Hall XP2H
XP2H-2 |
|
Role |
Patrol flying boat |
National origin |
United States of America |
Manufacturer |
Hall-Aluminum Aircraft Corporation |
First flight |
November 15, 1932 |
Primary user |
United States Navy |
Number built |
1 |
|
The Hall XP2H-1 was an American prototype four-engined biplane flying boat of the 1930s. Intended as an experimental very-long-range maritime patrol aircraft, a single example was built. The XP2H-1 was the largest four engine biplane aircraft ever procured by the US Navy. [1]
Development and design
In 1930, the United States Navy ordered a single example of a large flying boat from the Hall-Aluminum Aircraft Corporation, to meet a requirement for an experimental very-long-range patrol aircraft. The resulting design was designated XP2H-1 and was a four-engined biplane. It had an all-aluminum hull, a scaled up version of that used in Hall's smaller PH flying boat, which accommodated a crew of six. The wings were of fabric-skinned aluminum construction and were of trapezoidal shape. The engines, Curtiss V-1570 Conquerors were mounted in tandem push-pull pairs between the wings.[2][3]
The XP2H-1 first flew on November 15, 1932, and was extensively tested, demonstrating excellent performance, being 11 mph (18 km/h) faster than predicted.[4] It was possible to cruise on just two engines to extend range, and in 1935, the XP2H-1 was used to carry out a nonstop flight between Norfolk, Virginia and Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone in 1935, taking 25 hours and 15 minutes to fly the 2,000 miles (3,200 km).[5] It was destroyed later in the year attempting a landing in open water.[6] No further P2Hs were built, with the US Navy equipping its patrol squadrons with smaller flying boats such as the Consolidated P2Y.
Operators
- United States
Specifications
Data from General Dynamic Aircraft and their Predecessors [4]
General characteristics
Performance
- Maximum speed: 121 knots (225 km/h, 139.6 mph) at sea level
- Cruise speed: 104 knots (193 km/h, 120 mph)
- Range: 1,870 nmi (3,462 km, 2,150 mi)
- Ferry range: 2,913 nmi (5,394 km, 3,350 mi) (maximum range)
- Service ceiling: 10,900 ft (3,320 m)
- Climb to 5,000 ft (1,525 m): 8.7 min
Armament
- Guns: Five flexibly mounted 0.3 in Browning machine guns in nose, dorsal waist and tail positions
- Bombs: 2,000 lb (909 kg) bombs
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
References
- "For Long Range Patrol". Flight, 24 January 1935. p. 94.
- "A Long Distance Flight" Flight, 21 February 1935, p. 195.
- Boyne, Walter J. "The Flying Hallmarks: The Hall Aluminium Classics". The Best of Wings Magazine. Washington, DC:Brasseys, 2001. ISBN 978-1-57488-368-8. pp. 52–61.
- Loftin, Laurence K. Quest for Performance:The Evolution of Modern Aircraft,SP-468. Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, History Office, Scientific and Technical Information Branch, 1985.
- Wegg, John. General Dynamic Aircraft and their Predecessors. London:Putnam, 1990. ISBN 0-85177-833-X.
Aircraft produced by Charles Ward Hall and Hall Aluminum Aircraft Corporation |
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USN/ USMC patrol aircraft designations 1923–1962 |
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| Patrol Bomber | |
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| Patrol Torpedo Bomber | |
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| 1 Not assigned |
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