The P-40 Warhawk is one of the most iconic warbirds in RC history. But not all P-40s are created equal—and not all P-40s wear the same stripes.
Today, we are officially unveiling the Durafly Curtiss P-40 Warhawk V2 "Aleutian Tiger" 1100mm (PNF) - and it's everything we promised. But before you click that "Add to Cart" button, let's talk about what separates this warbird from every other 1000-1200mm P-40 on the market. The difference isn't just in the paint job. It's in the history, the hardware, and the bombs!
The Aleutian Tiger Story: Why This Scheme Matters
Most RC enthusiasts know the P-40 as the "Flying Tigers" of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) But the Aleutian Tiger is something rarer. In June 1942, as Japanese forces attacked Dutch Harbor in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, Chennault's son - Lieutenant Colonel John "Jack" Stephen Chennault - commanded the 11th Fighter Squadron, 343rd Fighter Group. To honor his father's legacy, Jack Chennault ordered the squadron's P-40s to be painted with a distinctive Bengal tiger head across the engine cowling, surrounded by striking orange-and-black stripes on the nose.
The Aleutian Tigers - a unit that fought in the frozen skies of Alaska, enduring volcanic dust, blizzards, and combat with Japanese Zeros. They shot down enemy aircraft, bombed Japanese-occupied Kiska, and earned their place in WWII history.
Today, the Aleutian Tiger scheme is one of the most overlooked—and most visually stunning - P-40 liveries ever created.
Durafly P-40 V2 vs. The Competition
We've compared every major 1000-1200mm P-40 currently on the market. Here's how the new "Aleutian Tiger" stacks up:
| Feature | Durafly P-40 V2 “Aleutian Tiger” | Other 1100mm P-40 |
|---|---|---|
| Livery | Historically accurate decal detail. Realistic panel lines | Common shark-mouth scheme & standard mold finish, lacks panel lines |
| Bomb Release | Electromagnetic bomb drop system – Flick a switch on channel to release. | None – static bomb mounts at best. |
| Landing Gear | Full-metal twist-and-turn servoless retracts + Oleo spring-loaded struts – purpose-built for grass runways. | Plastic or non-twisting retracts. Often struggle on grass |
| EPO Construction | Optimized, lighter-density EPO – reduced airframe weight, improved slow-speed stability with functional split flaps. | Heavier foam formulations. Higher stall speeds, less forgiving landings. |
| Battery Compatibility | 3S AND 4S out of the box – no modifications needed. | Often limited to 3S only, or require ESC upgrades for 4S |
Bombs Away
How many RC warbirds can you name that actually drop bombs?
Plug the included bomb into the release mechanism. Flick the switch on your 7th channel. Watch the ordnance fall. The bomb is included in the box. No aftermarket upgrades are needed.
Landing Gear That Actually Handles Grass
The V2 features completely re-engineered retracts: Full-metal twist-and-turn servoless retracts – durable, reliable, and built to last. Functional Oleo spring-loaded suspension struts – absorb bumps and rough terrain like a dream. 100-degree metal trunnions – wider, stronger stance for stable ground handling.
Performance: Lightweight, Stable, and Fast
We worked with our factory to optimize the EPO foam formula – reducing airframe weight without sacrificing the smooth, panel-line surface finish Durafly is known for. We provide slower, more realistic flight speeds – thanks to lower wing loading.
