| XP-22 Hawk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Experimental biplane fighter |
| Manufacturer | Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Forces |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| Variant | Curtiss P-6 Hawk |
TheCurtiss XP-22 Hawk was a 1930sAmericanexperimentalbiplanefighter built byCurtiss for evaluation by theUnited States Army Air Service.
In 1929, the AAC ordered threeP-11 Hawks for testing of the 600 hp (447 kW)H-1640 Chieftain engine. This engine proved a failure, and before completion, one of the three was converted to use a 9-cylinder 575 hp (429 kW)Cyclone, being completed as theYP-20. Testing with the R-1820 was prolonged, so the Army acquired another of the three P-11s, instead. This became the XP-22.
A number of changes were made for installing the 700 hp (520 kW) CurtissV-1570 Conqueror engine. Theradiator was relocated, a newcowl was fitted, and the tail was given more fin and lessrudder area, and featured a steerabletailwheel, rather than the original skid. For these changes, Curtiss charged onlyUS$1.[1]
During testing, the XP-22 underwent a number of alterations and improvements, including a change from a three-strut landing gear to a single streamlined strut, later fitted withwheel pants.Fillets were added where struts joined the wing and the tail was briefly reduced in area, to P-6 standard.[1] The XP-22 was also the Army's first fighter capable of 200 mph (320 km/h), achieving 202 mph (325 km/h).[2]
In June 1931, the AAC held a competition to evaluate the P-6,P-12,YP-20, and XP-22. The XP-22 came out the winner, earning a contract for 45 aircraft as theY1P-22. Following the trials, the XP-22 donated a nose and landing gear graft to the YP-20, which became the XP-6E, and the 45 production aircraft were completed to this standard.
Data from U.S.Fighters,[2] Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
