The plane was developed from a previous Curtiss model, the P-36A hawk. The P-40B was first flown in 1938 and became the first mass produced US fighter aircraft of World War II. It was an American made, single seat, single engine fighter-bomber. Some of its hardware characteristics were that it had low wings, was semi modular, and was an all-metal plane. The main difference between the P-40B and the P-36A it was developed from, was the engine used. The P-40's used an Allison V-1710 engine, which was a liquid-cooled and supercharged v12. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 11,400 lb (5,180 kg), an empty weight of 6,300 lb (2,820 kg), and a loaded weight of 8,350 lb (3,800 kg).
The most recognizable aspect of the P-40B used by the Tigers was the famous shark face painted on the front of these planes. This shark face was painted after the Tigers saw pictures of the 112th squadron of British Royal Air Force fighting in North Africa. However, the 112th squadron copied this from the Luftwaffe's Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstšrer units flying over Crete.
There were many problems with the P-40B's that the Flying Tiger's received. Most important of these were its lack of having a bomb rack, the ability to attach auxiliary fuel tanks for longer fights, and no gun sight. The mechanics and grounds crew spent a great del of time trying to remedy these problems. They used a makeshift right and post sight for their guns, which was far less accurate than the optical sights being used by the US Army Air Force and the British Royal Air Force. The British were of great help as Chennault negotiated with the British and Chinese for the use of the Royal Air Force Keydaw Airdome in Toungoo, Burma for testing and minor assembly. The planes were assembled in Rangoon, but the Tiger mechanics installed the radios, weapons, and oxygen equipment in Toungoo and the Keydaw Airdome.
The P-40B was not as maneuverable as the Japanese planes they encountered in the skies during the defense of the Burma Road and Rangoon, but did have other good qualities that they exploited to their advantage. It was a very sturdy plane, of good construction, which stood up well to the stress and damage of combat and was easy to maintain. It could dive faster than most of its Japanese counterparts and this quality was greatly utilized by Chennault in his tactics. Other positive qualities included its good air-to-ground load, pilot armor, and leak proof fuel tank. It was also heavily armed with two .50 caliber machine guns and four .30 caliber machine guns.
