Australian Air Force restores WW2 P-40E Kittyhawk A29-90 aka Ming the Merciless

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has restored a World War II P-40E Kittyhawk A29-90 aircraft, just in time for the Australian International Airshow 2025.

The American all-metal, single seater fighter bomber, nicknamed ‘Ming the Merciless’, has been brought back to life by a dedicated team of mechanics.

An honour to unveil a piece of Australian military aviation history last night – the P-40E Kittyhawk A29-90.Also known as ‘Ming the Merciless’, this Australian aircraft served with distinction in #WW2, including at Milne Bay.#AIA25 #AusAirForce #militaryaviation 1/2 pic.twitter.com/5DOL2roRjB— Air Marshal Stephen Chappell (@CAF_Australia) March 23, 2025 Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell unveiled the restored aircraft on March 23, 2025.

“Our Air Force has an incredibly proud history, especially the history of our aviators during the Second World War – they were daring, brave and endured unimaginable danger and sacrifice,” Chappell said.  

“By restoring Ming the Merciless, we are preserving the stories of the men who crewed this Kittyhawk, as well as the stories of the men who crewed the more-than 840 Kittyhawks operated by the RAAF during the Second World War,” Chappell added.

The Kittyhwak was first allocated to the RAAF’s 76 Squadron on May 2, 1942. It fought in the Battle of Milne Bay, New Guinea, in August and September of 1942.

After further service at several Australian bases, A29-90 was damaged beyond repair in 1944 following a forced landing. Work to restore Ming the Merciless began in 2012.

The P-40E Kittyhawk A29-90 was unveiled as part of the 2025 Australian International Airshow in Avalon, but will be on permanent display at the RAAF Museum at RAAF Base Point Cook.

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