Originally built as an in-house venture as theCurtiss Model 76, powered by two experimentalWright XR-1510radial engines, flight testing was sufficiently impressive that after the USAAC appraisal theModel 76 was returned to Curtiss and fitted with two 775 hp (578 kW)Wright R-1670-5 Whirlwind engines with two-positionvariable-pitch propellers. This configuration was accepted by the Army with the designationXA-14.[2] It had standard Army markings with the serial number 36-146.[3]
TheModel 76 was of all-metal construction with an oval sectionsemimonocoquefuselage, described as "pencil slim". The XA-14 was extensively tested, at one stage being fitted with a 37 mm (1.457 in) cannon in the nose.[4]
In July 1936, 13 developed versions, re-engined with two 850 hp (630 kW)Wright R-1820-47 Cyclone 9-cylinder radials, were ordered into production as theY1A-18.[3]
^Bowers, Peter M. (1979).Curtiss aircraft, 1907-1947. London: Putnam. pp. 365–368.ISBN0370100298.
Bibliography
Eden, Paul and Soph Moeng, eds.The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002.ISBN0-7607-3432-1.
Fahey, James C.U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946. New York: Ships and Aircraft, 1946.
Fitzsimons, Bernard, ed.The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the 20th Century Weapons and Warfare, Vol. 21. London: Purnell & Sons Ltd. 1967/1969.ISBN0-8393-6175-0.
Swanborough, F. Gordon and Peter M. Bowers.United States Military Aircraft Since 1909. New York: Putnam, 1964.ISBN0-85177-816-X.
Wagner, Ray. ‘’American Combat Planes, Third Enlarged Edition.’’ Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc. 1982ISBN0-385-13120-8.
