Curtiss R4C-1 Condor
Curtiss · United States · first flew 1933 · transport aircraft
The Curtiss R4C-1 Condor was a twin-engine biplane transport used by the US Navy and Marine Corps in the 1930s, derived from the commercial Condor II airliner.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Twin-engine biplane transport used by US Navy and Marines in 1930s
- Fabric-covered biplane with fixed spatted undercarriage
- Operated by USMC as VIP transport including by President Roosevelt
Large biplane transport with two Wright Cyclone radial engines in streamlined nacelles between the wings, fixed spatted undercarriage, and a slab-sided fuselage with large cabin windows.
Specifications
- The Curtiss R4C-1 Condor has a length of 14.8 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 24.9 m (82 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 282 km/h (175 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Two R4C-1s were delivered to the US military in 1933–34, operated as VIP and staff transports. One of the aircraft was used to transport senior military officials and was notable for its comfortable cabin appointments.
Variants
The military R4C-1 was closely related to the commercial Curtiss Condor II airliner; the US Army Air Corps operated a similar aircraft as the AT-32.
Where you'll see it
Served with the US Navy and Marine Corps in the VIP transport role until replaced by more modern monoplanes in the late 1930s.
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