Curtiss XBT2C

The Curtiss XBT2C was an experimental single-engined dive/torpedo bomber developed during World War II.

XBT2C
The XBT2C-1
Role Attack aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
First flight March 1945
Number built 9
Developed from Curtiss XBTC

Development

It was based on the Curtiss XBTC single-seat dive/torpedo bomber, but used the less powerful Wright R-3350 radial engine, and could carry a second crew member in the rear fuselage. It was fitted with radar, which was carried in a pod under the starboard wing. Nine of ten projected aircraft were built. They were Curtiss' last type for the U.S. Navy. All were scrapped in the late 1940s.[1]

Operators
 United States

Specifications (XBT2C-1)
XBT2C-1 side view.
XBT2C-1 underside view.

Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1947[2]Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 39 ft 2 in (11.94 m)
  • Wingspan: 47 ft 7.09375 in (14.5057813 m)
  • Width: 22 ft 6.5 in (6.871 m) wings folded
  • Height: 12 ft 1 in (3.68 m)
  • Height wings folded: 16 ft 7.8125 in (5.075238 m)
  • Maximum height during folding: 20 ft 6.625 in (6.26428 m)
  • Wing area: 416 sq ft (38.6 m2)
  • Airfoil: root: NACA 23017 mod. ; tip : NACA 23009[4]
  • Empty weight: 12,268 lb (5,565 kg)
  • Gross weight: 19,022 lb (8,628 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-3350-24 Duplex-Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 2,500 hp (1,900 kW)
  • Propellers: 4-bladed Hamilton Standard 6559A-18, 13 ft 8 in (4.17 m) diameter constant-speed propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 297 mph (478 km/h, 258 kn) at sea level
330 mph (290 kn; 530 km/h) at 17,000 ft (5,200 m)
  • Range: 1,310 mi (2,110 km, 1,140 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 26,300 ft (8,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,890 ft/min (9.6 m/s)

Armament

  • Guns: 2x 20 mm (0.787 in) AN/M2 cannon
  • Rockets: 8x 5 in (130 mm) rockets under wing
  • Bombs: 1x 2,000 lb (910 kg) or 2x 500 lb (230 kg) or 4x 250 lb (110 kg) or torpedo in 14 ft 3 in (4.34 m) long internal bomb-bay

Avionics
Search radar under starboard wing

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

Notes
  1. U.S. Naval Aviation News September 1979, pp.20–21
  2. Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1947). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1947. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co. pp. 212c–213c.
  3. Bowers, Peter M. (1979). Curtiss aircraft, 1907-1947. London: Putnam. pp. 449–450. ISBN 0370100298.
  4. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

References
  • Bowers, Peter M. (1979). Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10029-8.
  • Donald, David (1997). The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. New York: Barnes & Noble. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
  • Thomason, Tommy H. (2009). Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft From Skyraider to Super Hornet 1948–Present. North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press. ISBN 978-1-58007-132-1.

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