US Fighter Aircraft in 1940: Suitability for RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes

The United States' fighter aircraft offerings in 1940 were limited, particularly when compared to the existing and highly effective British Spitfires and Hurricanes. While some US planes like the F4F Wildcat arrived too late to be of significant help during the Battle of Britain, the Curtiss Hawk 75 and certain other designs may have offered more assistance than none at all.

Post-Battle of Britain Context (1943 and Beyond)

By 1943, the Battle of Britain had largely concluded, and the focus shifted elsewhere. Despite the generally poor quality of US fighter aircraft, the United States Air Force (USAAF) initially relied on Spitfires and Hurricanes for daylight operations in Europe and the Mediterranean. However, this was more due to a lack of suitable US aircraft than the combat performance of Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Replicating the RAF's Success: The Seversky P-43 Lancer

For the earlier phase of aerial combat in 1940, particularly the Battle of Britain, the Seversky P-43 Lancer would have been the most suitable replacement for Spitfires and Hurricanes. The Battle of Britain was primarily a mid to high-altitude affair, with the Luftwaffe targeting England with strategic bombings. An aircraft needed a 2-stage supercharger to maintain high-altitude performance where the air was thinner.

The P-43 was one of the few US aircraft ready for mass production in 1940 that met the necessary performance requirements. However, whether it would have performed any better than existing RAF aircraft is debatable. The P-43 was fragile, lacked armor, had poor fuel tank sealing, and was easily damaged in combat. Significant changes would likely have been needed to meet RAF standards.

Theoretically Viable Options

Several other US aircraft could have theoretically been suitable:

P-38 Lightning: Although the P-38 Lightning had the potential, Lockheed's manufacturing challenges in 1940 made it unrealistic for export to the RAF. Curtiss P-36: This plane was capable of handling the Bf 109E at lower altitudes and offered a viable alternative for the lower-altitude air battles of France. Curtiss P-40: Another option, especially for low-altitude conflicts, the P-40 was well-armed and had good performance.

Additional Theoretical Possibilities

Curtiss-Wright CW-21: This fast and highly maneuverable fighter may have been a strong contender. However, concerns over its lightweight and light protection may have made it unsuitable for RAF use.

Conclusion

While no US fighter aircraft in 1940 could perfectly replicate the performance of Spitfires and Hurricanes, certain designs like the P-43 Lancer, P-36, and P-40 offered better alternatives. However, the limitations of these aircraft and the critical role of experienced pilots underscore the challenges faced by the British during the Battle of Britain.

Key Takeaways:

No US fighter in 1940 could quite match the performance of Spitfires and Hurricanes. The P-43 Lancer was the most suitable replacement, but it required significant improvements. Other US designs like the P-36, P-40, and CW-21 were viable options for lower-altitude conflicts. Pilot experience was critical during the Battle of Britain.