Curtiss XBT2C-1

Despite the failure of the XBTC-2, in March 1945, the Curtiss company received a contract for the construction of 10 XBT2C-1 (Model 98) aircraft. These aircraft were assigned serial numbers from 50879 to 50888.

Design and Specifications

This two-seat variant was essentially similar to the XBTC-2, but featured a less powerful 18-cylinder Wright R-3350-24 Duplex-Cyclone engine, delivering 2500 hp (1865 kW). It also had weaker armament, retaining only two of the four 20mm cannons, and included a search radar pod under the right wing console.

Production and Legacy

The aircraft’s first flight occurred in January 1946. Only nine machines were built, primarily because the Douglas AD Skyraider and Martin AM-1 Mauler were already in series production. Additionally, the XBT2C-1 was inferior to its competitors in key performance characteristics. These nine aircraft were the last ones designed by Curtiss for the U.S. Navy.

Technical Specifications

Modification	ХВТ2С-1
Wingspan, m	14.50
Length, m	11.94
Height, m	3.68
Wing area, m2	38.65
Empty weight	5565
Normal takeoff weight	8628
Engine type	1 Piston engine Wright R-3350-24 Duplex-Cyclone
Power, hp	1 x 2500
Maximum speed, km/h	531
Cruising speed, km/h	302
Practical range, km	2108
Maximum rate of climb, m/min	576
Practical ceiling, m	8015
Crew	1-2 crew
Armament	two 20-mm cannons, up to 907 kg of bomb load or one Mk.13 torpedo.

Image and diagram gallery of the Curtiss XBT2C-1

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BT2C	BT2C. Photo: Lauhof