TheCurtiss 18T, unofficially known as theWasp and by theUnited States Navy as theKirkham,[1] was an earlyAmericantriplanefighter aircraft designed byCurtiss for the US Navy. It was redesignatedCurtiss Model 15 in Curtiss's later rationalization of their model numbering.[2]
The Curtiss 18T was intended to protectbombing aircraft overFrance, and a primary requisite for this job was speed. Speed was not the triplane's only salient feature: an 18T-2 set a newaltitude record in 1919 of 34,910 ft (10,640 m).[3] The streamlined and very "clean" fuselage contributed to the aircraft's performance. The basic construction was based on cross-laminated strips of wood veneer formed on a mold and attached to the inner structure. The technique was a refinement of that used on the big Curtiss flying boats.[4]
Flown by Roland Rholfs, the 18T achieved a world speed record of 163 mph (262 km/h) in August 1918 carrying a full military load of 1,076 lb (488 kg).[5]
TheModel 18T-2 was an improved version of its predecessor, with 50 additionalhorsepower. The wings of the new model were swept back. It was also 5 ft (150 cm) longer with a 9 ft (270 cm) larger two-bay wing, though its operational ceiling was 2,000 ft (610 m) lower.
Two-seat fightertriplane with single-bay wings, powered by a 400 hp (300 kW)Curtiss K-12 piston engine. Referred to by the US Navy as the "Kirkham". Originally designated 18T, the type was redesignated the 18T-1 when the prototype was modified to a new configuration designated 18T-2 (see below).
Model 18T-2
18T with longer-span two-bay wings. Could be fitted with floatplane or landplane landing gear.
Model 18B
Biplane fighter version, known unofficially as the "Hornet". Sole flying prototype of Curtiss 18B, USAAS40058, 'P-86', crashed early in flight trials atMcCook Field,Dayton, Ohio, summer 1919. Type not ordered into production. One non-flying prototype also delivered for static testing.[7] RedesignatedModel 15A[2]
Angelucci, Enzo and Peter Bowers.The American Fighter: The Definitive Guide to American Fighter Aircraft from 1917 to the Present. New York: Orion Books, 1985.ISBN0-517-56588-9.
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