Curtiss Export Hawk II
Curtiss-Wright · United States · first flew 1932 · fighter
The Curtiss Export Hawk II (also known as the Hawk II) is the export version of the Curtiss F11C Goshawk biplane fighter, sold to numerous foreign air forces during the early 1930s. It combined good performance with the ability to carry bombs in a fighter-bomber role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.19 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Export biplane fighter derived from US Navy F11C Goshawk
- Wright SGR-1820 Cyclone or similar radial engine options
- Semi-retractable 'trousered' undercarriage
A single-seat biplane with a large radial engine, the semi-retractable 'trouser' undercarriage characteristic of Curtiss Hawk designs, and the N-type interplane strut arrangement; distinguishable from the Hawk III by its fixed-pitch propeller and shorter engine cowl.
Specifications
- The Curtiss Export Hawk II has a length of 7.19 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.6 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 362 km/h (225 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Curtiss actively marketed the Hawk II internationally as the export counterpart of the US Navy's F11C/BFC series. It was sold to China, Colombia, Cuba, Germany, Norway, Thailand, and Turkey, among others. China operated the largest fleet and used the Hawk II extensively against the Japanese in the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Variants
The Hawk II was essentially the F11C-2/BFC-2 in export form; the improved Hawk III (export equivalent of BF2C-1) followed with a more powerful engine and other enhancements.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the air forces of China, Colombia, Cuba, Germany, Norway, Thailand, and Turkey in the 1930s; Chinese examples saw the most combat during operations against Japan from 1937 onwards.
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- Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk
- Curtiss T-32 Condor II
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- Boeing P-26 Peashooter
- Boeing P-26A Peashooter
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