Hall XP2H

The Hall XP2H-1 was an American prototype four-engined biplane flying boat of the 1930s. Intended as an experimental very long range maritime patrol aircraft, a single example was built. The XP2H-1 was the largest four engine biplane aircraft ever procured by the US Navy.

Development and design
In 1930, the United States Navy ordered a single example of a large flying boat from the Hall-Aluminum Aircraft Corporation, to meet a requirement for an experimental very-long range patrol aircraft. The resulting design was designated XP2H-1 and was a four engined biplane. It had an all-aluminium hull, a scaled up version of that used in Hall's smaller PH flying boat, which accommodated a crew of six. The wings were of fabric skinned aluminium construction and were of trapezoidal shape. The engines, Curtiss V-1570 Conquerors were mounted in tandem push-pull pairs between the wings.

The XP2H-1 first flew on November 15, 1932, and was extensively tested, demonstrating excellent performance, being 11 mph (18 km/h) faster than predicted. It was possible to cruise on just two engines to extend range, and in 1935, the XP2H-1 was used to carry out a non-stop flight between Norfolk, Virginia and Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone in 1935, taking 25 hours and 15 minutes to fly the 2,000 miles (3,200 km). It was destroyed later in the year attempting a landing in open water. No further P2Hs were built, with the US Navy equipping its patrol squadrons with smaller flying boats such as the Consolidated P2Y.

Operators

 * United States Navy
 * United States Navy