The Curtiss Hawk 75 was the export version of the P-36 which was among the first of a new generation of monoplanes fighters with retractable undercarriage and enclosed cockpits. It was later developed into the famous Curtiss P-40.

The Curtiss model 75 was designed to take part in a competition to select a new fighter for the US Army Air Force and the prototype first flew on 6 May 1935.

Although it did not win it showed potential and was developed as the P-36. Curtiss also offered the aircraft for export as the Hawk 75.

Because French industry was unable to produce sufficient fighters for the country’s rapidly expanding air force the Hawk 75 was order to help fill the gap and eventually 1,130 were ordered.

They served well during the Battle of France and were subsequently used by Vichy, Free French and other air forces.

This model represents a Hawk 75 flown by Camille Plubeau serving with the 4th escadrille of GC III/4 in May 1940.

AZmodel 1:72 kit with Berna decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in February 2023.