Developed at the Curtiss-WrightSt. Louis factory, theCW-22 was developed from theCW-19 via the single-seatCW-21 lightfighter-interceptor. Theprototype first flew in 1940. With less power and performance than the CW-21, the two-seat, low-wing, all-metalCW-A22 hadretractabletailwheel landing gear, with the main gear retracting rearward into underwingfairings.
The CW-22 was seen as either a civiliansport or training monoplane or suitable as a combat trainer, reconnaissance and general-purpose aircraft for military use. The prototype CW-A22 Falcon (U.S. civilian registration NC18067) was used as a company demonstrator and is one of four of the type still in existence.
An unarmed advanced training version (CW-22N) was demonstrated to the United States Navy. To help to meet the expanding need for training, the Navy ordered 150 aircraft in November 1940. Further orders brought the total to 305 aircraft which were designatedSNC-1 Falcon.[2]
Curtiss converted a CW-19 into a CW-22 demonstrator. They hoped to use this to sell the CW-22 to China. The aircraft was obtained by the Burma Volunteer Air Force, and later used by the Royal Air Force in India. It was scrapped in 1946.[3]
Bowers, Peter M.United States Navy Aircraft since 1911. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1990.ISBN0-87021-792-5.
Donald, David, ed.The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Etobicoke, Ontario: Prospero Books, 1997ISBN1-85605-375-X.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). London: Orbis Publishing, 1985.
Ledet, Michel (April 2002). "Des avions alliés aux couleurs japonais" [Allied Aircraft in Japanese Colors].Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (109):17–21.ISSN1243-8650.
Ledet, Michel (May 2002). "Des avions alliés aux couleurs japonais".Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (110):16–23.ISSN1243-8650.
