Curtiss Model 53 Condor

Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company · United States · first flew 1929 · airliner

The 1929 Curtiss Model 53 Condor, also called the Condor 18 or CO Condor, was a civil passenger version of the Model 52 Condor bomber, a twin-engined biplane carrying 18 passengers.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Large equal-span three-bay biplane with parallel pairs of interplane struts
• Two Curtiss Conqueror engines on top of the lower wing in long cowlings with radiators on top
• Biplane tail unit with twin fins and balanced rudders

The wings had a rectangular plan with rounded tips and an all-metal fabric-covered structure. The engine nacelles extended beyond the wing trailing edges and unusually held baggage at their rear, and the flight crew sat side by side in an enclosed cabin.

Specifications

• The Curtiss Model 53 Condor has a length of 16.99 m (56 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 27.97 m (92 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 234 km/h (145 mph).
• Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

It was developed from the Curtiss B-2 Condor and first flew on 21 July 1929. The first three Model 53s were modified B-2s.

Variants

On the first three the lower wing alone had dihedral; the three built from scratch had dihedral on both wings. A twelve-berth sleeper layout was proposed for night flights.

Where you'll see it

Six were built. The Condor was the first airliner to have steam heating in the cabin and received particular attention to sound insulation and ventilation.

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