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United States' Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane

Photos

Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane:
United States' Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane 		Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane:
United States' Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane		 Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane:
United States' Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk floatplane		  

Design

With the failure of the Seamew the United States Navy issued a new specification for a scouting floatplane in June 1942.1,2 On March 31, 1943, an order for two prototypes was placed with Curtiss.2

Fuselage

In the rear of the fuselage a stretcher could be carried.1

Prototype

The XSC-1 prototype first flew on February 16, 1944.1,2

Production

A contract was issued in March 1943.1 In June 1943 500 SC-1s were ordered.1,2

The Seahawks were produced at Curtiss' Columbus, Ohio factory as land planes with fixed undercarriages.1,2 The floats were installed by the United States Navy for the ones that they wanted to be floatplanes.1,2

Production was cancelled when Japan surrendered.1

  • Curtiss XSC-1/A: 31
  • Curtiss SC-1: 5631, 5662
  • Curtiss SC-2: 101,2
  • Total: 5761
    • Manufacturer: Curtiss-Wright Corporation2

Variants

  • Curtiss XSC-1: Prototype.1
  • Curtiss SC-1: Deliveries began in October 1944.1
  • Curtiss SC-2: Was powered by the Wright R01830-76 Cyclone engine (1,425 HP).1 It had a clear view canopy, altered fin and rudder, and a jump seat behind the pilot.1

Usage

The Seahawk was only used by the United States.1

Combat Debut

During the invasion of Borneo in June 1945 the SC-1 first saw action.1

Specifications

  Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk1,2
Type Reconnaissance2, Scout and anti submarine floatplane1
Crew 11
Engine (Type) Wright R-1820-62 Cyclone1,2
Cylinders Radial 91,2
Cooling Air2
HP 1,3501,2
Propeller blades 41
Dimensions  
Span 41'1,2
12.5 m1
Length 36' 4"2, 36' 4.5"1
11.08 m1
Height - on beaching gear 16'1,2
4.88 m1
Wing area  
Weight  
Empty 6,320 lb1
2,867 kg1
Loaded 9,000 lb1,2
4,082 kg1
Performance  
Speed at sea level 238 mph1
383 kph1
Speed @ 28,600' /
8,717 m 		313 mph1,2
504 kph1
Cruising speed 125 mph1
201 kph1
Climb 2,500'/minute1
763 m/minute1
Service ceiling 37,300'1,2
11,370 m1
Range 625 miles2, 1,090 miles1
1,754 km1
Armament 2: MG2
2: 0.5" MG1
Bombs 750 lb2
Bombs - under wings 650 lb1
295 kg1

Sources:

  1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
  2. World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976