Bellanca XSE

In 1931, the U.S. Navy signed a contract with Bellanca Aircraft Corp. for the construction of a deck-based, long-range reconnaissance aircraft. That same year, the aircraft’s design project was developed, based on the Bellanca P-200 Airbus transport aircraft.

Initial Development and the XSE-1

Testing of the XSE-1 prototype began in December 1931. This was a three-seater, strut-braced high-wing monoplane, equipped with a single 650 hp Wright R-1820F Cyclone engine. Its armament consisted of two forward 7.62mm Browning machine guns and one identical gun installed in the rear cockpit on a movable turret. Unfortunately, the prototype was destroyed during its initial test flights.

The Improved XSE-2 Prototype

The second prototype, the XSE-2, was not completed until 1934. It featured a fourteen-cylinder Wright R-1510-98 Twin Whirlwind engine of the same power, a new tail section, and a reinforced arresting hook.

During factory tests, the aircraft demonstrated promising flight performance. However, by this time, the military had changed its plans, becoming more interested in reconnaissance-bomber aircraft, which ultimately led to the project’s cancellation.

Technical Specifications

Modification	XSE-2
Wingspan, m	15.16
Length, m	9.04
Wing area, m2	38.18
Empty weight	1619
Maximum takeoff weight	2741
Engine type	1 Piston engine Wright R-1510-98 Twin Whirlwind
Power, hp	1 x 650
Maximum speed, km/h	278
Cruising speed, km/h	225
Practical range, km	2345
Practical ceiling, m	5730
Crew	3 crew
Armament	two forward 7.62-mm Browning machine guns, one 7.62-mm machine gun on a turret in the observer’s cockpit

Image and diagram gallery of the Bellanca XSE

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