'Threads'

Differences between the P-40 Tomahawk Mk.IIA and IIB
source:  Hyperscale  (thanks to Brett Green for permission)

(Bold Italics are added by the Webmaster to clarify the text or correct known errors.  Some comments and their order of appearance in the original forum have been edited for clarity)

Wayne B.
Differences between Tomahawk Mk IIA and IIB
Sun Dec 28 18:49:14 2003
Can anyone enlighten me as to what the external differences were (if any) between the Tomahawk Mk IIA and the Mk IIB.

Also, does anyone know if the Mk IIA was operated by RCAF squadrons.

TC
The differences were internal
Sun Dec 28 19:37:41 2003
You can't tell the difference between the two, other than sub-type of engine and other technical details. This is not something you have to worry about.

Tom
RCAF P-40s
Sun Dec 28 19:56:55 2003
Wayne,

Several RCAF squadrons used the Kittyhawk Mk.IA and Mk.III (P-40Ks and Ms both had the designation Mk.III) for home defence. Squadrons were (and I hope I get them all) 14, 111, 118, 132, 133, and 135.

Scott Hemsley
RCAF Tomahawks
Sun Dec 28 20:36:37 2003
According to the book, "RCAF Squadrons and Aircraft" (S.Kostenuk/J. Griffin, all RCAF operated Tomahawks appear to have be exclusively used overseas. Kittyhawks were used in Canada for home defence.

Anyway, only the following RCAF (overseas) sqns. are identified as operating the Tomahawk:

400 Sqn. - Tomahawk Mk.I, IIA & IIB; Apr.41 - Jul.42
'SP' codes
sample s/n: AH789 (L), AH824 (F), AH831 (N),
AH841 (K), AH862 (J), AH895 (B), AK324 (S)
AK481 (S), AK484 (Y), AK528 (B)
An in-flight photo, identified as Mk.I's shows AH785 (S) and AH806 (W).

403 Sqn. - Tomahawk Mk.I & IIA; Mar. - Jun.41
'KH' codes
sample s/n: AK878 (H), AH896 (H), AH882 (R),
AH(?)871 (G).

The latter 3 are identified as Mk.IIA and appear in an in-flight photo, from the starboard side. 'G', even though in the foreground, has the letters of the s/n aft of the 'Sky' fuselage band.