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