Curtiss R2C
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company · United States · first flew 1923 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Curtiss R2C was a refined American racing biplane that swept the 1923 Pulitzer Trophy and Schneider Trophy competitions, representing the pinnacle of Curtiss's early 1920s racing programme.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.17 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- compact Curtiss D-12 biplane racer
- surface radiators on wings
- small single-bay sesquiplane
Visually similar to the earlier CR but distinguished by the smooth, flush wing-surface radiators that replace the CR's wing-leading-edge radiators. The sesquiplane layout with a very small lower wing and the Curtiss D-12 spinner are family traits.
Specifications
- The Curtiss R2C has a length of 6.17 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.71 m (22 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 441 km/h (274 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
A direct development of the successful CR racers, the R2C featured surface evaporative cooling radiators built into the wing skins, eliminating external radiator drag. The two R2Cs entered in the 1923 Pulitzer finished first and second, and the seaplane variant won the Schneider Trophy that year in a commanding demonstration of American air racing prowess.
Variants
Two R2C-1 landplane racers and one R2C-2 floatplane (for the Schneider Trophy) were built.
Where you'll see it
US Navy racing aircraft only; not combat-capable.
Related aircraft
- Curtiss CR
- Curtiss P-1A Hawk
- Curtiss HA
- Curtiss Twin JN
- Aero A.15
- Curtiss O-1E Falcon
- Potez 25 TOE
- Loening OA-1A
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