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1944 Curtiss SC Seahawk

by | May 6, 2024 | 0 comments

1944 Curtiss SC Seahawk

The Curtiss SC Seahawk, capable of being fitted with a float or wheeled landing gear, was America’s best World War II floatplane scout

A 1942 Curtiss SC Seahawk floatplane scout in the air

More than 500 Curtiss Seahawk scout planes were built at the plant in Columbus, Ohio. The first flight of a prototype XSC-1 took place Feb. 16, 1944. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Curtiss SC Seahawk was a scout seaplane launched from a Navy cruiser for observation. According to the plane’s page in Wikipedia, the single-seat seaplane landed in water and was retrieved by hoist. Though capable in concept, the Curtiss SC Seahawk did not see significant action during World War II. By the end of the war, helicopters were replacing seaplanes.

The Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Co. designed the Seahawk for the U.S. Navy during World War II. In the late stages of the war and into peacetime, the Seahawk gradually replaced the existing Curtiss SO3C Seamew and Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes.

A Curtiss Seahawk spotting plane hoisted aboard USS IOWA (BB-61), off San Francisco, July 1947. A second SC-1 is on the catapult at right.

A Curtiss Seahawk spotting plane hoisted aboard USS IOWA (BB-61), off San Francisco, July 1947. A second SC-1 is on the catapult at right. (Ted Huggins photo from the archive of Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC)

Curtiss Production Order

Work began in June 1942 following a U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics request for observation seaplane proposals. Curtiss submitted the Seahawk design on Aug. 1, 1942, and a contract for two prototypes and five service test aircraft was awarded on Aug. 25. Before the prototypes’ first flight, a production order for 500 SC-1s followed in June 1943.

While only intended to seat the pilot, a bunk was added in the aft fuselage for rescue or personnel transfer. Two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns were fitted in the wings, and two underwing hardpoints allowed the carriage of 250-pound bombs or surface-scan radar on the right wing. The wings were foldable. The main float, designed to incorporate a bomb bay, is claimed to have been prone to leaks. Curtiss modified the design to carry an auxiliary fuel tank.

A Seahawk is catapulted from the deck of the USS Missouri

Piloted by Ensign F.H. Gilkie, a Curtiss SC-2 Seahawk is catapulted from the USS Missouri (BB-63). The photo is dated Feb. 27, 1948. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the archive of Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC)

The first flight of a prototype XSC-1 took place on Feb. 16, 1944, at the Columbus, Ohio, Curtiss plant. Flight testing continued through April 28, when the last of the seven pre-production aircraft took to the air. Nine more prototypes were built under the designation SC-2 with a second seat and modified cockpit. Series production was not undertaken.

For retrieval, a Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk taxis up to a sea-sled towed by USS IOWA (BB-61), off San Francisco, July 1947.

For retrieval, a Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk taxis up to a sea-sled towed by USS IOWA (BB-61) off San Francisco in July 1947. (Ted Huggins photo from the archive of Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC)

Seahawk History

The first serial-production Seahawks were delivered to the USS Guam on Oct. 22, 1944. All 577 aircraft eventually produced for the Navy were delivered on conventional landing gear. The planes were then flown to the appropriate naval air station, where floats were installed for service as needed.

Capable of being fitted with a float or wheeled landing gear, the Seahawk was America’s best World War II floatplane scout. However, its protracted development time meant it entered service too late to see significant action in the war. It was not until June 1945, during the pre-invasion bombardment of Borneo, that the Seahawk was involved in military action. By the war’s end, seaplanes were becoming less desirable, with helicopters replacing the Seahawk soon afterward.

The Seahawk’s tri-color camouflage and markings were required by U.S. Navy regulations from 1944 to 1945 and later postwar regulations.

There are no known surviving examples of the Seahawk today.

A color image of the front engine area of a Curtiss Seahawk that shows a ladder to the float.

A Seahawk scout warms up its engine at a Pacific Base circa 1944-45. Note beaching gear and ladder, with an APS-4 radar pod under the wing. While only intended to seat the pilot, a bunk was provided in the aft fuselage for rescue or personnel transfer. (Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, DC)

Curtiss SC Seahawk Specifications

Crew: 1, with space for a single stretcher patient

Length: 36 feet, 4.5 inches

Wingspan: 41 feet

Height: 16 feet on beaching gear

Wing area: 280 square feet

Empty weight: 6,320 pounds

Gross weight: 9,000 pounds

PERFORMANCE

Powerplant: 1 1,300-hp Wright R-1820-62 Cyclone 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine

Propellers: 4-blade constant-speed propeller

Maximum speed: 235 mph at 2,200 feet

Cruising speed: 125 mph

Range: 625 miles

Service ceiling: 37,300 feet

Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min

ARMAMENT

Guns: 2 .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns

Bombs: 2 325-pound bombs under-wing

Note: This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked four decades in aviation as an engineer. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

Curtiss Robin

by | Jan 20, 2024 | 0 comments

Curtiss Robin

During the ‘Golden Age of Flight,’ the Curtiss Robin made history for several endurance stunts, including a ‘wrong way’ record

A black and white photo of a Curtiss Robin monoplane at rest on a runway

The 1928 Curtiss Robin debuted innovative features and was known as a reliable workhorse aircraft, setting several endurance records and stunts. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Curtiss Robin looks spartan, but this high-wing monoplane gained popularity for its innovative features and remarkable performance.

This workhorse Robin, in production from 1928 to 1930, was one of the first commercially successful light aircraft, debuting several aviation firsts. Among the Robin’s innovations was a retractable landing gear, one of the first aircraft to be so equipped in the Golden Age of Flight. The Robin was also one of the first to be powered by a radial engine.

Along the way, the Curtiss Robin set more than one aviation record, including a “wrong way” record.

According to a report at the National Air and Space Museum, the Curtiss Robin was a departure by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Co. into the emerging civilian market of the late 1920s.

“This three-seat monoplane flew in the spring of 1928 with a 90-hp Curtiss OX-5, the engine that had powered Curtiss JN-4 Jenny trainers in World War I. Robins offered flight characteristics as straightforward as their appealing lines and modest performance. A distinctive feature was side cockpit windows that ran almost to the floor.”

Constructed of a wooden wing and steel tubing fuselage, the Curtiss Robin had an enclosed cabin that set it apart from other aircraft of its era. The cabin accommodated two passengers seated side-by-side behind the pilot. The cabin’s enclosed structure provided protection against the elements.

The Robin was produced in St. Louis, Mo., in association with the Robertson Aircraft Corp. The fixed-base operation ran the contract air mail route between St. Louis and Chicago.

Famous Robin Stunts

According to the Museum Of Flight, the Robin was a practical airplane, but best remembered for unusual endurance flights.

  • In 1930, Dale ‘Red’ Jackson performed more than 400 consecutive slow rolls in his Robin.
  • In 1929, Dale Jackson and Forrest O’Brine spent nearly 17 days circling over St. Louis. But that record was surpassed in 1935 by the brothers Fred and Al Key, who flew their Robin for more than 27 continuous days. Fuel was delivered from another Robin via hose; mail, food, oil, and spare parts came via container on a rope.
  • One of aviation’s most endearing records was set in a Curtiss Robin by Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan. He allegedly set off from New York for California in July 1938 and touched down in Ireland 28 hours later, claiming that he had accidentally read his compass backward. The plucky pilot — who had been denied official permission to fly the Atlantic — thus earned his nickname.

The ‘Newsboy’ Robin

From September 1929 to May 1930, a Robin C-2 was used to deliver the McCook, Neb., Daily Gazette to rural Nebraska and Kansas communities. Dubbed “The Newsboy,” the airplane flew a nonstop route of 380 miles daily, dropping bundles of newspapers out of a hole in the bottom of the fuselage from 500 feet to local carriers. The Robin C-2 was powered by a Curtiss R-600 Challenger, a six-cylinder, double-row, air-cooled, radial engine.

1932 CURTISS ROBIN SPECIFICATIONS

Mission: Pilot plus 2 passengers

Wingspan: 41 feet

Length: 25 feet 9 inches

Engine: Curtiss 90-hp OX-5 V-8 water-cooled piston engine

Maximum speed: 99.7 mph

Range: 785 miles cruising; 580 miles at full throttle

Source: Wikipedia; “Curtiss Robin 1932 – Specifications,” Aviation Heritage Foundation

This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked as an engineer in aviation for four decades. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

Curtiss O-52 Owl Observation Aircraft

by | Jan 8, 2024 | 0 comments

Curtiss O-52 Owl Observation Aircraft

The 1941 Curtiss O-52 Owl two-seat observation aircraft played a crucial role in U.S. Air Force intelligence gathering, but technological advancements made it obsolete at its debut

A 1941 black and white photo of a Curtiss O-52 on a runway during winter

The 1941 Curtiss O-52 Owl was a large, advanced two-person observation aircraft ordered by the U.S. Air Force. The monoplane was ordered into production in 1939, but it was obsolete at its launch in 1940 and mainly saw use as a trainer. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

TThe Curtiss O-52 “Owl,” introduced in 1941, is a testament to the United States’ commitment to advancing its military aviation capabilities during World War II. A reconnaissance aircraft, the O-52 played a crucial role in intelligence gathering and surveillance operations, showcasing technological advancements of its time.

The O-52 Owl evolved from the earlier Stinson O-49 Vigilant and was designed by the renowned American aircraft manufacturer Curtiss-Wright Corp. The Owl’s robust construction and impressive performance made it an integral part of the U.S. Army Air Corps’ reconnaissance fleet. The plane’s distinctive features included a high-wing monoplane design, fixed landing gear, and an enclosed cockpit for the crew of two. A total of 203 O-52s were built.

In 1941, however, the aircraft became unsatisfactory to modern combat situations in overseas areas, according to a report in AeroCorner.com. Consequently, the aircraft was consigned to perform courier roles inside the United States and for anti-submarine warfare (A/S) on the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. In November 1942, the Soviet Union ordered 30 aircraft in the Lend-Lease policy.

Performance

The Curtiss O-52 boasted a maximum speed of 220 mph and was powered by a 600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 Wasp nine-cylinder radial engine. Its endurance and range were vital for long-duration reconnaissance missions, providing critical information for military strategists during global conflict.

The importance of the Curtiss O-52 in wartime operations cannot be overstated. As aviation historian John M. Andrade notes in his book “U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials: 1909 to 1979.”  “The O-52 was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the O-49 Vigilant.” The book highlights how the O-52 offered enhanced capabilities, demonstrating Curtiss-Wright’s commitment to innovation in military aviation.

According to a report in HistoryOfWar.org, the O-52 two-person cockpit was extensively glazed, and the wing was mounted on top of the cockpit glazing. The Owl had a retractable undercarriage, with the wheels pulling back into wells in the side of the fuselage. There were dual controls and doors on the cockpit floor to use a camera.

“To give the plane good low-speed handling, it had full-length automatic leading-edge slots linked to wide-span trailing-edge flaps that operated whenever the slots were extended.

“It was armed with one fixed forward-firing machine gun and one flexibly mounted machine gun in the observer’s position. It had a retractable turtle back, first developed for the [Curtiss] SOC Seagull scout observation seaplane, which improved the observer’s field of fire.

In the ever-evolving landscape of military aviation during World War II, the Curtiss O-52 Owl was pivotal in shaping the success of reconnaissance and intelligence operations. Its design, performance, and adaptability underscored the United States’ commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology during global conflict, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of military history.

1941 CURTISS O-52 OWL SPECIFICATIONS

Mission: Reconnaissance aircraft used by the United States Army Air Corps during World War II

Crew: 2, pilot and observer/rear gunner

Length: 26 feet 4.75 inches

Wingspan: 40 feet 9 inches

Height: 9 feet 11.5 inches

Empty weight: Approximately 3,437 pounds

Maximum takeoff weight: 4,725 pounds

Engine: 1 600-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-51 Wasp nine-cylinder radial engine

Maximum speed: 220 mph

Cruising speed: 192 mph

Fuel capacity: 115 gallons

Range: 700 miles

Service ceiling: 21,000 feet

Owl Armament:

  • One .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine gun in the forward fuselage;
  • One .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine gun in the rear cockpit;
  • Bombs or photo-reconnaissance equipment could be carried under the wings.

Sources: Wikipedia and HistoryOfWar.org

Note: These specifications reflect the Curtiss O-52 Owl’s design and performance characteristics, highlighting its role as a reconnaissance aircraft during a critical period in aviation history. Specific details might vary slightly depending on the variant and modifications made to individual aircraft during their operational lifespan.

 This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked as an engineer in aviation for four decades. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

See more of his vintage plane pics here.

Curtiss XF9C-1 Sparrowhawk Prototype

by | Dec 7, 2023 | 0 comments

Curtiss XF9C-1 Sparrowhawk Prototype

1931 Curtiss XF9C-1 explored the concept of airship-based aircraft deployment

A 1931 photo of a military Curtiss XF9C on the tarmac

The Curtiss XF9C-1 is a so-called “parasite fighter,” a small airplane designed to be deployed from a larger aircraft such as an airship or bomber. This factory image shows a prototype XF9C-1 biplane without its “skyhook” launch and recovery system. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The recent headline news of another crash of a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey reminds of the sometimes-daring aircraft prototypes of the 1920s and 1930s. One such example is the Curtiss XF9C-1 “Sparrowhawk.”

In the early 1930s, the United States Navy sought an innovative solution for launching and recovering aircraft from its airships. The answer came from the Curtiss XF9C-1, a lightweight biplane designed to be carried and deployed from the USS Akron and USS Macon airships.

The Sparrowhawk was a revolutionary concept intended to extend helium-inflated airships’ operational range and versatility, turning them into mobile aircraft carriers.

Though technically considered a compact fighter biplane with a pair of machine guns and a 100-pound bomb, the Curtiss XF9C-1 was better at surveillance, and even that was compromised by poor visibility to the ground.

According to Wikipedia, the Curtiss XF9C-1 is an example of a so-called “parasite fighter,” a small airplane designed to be deployed from a larger aircraft such as an airship or bomber.

The Curtiss-Wright Corp. engineered the XF9C-1 to work with a unique trapeze mechanism mounted on the underside of the airship. A so-called “Skyhook” system was affixed to the biplane’s top wing, which would connect with the crossbar of the trapeze.

A biplane suspended by its skyhook at the base of a military airship

The F9C-2 Sparrowhawk fighter, piloted by Lieutenant D. Ward Harrigan, USN, was shown hanging from the airship USS Macon’s trapeze. (Navy photo via Wikipedia)

‘The Men on the Flying Trapeze’

Per Wikipedia, the biplane’s hook was engaged on the trapeze inside the airship’s hangar for launching. The trapeze was then lowered clear of the hull into the moving airship’s slipstream and, engine running, the Sparrowhawk would then disengage its hook and fall away from the airship.

For recovery, the biplane would fly underneath its mother ship, beneath the trapeze, climb from below, and hook onto the crossbar. The width of the trapeze crossbar allowed a certain lateral leeway in approach. The biplane’s hook mounting had a guide rail for protection from the turning propeller. Engagement of the hook was automatic on positive contact between the hook and trapeze.

Once the Sparrowhawk was securely caught, it could be hoisted by the trapeze back within the airship’s hull, the engine being stopped as it passed the hangar door.

Although seemingly a tricky maneuver, pilots soon learned the technique, and it was said to be much easier than landing on a moving, pitching, and rolling aircraft carrier.

More than one attempt might have been necessary in gusty conditions before a successful engagement was achieved. Almost inevitably, the pilots soon acquired the epithet “The men on the Flying Trapeze,” and their aircraft were decorated with appropriate unit emblems.

3 XF9C biplanes flying in v formation circa 1931

Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk fighters flying in a V formation, circa 1933-1935. These planes are part of the heavier-than-air group of USS Macon. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph)

Airship Assist

According to Airships.net, the ships were built with hangars, approximately 75 feet long by 60 feet wide by 16 feet tall. The initial hangar design would have the capacity to stow and service up to five aircraft; however, structural rigging limited the actual biplane capacity to three.

With a wingspan of 26 feet and a length of 19 feet, the Sparrowhawk was powered by a Wright R-975-E3 9-cylinder radial engine, generating 420 horsepower. Its top speed reached 176 mph, with a range of 270 miles. The XF9C-1 was armed with two .30 caliber machine guns and carried a 100-pound bomb under its fuselage. The aircraft’s compact design made it well-suited for its role as an airship-based interceptor.

Despite its promising potential, however, the Sparrowhawk’s career was short-lived. The tragic crash of the USS Akron in 1933, along with the subsequent decommissioning of the USS Macon, ended the operational role of the Curtiss XF9C-1.

The lessons learned from this daring experiment contributed to the evolution of naval aviation and the development of more advanced aircraft carriers.

A top view of a plane on the trapeze being lowered from the airship hangar.

A top view of a plane on the trapeze being lowered from the airship hangar.

CURTISS XF9C-1 SPARROWHAWK SPECIFICATIONS

Role: Airship-based fighter/interceptor

Manufacturer: Curtiss-Wright Corp.

Crew: 1 (pilot)

First flight: Nov. 12, 1931

Wingspan: 26 feet

Length/height: 19 feet/10 feet

Empty weight: 2,205 pounds

Max. takeoff weight: 3,226 pounds

Engine: 420-hp Wright R-975-E3 9-cylinder radial engine

Maximum Speed: 176 mph

Range: 270 miles

Ceiling: 22,500 feet

Armament: 2 .30-caliber Browning machine guns

Payload: 1 100-pound bomb

Sources: Wikipedia; MilitaryFactory.com

Note: This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked as an engineer in aviation for four decades. Dad began his career in 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

See more of his vintage plane pics here.

Curtiss Hawk IV Model 78

by | Nov 8, 2023 | 0 comments

Curtiss Hawk IV Model 78

 In military service, the 1936 Curtiss Hawk IV became a symbol of American military aviation excellence

A 1936 Curtiss Hawk fighter biplane on the runway

1930s Curtiss Hawk biplanes were easily identified by their distinctive gull-wing design, which contributed to their impressive maneuverability and aesthetic appeal. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Curtiss Hawk was a prominent biplane fighter with a two-decade use span, from the end of World War I to the start of World War II, 1918 to 1939. Developed by the American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, the Hawk series of biplanes gained fame during the 1920s and 1930s for their remarkable agility and combat prowess

The Hawk IV showcased the innovative capabilities of the Curtiss Aircraft Corp. According to ArmedConflicts.com, the 1936 Hawk IV was the last attempt of the company to modernize its best but old series of fighter aircraft, Hawk, which was established in 1924. The Hawk IV was a slightly modified Hawk III, with the engine optimized for greater height, a redesigned back, and a fully covered cabin, whose cover was removable backward.

Because of its advancing age, the Hawk IV was a strange mixture of elements: a manually retracted landing gear and a covered cabin, an all-metal fuselage, and wooden wings.

Walter J. Boyne, a noted aviation historian, praised the Curtiss Hawk IV in his book “The Smithsonian Book of Flight.” Boyne said, “The Curtiss Hawk IV represented a significant leap in fighter aircraft design. It was a clear testament to the engineering prowess of the Curtiss team.”

Boyne’s words underscore the aircraft’s importance in advancing aviation technology.

The Hawk IV featured a streamlined design with distinctive gull wings that set it apart. According to Larry Milberry, an aviation writer in “The Royal Canadian Air Force at War”: “The gull-wing design of the Curtiss Hawk IV not only provided aesthetic appeal but also enhanced its aerodynamic performance.”

Hawk IV Performance

In military service, the Curtiss Hawk IV became a symbol of American military aviation excellence. In “American Combat Planes” by Ray Wagner, the author highlighted its contributions, stating, “The Curtiss Hawk IV was a reliable and robust fighter aircraft that played a significant role in the U.S. Army Air Corps during the interwar years.” This acknowledgment emphasizes the aircraft’s role in shaping the military’s capabilities during that era.

The Hawk IV was powered by a Curtiss Conqueror series radial engine and had impressive speed and performance. While specific engine models varied, the Hawk IV generally delivered a top speed of approximately 220-235 mph, as noted in “The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft” by David Donald. This speed was commendable for its time and contributed to its success in military applications.

Curtiss Hawk IV armament typically included two .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine guns and one .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun. As described in “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft,” these weapons ensured that the Hawk IV was well-armed for its fighter role.

In summary, the Curtiss Hawk IV, with its innovative design, combat capabilities, and significant role in interwar military aviation, stands as a testament to the achievements of the Curtiss Aircraft Corp. The aircraft’s enduring legacy underscores its impact on the evolution of aviation technology and its role in shaping the history of military aircraft.

Specifications

The Curtiss Hawk IV was a biplane fighter aircraft produced in the 1930s. Although the specific details of individual Hawk IV variants may vary, here are some general specifications for this aircraft:

Crew: 1, pilot

Length: Approximately 23 feet 5 inches

Wingspan: Approximately 31 feet 6 inches

Height: Approximately 9 feet 9 inches

Empty Weight: 3,400 pounds

Max Takeoff Weight: approximately 4,598 pounds

PERFORMANCE

Engine: One radial engine, typically the Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror series.

Power Output: The specific power output could vary depending on the engine model, but it could produce around 600-700 horsepower.

Maximum Speed: Approximately 220-235 mph

Range: Around 375-500 miles

Service Ceiling: About 30,000 feet

Rate of Climb: Varies with engine and specific model but generally around 2,000-2,500 feet per minute.

HAWK IV ARMAMENT

Machine Guns: The Hawk IV was typically armed with two .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine guns and one .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun, though specific armament configurations could vary.

Note: This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked four decades in aviation as an engineer.

Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

See more of his vintage plane pics here.

Curtiss XP-934: A Bold Experiment

by | Sep 22, 2023 | 0 comments

Curtiss XP-934: A Bold Experiment

 The 1932 XP-934 is based on the Curtiss XP-31 Swift, the airplane maker’s first monoplane fighter

A vintage black and white photo of a 1932 Curtiss XP-934 fighter aircraft

The 1932 Curtiss XP-934 was a bold but failed experiment in aircraft design. Despite its problems, the plane’s engineering helped pave the way for future fighter designs. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Curtiss XP-934 Swift was a bold but failed experiment in World War II aircraft design. Built in 1932, the XP-934 is based on the Curtiss XP-31 Swift, the airplane maker’s first monoplane fighter.

In 1932, the world is still reeling from the Great Depression, but aviation is booming. New aircraft designs are always emerging, and the Army Air Corps is eager to stay ahead of the curve. To seek innovation in aircraft design and manufacturing, the United States Army Air Corps held several competitions in the 1930s to develop new aircraft for the service. In addition to the competitions, the Army Air Corps also worked directly with aircraft manufacturers to develop new aircraft.

The newly formed Curtiss-Wright Corp. was among the makers to join the competition in 1932. The mission was to create an experimental pursuit-attack aircraft.

Pursuit aircraft became vital for their nimbleness for such duty missions as dive-bombing troops on the ground, escorting bombers to their targets in enemy territory, taking reconnaissance imagery, and clearing the airspace of opposing aircraft.

The Curtiss-Wright entry, designated XP-934 by the Army, is the first enclosed cockpit fighter aircraft for the USAAC. It was also one of the last pursuit aircraft with fixed landing gear and externally braced wings.

Why the XP-934 Failed

For the USAAC competition, Curtiss proposed a radical design that featured a low-wing monoplane configuration with a retractable landing gear. The XP-934 was powered by a 700-horsepower Wright XR-1510 Cyclone radial engine, giving the plane a top speed of more than 200 mph.

After the first flight of the Curtiss XP-934 on July 25, 1932, however, it was immediately apparent that the aircraft was underpowered and overweight. The single-seat fighter carried 125 gallons of fuel, weighing around 850 pounds, and four .30 caliber machine guns and ammunition. The retractable landing gear also proved to be problematic, and it was eventually removed.

The Curtiss XP-934 is never ordered into production. Despite its problems, however, the XP-934 was a significant aircraft in aviation history. It was the first enclosed cockpit fighter aircraft for the USAAC, and it helped to pave the way for future fighter designs.

Curtiss XP-934 Specifications

Crew: 1

Length: 23 feet 9 inches

Wingspan: 35 feet 3 inches

Height: 8 feet 10 inches

Wing area: 226 square feet

Empty weight: 3,334 pounds

Gross weight: 4,143 pounds

Powerplant: 1 700 hp Wright XR-1510 Cyclone 9-cylinder radial engine

Performance

Maximum speed: 215 mph

Initial climb rate: 2,130 feet per minute

Service ceiling: 22,700 feet

Range: 396 miles

Armament

4 .30 caliber machine guns

Source: Wikipedia

Note: This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked four decades in aviation as an engineer. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

See more of his vintage plane pics here.