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Curtiss Model 70 / XF13C

The Curtiss XF13C (Model 70) was a carrier-based fighter aircraft.

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.

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.

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.

Specifications

XF13C-3

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 sq ft (19.04 m2)

Empty weight

412 lb (1,548 kg)

Gross weight

4,634 lb (2,102 kg

Powerplant

1 × Wright SGR-1510-12,

700 hp (520 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed

246 mph (396 km/h, 214 kn)

Range

726 mi (1,168 km, 631 nmi)

Service ceiling

25,250 ft (7,696 m)

Rate of climb

2,000 ft/min (10.16 m/s)

Armament

Guns

1 × .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun

1 × .30 in (7.62 mm) machine gun.

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