Role Fighter
Manufacturer Curtiss-Wright Corporation
First flight 6 May 1935
Introduction 1938
Retired 1954, Argentina
Primary users United States Army Air Corps
Finnish Air Force
French Air Force
Royal Air Force
Number built 215 (P-36) plus 900 export Hawk 75 variants
Developed intoCurtiss YP-37Curtiss P-40 WarhawkCurtiss XP-42
Perhaps best known as the predecessor of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the P-36 saw little combat with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. It was the fighter used most extensively and successfully by the French Air Force during the Battle of France. The P-36 was also ordered by the governments of the Netherlands and Norway but did not arrive in time to see action before both were occupied by Nazi Germany. The type was also manufactured under license in China, for the Republic of China Air Force, as well as in British India, for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
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The Curtiss Model 75 was a private venture by the company, designed by former Northrop Aircraft Company engineer Don R. Berlin. The first prototype, constructed in 1934, featured all-metal construction with fabric-covered control surfaces.
The first production P-36As were delivered to the 20th Pursuit Group at Barksdale Field in Louisiana in April 1938.
The only combat by U.S.-operated P-36s took place during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Five of the 39 P-36A Hawks at Pearl Harbor, delivered previously by the USS Enterprise