The P-40 airplane, built by Curtiss-Wright, is a single-place, all-metal, low-wing monoplane, powered with one Allison engine which drives a 3-bladed Curtiss Electric constant-speed propeller. The flaps, brakes and conventional landing gear operate hydraulically. Rudder, ailerons and elevators are constructed of fabric-covered metal and have metal trim tabs. The cockpit is covered with a sliding plexiglas canopy and protected in front by a bulletproof windshield. The P40 is armed with six free-firing .50 cal. machine guns, three in each wing. Each wing also has shackles for carrying one bomb or an auxiliary gas tank. The belly shackle can carry a 500 or 1000 lb. bomb or a fuel tank ranging from 52 to, 150 gallons in capacity.