Poland's PZL P-37, attack bomber

Photos

PZL P-37 prototype:

Design

The P-37 was manufactured by Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze (PZL).¹

Prototype

The military gave permission for the construction of three prototypes in April 1935.¹ The first prototype, the P-37/I, flew at the end of June 1936.¹

Production

The PZL P-37 was not given priority for construction.¹ An order for 30 P-37As was placed.¹

An order for 150 P-37Bs was placed but due to the Polish military wanting more fighters, the order was reduced to 100.¹ 70 were delivered by September 1939.¹

• P-37B: 36¹

Variants

• P-37/I: 1st prototype.¹ Pegasus engine (873 HP).¹
• P-37/II: 2nd prototype.¹ Pegasus engine (925 HP).¹
• P-37A (first 10 produced): Had single tail fin.¹
• P-37A (next 20 produced): Had twin tail fins.¹
• P-37B: The canopy and landing gear were modified.¹
• P-49: Had 1,600 HP engines.¹ A prototype was being constructed but it was destroyed by the Germans.¹

Usage

Air Shows

At the Belgrade and Paris air shows in 1938 the P-37A was presented and impressed many.¹ Bulgaria, Rumania, Turkey, and Yugoslavia placed orders for 75.¹ None of the orders were filled as World War II started in September 1939.¹

Specifications