Curtiss A-4 Helldiver
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1930 · bomber
The Curtiss A-4 Helldiver was the US Army Air Corps designation applied to a small number of F8C-5 Helldiver biplanes delivered for Army evaluation of the dive-bombing technique.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.11 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- US Army Air Corps designation for the Helldiver biplane
- Two-seat dive-bomber with bomb-swing crutch
- Wright Cyclone radial in NACA cowling
Identical to the Curtiss F8C-5 Helldiver; distinguished from other contemporaries by the pendulum bomb crutch under the fuselage.
Specifications
- The Curtiss A-4 Helldiver has a length of 8.11 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 299 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Army Air Corps acquired a few Helldivers under the A-4 designation to evaluate dive-bombing tactics and assess the type's suitability for land-based attack operations. The Army's interest in dedicated dive-bombers was limited compared to the Navy, and no significant production followed. The aircraft were essentially identical to the Navy F8C-5.
Variants
The A-4 is the Army Air Corps designation for the Navy F8C-5; no Army-specific modifications are documented.
Where you'll see it
Operated only by Army Air Corps evaluation units; not adopted for front-line Army service.
Related aircraft
- Curtiss F6C-6 Hawk
- Curtiss F8C-4 Helldiver
- Curtiss F8C-5 Helldiver
- Curtiss P-1F Hawk
- Dornier Do P
- Fairey Fox II
- Fairey Hendon
- Fairey Seal
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