Wings of Power - P-40 Tomahawk/Warhawk

By Brian Pit Murphy - 13th Oct 2007
Social Networks             

Greetings once again fellow flight simmers!!!!

This time around I had the chance to test out a very recognizable classic aircraft of military aviation for FSX!!!

I have had the EXTREME pleasure of having the opportunity to fly this plane in the real world, and managed to accrue a little over 224 hours in the P-40. Compliments of the CAF (Confederate Air Force… now called the Commemorative Air Force), I also had the wonderful opportunity through this organization to help restore a P-40. So one could say I know this aircraft pretty well inside and out.

I must say that the Wings of Power folks did a very nice job!!!

Though the Manual provided is good, though a little weak. They did include some basic checklist, which are nice; they also included some nice skins. The strongest feature of this product is by far their attention to detail on both the exterior modeling and especially the virtual cockpit. EVERYTHING… I repeat… EVERYTHING that is movable and functional in the real cockpit is also in this one as well… and they ALL function as they should!!! This was an aspect and attention to detail I truly enjoy!!!

If you start from a cold and dark cockpit, you will need to follow the checklist to get it started.

As for general flight characteristics, they are pretty good. They do not seem to me to be right on the numbers, but they are fairly close. As they point out their documentation the
P-40 was not the greatest climbing aircraft for a fighter… but it can dive like nobody’s business, which was exactly the tactic that General Claire L. Chenault with the AVG (American Volunteer Group) taught his pilots to do, which decimated enemy formations.
In fact, the P-40 could dive so fast, it would get very close to compressibility. These are features that are closely replicated by the Wings of Power P-40. They also model the plane being very nose heavy… especially on landing. Where I feel the flight modeling falls short is in the landing configuration. The P-40 slows down pretty quick, especially when the flaps are out. With the flaps out, the power pulled back, the gear down, and that large frontal surface of the radiator… the plane has got a lot of drag, that I don’t feel is correctly represented.

Ok Let’s start off once again with the Pros…

Very nice interior and exterior modeling looks very good!!
The manuals supplied were a little weak, but still quite adequate and historically informative!!!
Sound package is VERY good from all aspect angles!
Handling is pretty good…


The virtual cockpit is simply wonderful!!! The strongest feature of this product is by far their attention to detail on both the exterior modeling and especially the virtual cockpit. EVEVERYTHING that is movable and functional in the real cockpit is also in this one as well… and they ALL function as they should!

The historical skins provided for the two models are very nice, and I could find no obvious flaws!!! I will admit though, I did NOT Go over the external skins with a fine tooth comb… I was much more intrigued with the cockpit and performance of this A/C!!! The Realistic start up effects and engine smoke are well done!! Plus taking off from a dirt strip was very cool with the effects of the dirt and dust kicked up!!

The Manuals… As I said, they are a little weak, but certainly quite adequate, and give you all the numbers you need as well as some basic checklist, and a little history of the A/C.

Sound package… it is well done and engine sounds are good from all aspect angles. Except I don’t fully agree with WoP’s statement… “the genuine Allison engine sound, both inside and out at all power levels”… From idle to low-mid power levels is quite nice… however… from mid level setting to full power, the P-40 has a serious roar to it that I did not find duplicated at all…. this is pretty minor, but would be nice to have

Handling… Not right on the numbers but pretty good. They do duplicate the climb and dive qualities very well. And, as stated… I think the landing configuration characteristics are not quite right.

This is a VERY nice little airplane for FSX if you like to go for a spin around the local countryside (remember… it has no Nav equipment and not a lot of range) in a WWII
Classic airplane… It will give a fairly decent feel for the airplane… and an appreciation!!

The Cons…

The biggest draw back in MY opinion is when landing…
As stated, the P-40 slows down pretty quick, especially when the flaps are out. With the flaps out, the power pulled back, the gear down, and that large frontal surface of the radiator… the plane has got a lot of drag that I don’t feel is correctly represented.
Another minor weak spot I feel is the mid level setting to full power sound…the P-40 has a serious roar to it that I did not find duplicated… and at full power it is quite loud, even in the cockpit with the canopy closed…. And in MY case a flight helmet on… Again, this is pretty minor, but would be nice to have.

I am quite happy with this aircraft!!! It is wonderful to see a very nice and a good close representation of a classic WWII aircraft that is not only close to my heart, but that has a wonderful history as well!!!

Over all Rating: 7

Presentation: 6
Manual is a little weak but adequate, could do with a little more Information… Aircraft is very good…

Graphics: 9
Detail to graphics both on the interior and exterior of the A/C shows GREAT
attention to detail!!!

Sound: 7
The sounds package is very good… though needs work in the mid to full power
settings

Gameplay: 8
Pretty close to the numbers… but not quite, especially in the landing configuation representing the drag. Flight envelope and performance is pretty much on the numbers.