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XF13C
Curtiss XF13C-3 at Langley 1937
Curtiss XF13C in 1937
Role Fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
First flight 7 January 1934[1]
Number built 3

The Curtis XF13C (Model 70) was a carrier-based fighter aircraft built by Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company.

Development and design[]

The XF13C was a naval fighter featuring an all-metal construction, with a semi-monocoque fuselage, manually retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit. The aircraft was designed to facilitate conversions from biplane to monoplane and vice-versa. The United States Navy bought a prototype, designated XF13C-1 when in monoplane configuration, and XF13C-2 when a biplane.[1]

The XF13C first flew in 1934 with good results realized in tests. In 1935, the aircraft received a more powerful engine and modifications to the overly tall tailplanes. The designation was changed to XF13C-3 for more flight testing.

Operational history[]

No production orders were received for the Curtis XF13C, but the aircraft continued to fly for NACA in experimental work, and by VWJ-1 Squadron at Quantico.[1]

Specifications (XF13C-3)[]

Curtiss XF13C-1 in flight c1934

The XF13C-1 in flight, circa 1934.

Data from [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 25 ft 0 in (7.62 m)
  • Wingspan: 35 ft 0 in (10.66 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 9.5 in (2.66 m)
  • Wing area: 205 ft2 (19.04 m2)
  • Empty weight: 3.412 lb (1,548 kg)
  • Gross weight: 4,634 lb (2,102 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Wright SGR-1510-12, 700 hp ( kW) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 246 mph (396 km/h)
  • Range: 726 miles (1,168 km)
  • Service ceiling: 25,250 ft (7,696 m)
  • Rate of climb: 2000 ft/min (10.16 m/s)

Armament

  • 1 × .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun
  • 1 × .30 in (7.62 mm) machine gun
  • References[]

    Notes
    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Angelucci 1987, pp. 152–153.
    Bibliography
    • Angelucci, Enzo. The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books, 1987. ISBN 0-517-56588-9.

    External links[]

    All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
    The original article can be found at Curtiss XF13C and the edit history here.
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