiss Hawk Model 75 - Finnish

The Curtiss P-36 Hawk, also know as Curtiss Hawk Model 75, was a very advanced fighter when the prototype flew in 1934, with all-metal construction and fabric-covered control surfaces. Obsolete at the onset of World War II and best known as the predecessor of the Curtiss P-40, the P-36 saw only limited combat with the USAAC, but was extensively used by French, British Commonwealth, and Chinese air units. Following the fall of France and Norway in 1940, several dozen P-36s were seized by Germany and transferred to Finland; these aircraft saw extensive action with the Ilmavoimat (Air Force) in the Continuation War against the Soviet Air Forces. Affectionately called Sussu, the Finnish Hawks managed 190⅓ kills by 58 pilots, between 16 July 1941 and 27 July 1944, for the loss of 15 of their own.