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Curtiss 87A Kittyhawk
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AK803 or RE*K was a Model 87A Mk. I serving with
No. 118 Squadron, initially at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where it
was the only fighter unit available for east coast defence, and
subsequently transferred to Annette Island, Alaska as part of
the RCAF reinforcement to the USAAF. The pilots made the 4000
mile trip by air - the first fighter unit to fly from coast to
coast. The Kittyhawk Mk. I served with the RCAF from 9 October,
1941 to 16 December, 1946 before being struck off strength, however
they were used predominantly in the home air defence role which
was much reduced during the latter portion of the war.
CF Photo
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RE*K was one of 72 Model 87A Mk. Is serving with
the RCAF during the Second World War, although if counted in conjunction
with the Mk. IAs, Mk. IIIs, and Mk. IVs, the total rises to 134.
The Kittyhawk Mk. I mounted four .50 cal. machine guns in the wings
and had shackles under the fuselage for a 52 U.S. gallon drop tank
or a 300-500 pound bomb. Racks on the outer wings could also carry
six 20 pound bombs.
CF Photo
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