Curtiss XP-22 Hawk

Last updated
XP-22 Hawk
Curtiss XP-22 060906-F-1234P-008.jpg
RoleExperimental biplane fighter
Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Primary user United States Army Air Forces
Number built1
Variants Curtiss P-6 Hawk

The Curtiss XP-22 Hawk was a 1930s American experimental biplane fighter built by Curtiss for evaluation by the United States Army Air Service.

Contents

Design and development

In 1929, the AAC ordered three P-11 Hawks for testing of the 600 hp (447 kW) H-1640 Chieftain engine. This engine proved a failure, and before completion, one of the three was converted to use a 9-cylinder 575 hp (429 kW) Cyclone, being completed as the YP-20. Testing with the R-1820 was prolonged, so the Army acquired another of the three P-11s, instead. This became the XP-22.

A number of changes were made for installing the 700 hp (520 kW) Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror engine. The radiator was relocated, a new cowl was fitted, and the tail was given more fin and less rudder area, and featured a steerable tailwheel, rather than the original skid. For these changes, Curtiss charged only US$1. [1]

During testing, the XP-22 underwent a number of alterations and improvements, including a change from a three-strut landing gear to a single streamlined strut, later fitted with wheel pants. Fillets were added where struts joined the wing and the tail was briefly reduced in area, to P-6 standard. [1] The XP-22 was also the Army's first fighter capable of 200 mph (320 km/h), achieving 202 mph (325 km/h). [2]

Operational history

In June 1931, the AAC held a competition to evaluate the P-6, P-12, YP-20, and XP-22. The XP-22 came out the winner, earning a contract for 45 aircraft as the Y1P-22. Following the trials, the XP-22 donated a nose and landing gear graft to the YP-20, which became the XP-6E, and the 45 production aircraft were completed to this standard.

Curtiss XP-22 060906-F-1234P-009.jpg

Operators

Flag of the United States.svg  United States

Specifications (XP-22 Hawk)

Data from U.S.Fighters, [2] Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947 [3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

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References

  1. 1 2 Fitzsimons 1978, p. 1255.
  2. 1 2 Jones 1975, p. 58.
  3. Bowers, Peter M. (1979). Curtiss aircraft, 1907-1947. London: Putnam. p. 262. ISBN   0370100298.
  4. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Further reading