Curtiss XP-42 on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
The Curtiss XP-42 was an experimental fighter built by
When the XP-42 first flew in March 1939, it proved to be faster than the P-36. However, the P-40 was faster still and the new nose cowling caused engine cooling problems that proved to be unresolvable, despite at least 12 sets of modifications, which ultimately resulted in a shorter and less streamlined cowling closely resembling the original P-36 Hawk. The XP-42 project was canceled. However, the XP-42 prototype was retained as a test-bed and was later fitted with an all-moving tail (
Curtiss Aircraft
The Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company (1909–1929) was an American aircraft manufacturer originally founded by Glenn Hammond Curtiss and Augustus Moore Herring in Hammondsport, New York. After significant commercial success in its first de ...
in the late 1930s to research engine cooling and improving the performance of the Curtiss P-36 Hawk
The Curtiss P-36 Hawk, also known as the Curtiss Hawk Model 75, is an American-designed and built fighter aircraft of the 1930s and 40s. A contemporary of the Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt Bf 109, it was one of the first of a new generation ...
.
Design and development
The fourth production P-36 (serial 38-004) became a development platform for a direct successor, designated XP-42 by the USAAC. The XP-42 was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 "Twin Wasp" engine fitted with a longer, streamlined cowling and a large propeller spinner. These features attempted to improve the aerodynamics of the air-cooledradial engine
The radial engine is a reciprocating engine, reciprocating type internal combustion engine, internal combustion engine configuration in which the cylinder (engine), cylinders "radiate" outward from a central crankcase like the spokes of a wheel. ...
.
When the XP-42 first flew in March 1939, it proved to be faster than the P-36. However, the P-40 was faster still and the new nose cowling caused engine cooling problems that proved to be unresolvable, despite at least 12 sets of modifications, which ultimately resulted in a shorter and less streamlined cowling closely resembling the original P-36 Hawk. The XP-42 project was canceled. However, the XP-42 prototype was retained as a test-bed and was later fitted with an all-moving tail (stabilator
A stabilator is a fully movable aircraft horizontal stabilizer (aircraft), stabilizer. It serves the usual functions of longitudinal stability, control and stick force requirements otherwise performed by the separate parts of a conventional hori ...
), for research purposes. This aircraft was scrapped on July 15, 1947.
Specifications (XP-42)
See also
References
{{USAF fighters XP-42 Curtiss XP-42 Single-engined tractor aircraft Low-wing aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1939 Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear Single-engined piston aircraft