Curtiss Model H-75N Hawk

Developed in 1936, the Hawk monoplane was used in considerable numbers by the US Army Air Force as the P-36A. However, major sales were made in export markets, with 753 being sold to Holland, France and Norway. Some of the Norwegian Hawks were captured by the Germans who sold them to Finland. The Finns operated them on skiis. Many others ended up in R.A.F. service after the fall of France.
Curtiss developed the Model 75H light-weight "export" version, with a lower-powered engine and a fixed spatted undercarriage, unlike the retractable gear versions used by the British in Burma and India as the 'Mohawk'. Sales of this version were made to Nationalist China and Argentina. Twenty five of these machines were delivered to Thailand in 1938 -39.

"They were involved in the Thai invasion of Indo-China in Jan 1941, the first recorded combat taking place on Jan 11 when four 75Ns escorted nine Martin 139s in an attack on the French airfield at Nakorn Wat. The formation was intercepted by four French Morane-Saulnier M.S.406s. In the resulting air battle, the Thai Hawks claimed two Morane fighters (although the claim was later refuted by the French).
On Dec 7, 1941, Thai Hawks were in action again, this time against invading Japanese forces. In the brief battle, a third of the serviceable Hawks were destroyed. Those not destroyed were seized by the Japanese."  (Data: Joe Baugher)

Although the standard engine for the Model 75 was the 840hp Wright GR-1820 Cyclone, this machine is said to be fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R1830 Twin Wasp radial.

The museum's Hawk is presented in camouflage colour scheme, with a red, white and blue rudder. The Curtiss constructors number 12763 has been suggested for this particular aircraft.

Page updated 1 May 2005