Shortround6
Major General
Yes, they were and the whole thing about the Mustang being designed and built in 120 days was that if North American couldn't do it they would have to build P-40s so as not to delay things any further.
The P-40 was a unknown quantity when the French/British ordered it but it was the only fighter that looked to available in quantity in a hurry. French order is placed Oct,9 1939, about 6 months after the US Army's first order. April of 1940 the US Army agrees to defer delivery of 324 P-40s so export orders can be filled first. First French contract plane flies June 6, 1940. Sept. 17 1940 British start testing the Hawk H81A in the US. The First Tomahawks reach England in Sept 1940. Note that these are ex-French aircraft.
A brief history of the Mustang may help also.
Jan, 1940 talks open between the British and North American.
April 24, 1940 the British accept the design proposal.
May4,1940 British approve preliminary design.
May 29, 1940 British order 320 NA-73 aircraft.
Sept. 9, 1940 prototype is rolled out of hanger without engine and with borrowed wheels.
oct, 26 first flight.
April 25, 1941 first flight by British plane.
Sept 1941, second British Mustang is sent by sea (via Panama canal) to England.
Nov 11, 1941 4 more Mustangs arrive in England making a total of 5.
When should the decision to purchase F4F's have been made and what factory should have made them?
