OVERVIEW
The Curtiss XP-42 was a further development of the P-36 product, though it lost out to the XP-40 after competition trials.
The Curtiss XP-42 was a further development of the P-36 product, though it lost out to the XP-40 after competition trials.
YEAR: 1939
MANUFACTURER(S): Curtiss - USA
PRODUCTION: 1
OPERATORS: United States
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Curtiss XP-42 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Curtiss XP-42 model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
LENGTH: 28.22 feet (8.6 meters)
WIDTH: 37.07 feet (11.3 meters)
HEIGHT: 8.20 feet (2.5 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 4,817 pounds (2,185 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 5,648 pounds (2,562 kilograms)
ENGINE: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-31 radial engine developing 1,050 horsepower.
SPEED (MAX): 250 miles-per-hour (402 kilometers-per-hour; 217 knots)
RANGE: 830 miles (1,336 kilometers; 721 nautical miles)
CEILING: 37,198 feet (11,338 meters; 7.05 miles)
ARMAMENT
STANDARD:
2 x 7.62mm machine guns above nose section
STANDARD:
2 x 7.62mm machine guns above nose section
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• P-36A - Initial Model on which the XP-42 was based on.
• Model 75S - Curtiss Company Model Designation
• P-42 - Base Model Series Designation
• XP-42 - USAAC Designation
Series Model Variants
• P-36A - Initial Model on which the XP-42 was based on.
• Model 75S - Curtiss Company Model Designation
• P-42 - Base Model Series Designation
• XP-42 - USAAC Designation
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Curtiss XP-42 Prototype Fighter Aircraft. Entry last updated on 6/26/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Curtiss XP-42 Prototype Fighter Aircraft. Entry last updated on 6/26/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The Curtiss XP-42 was a further development of the Curtiss P-36 Hawk model though it would share some initial outward similarities to Curtiss' most well known aircraft - the P-40 Warhawk. Later in its development, the XP-42 would see a series of changes that would liken it back to its P-36 roots. The system was modified from a P-36A and given the S/N of 38-004 and was featured in a series of tests designed to reduce drag qualities of radial piston engines. As such, this P-36A featured a redesigned nose and an entirely new powerplant operating a three-blade propeller.
The aircraft featured an air scoop under the engine while the carburetor scoops were mounted at top. In an interesting design feature, a long shaft was developed to properly reach and drive the propeller system. The resulting aircraft proved to be faster than the P-36A but it also faced cooling issues for the engine, serious vibration problems inherent in the propeller shaft system and the XP-42 would never prove faster than the P-40. As a result, the XP-42 gave way to the P-40 Warhawk series of aircraft, which would nab the available Army production orders and become one of America's classic warfighters of its time.
Only a single P-36A was modified as an XP-42. The system was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial series engine generating an impressive 1,050 horsepower. The system was crewed by one personnel and the entire project was officially ended by 1947, to which the aircraft was scrapped for parts.
The aircraft featured an air scoop under the engine while the carburetor scoops were mounted at top. In an interesting design feature, a long shaft was developed to properly reach and drive the propeller system. The resulting aircraft proved to be faster than the P-36A but it also faced cooling issues for the engine, serious vibration problems inherent in the propeller shaft system and the XP-42 would never prove faster than the P-40. As a result, the XP-42 gave way to the P-40 Warhawk series of aircraft, which would nab the available Army production orders and become one of America's classic warfighters of its time.
Only a single P-36A was modified as an XP-42. The system was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial series engine generating an impressive 1,050 horsepower. The system was crewed by one personnel and the entire project was officially ended by 1947, to which the aircraft was scrapped for parts.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 300mph
Lo: 150mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (250mph).
Graph average of 225 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
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MSK
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TKY
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SYD
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Curtiss XP-42's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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Altitude Visualization
