Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Curtiss
Curtiss XF15C Aircraft Overview
The Curtiss XF15C was a prototype carrier-based fighter aircraft developed by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation for the United States Navy during World War II. It was designed to operate from the decks of aircraft carriers and was one of the first American naval aircraft to feature a tricycle landing gear configuration.
The XF15C was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W Double Wasp radial engine, which could generate up to 2,100 hp. The aircraft had a top speed of around 435 mph (700 km/h) and a range of 1,250 miles (2,012 km). Its armament consisted of four 20 mm cannons and four .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns.
The XF15C’s development was beset by a number of technical problems, including issues with its landing gear and engine cooling system. By the time the prototype was completed in 1945, it was already outdated compared to the latest generation of fighters. The XF15C was ultimately cancelled in favor of other aircraft designs, and only two prototypes were ever built.
Curtiss XF15C Specifications
- Crew: 1
- Length: 43 ft 8 in (13.32 m) tail up
- Wingspan: 48 ft (15 m)
- Width: 20 ft 5 in (6.22 m) wings folded
- Height: 15 ft 3 in (4.65 m) wings spread; 17 ft (5.2 m) wings folded
- Wing area: 400 sq ft (37 m2)
- Empty weight: 12,648 lb (5,737 kg)
- Gross weight: 16,630 lb (7,543 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 18,698 lb (8,481 kg) maximum overload
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W Double Wasp 18-cyl. air-cooled radial piston engine, 2,100 hp (1,600 kW)
- Powerplant: 1 × Allis-Chalmers J36 centrifugal flow turbojet, 2,700 lbf (12 kN) thrust
- Propellers: 4-bladed Hamilton Standard constant-speed fully feathering propeller, 13 ft 1 in (3.99 m) diameter
Curtiss XF15C Performance
- Maximum speed: 469 mph (755 km/h, 408 kn) both engines at 25,300 ft (7,700 m)
- Range: 1,385 mi (2,229 km, 1,204 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 41,800 ft (12,700 m)
- Rate of climb: 5,020 ft/min (25.5 m/s)
Curtiss XF15C Armament
- Guns: 4x wing-mounted 20 mm (.79 in) cannon.
Curtiss XF15C Image Gallery
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