An affordable full size P-40 replica
by Jim Delaney

Jack Landree and a couple dedicated friends are building a full size replica P-40 near Millington, Tenn. It's based on a steel tube structure to which fiberglass fuselage halves are attached. The wing will be all aluminum as will the tail surfaces except where the fabric covered. The wheels, brakes, and struts are adapted from an older existing aircraft that used the same size parts.

Several engine options are being explored in addition to the Allison and Rolls Royce Merlin. It was discovered that the aircraft could be flown on as little as 350 HP if kept light so an automotive conversion is being pursued as well.

To date, the molds have been made for the fuselage halves and are now ready to have parts pulled from them. An engineering co. was brought in to help with design work and engine or engine parts are being built that can be used with the automotive conversion.

Early in the project, Jack expressed a desire to someday make the P-40 available in kit form that the average workingman could afford.

Capt. Joe Enterprise
5680 Funa Futi
Millington, Tenn 38053
dvebomber@aol.com

© Jim Delaney 2004