All P-40 models through the M weigh approximately 9000 lbs. with a full military load. Full military load includes a 75- gallon belly tank and 1470 rounds of .50-cal. ammunition in the wings. The P-40 N, similarly loaded, weighs about 8500 lbs. Follow these rules when flying with a full military load: 1. Take off with 45" Hg. and 3000 rpm. Don't try to take off in a 3-point attitude. Get the tail up slightly and fly the airplane off the ground at a speed between 100-105 mph. Retract the landing gear as soon as you are definitely airborne. 2. Climb at a speed of 150-160 mph. When you reach 1000 feet, switch from the fuselage fuel tank to the belly tank and fly on the belly tank until it is empty. 3. Glide about 5 or 10 mph faster than you would with a normal load. 4. Don't exceed 285 mph and never attempt aerobatics when you carry a belly tank.

5. If your engine fails, jettison the belly tank and drop the bombs safe before attempting to land. Bomb arming, safe-ing and release handles are located below the throttle quadrant. 6. When landing with a full military load the nose tends to swing to the right. Anticipate this and compensate for it with rudder-and brake, if necessary. With a 75-gallon belly tank, the total gas supply in the P-40 is'225 gallons. Normal cruising at 30" Hg. and 2300 rpm allows you a maximum of about 4 hours flight. With 26" Hg. and 2190 rpm you should have about 4 hours and 30 minutes. For maximum economy, place mixture control in AUTO LEAN and don't change the throttle except when absolutely necessary. The belly tank slows the P-40 down approximately 10 mph.