(Preorder)(Free shipping) Curtiss P-40B Warhawk / "AVG" flown by Greg Boyinton, 1st Pursuit Sqn., Jan 1942 / HM 1:48 HA9209

Curtiss P-40B Warhawk – AVG No.21 – Greg “Pappy” Boyington – Hobby Master 1:48 – HA9209

A legendary Flying Tigers fighter flown by one of America's most famous World War II aces! 

This Curtiss Hawk 81A-2 / P-40B No.21 represents the aircraft associated with Gregory “Pappy” Boyington during his service with the 1st Pursuit Squadron “Adam & Eves” of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in January 1942. Hobby Master identifies HA9209 as AVG No.21, 1st Pursuit Squadron, January 1942.

Better known as the Flying Tigers, the AVG fought in China and Burma under the leadership of Claire Chennault. Entering combat in December 1941, the unit quickly became famous for its Curtiss P-40 fighters carrying the intimidating shark-mouth artwork on their noses. The AVG consisted of three pursuit squadrons, with the 1st Pursuit Squadron known as the “Adam & Eves” and identified by its distinctive green apple insignia.

The P-40 was not the most maneuverable fighter of its generation, but it was rugged, well armed and highly effective when flown using the tactics developed by Chennault. Powered by an Allison V-1710 engine, the P-40B could reach approximately 352 mph (566 km/h) and carried two .50-caliber machine guns in the nose plus four .30-caliber guns in the wings.

What makes No.21 even more significant is the man behind the controls. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington served with the Flying Tigers before returning to the U.S. Marine Corps. He later became the legendary commander of VMF-214, the “Black Sheep Squadron,” received the Medal of Honor, and became one of the most celebrated American fighter pilots of World War II.

Recreated in impressive 1:48 scale by Hobby Master, HA9209 is primarily die-cast metal with highly detailed components. It can be displayed with the landing gear extended or retracted, features a detailed cockpit and armament, and includes a display stand for an in-flight presentation.

Flying Tigers + shark-mouth P-40 + Pappy Boyington: few aircraft combine this much aviation history in one model! A spectacular centerpiece for collectors of World War II aircraft, the Flying Tigers and American military aviation.

Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.