Hall XP2H
| XP2H-2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Patrol flying boat |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Hall-Aluminum Aircraft Corporation |
| First flight | November 15, 1932 |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 1 |
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The Hall XP2H-1 was an American prototype four-engined biplane flying boat of the 1930s. Intended as an experimental very-long-range maritime patrol aircraft, a single example was built. The XP2H-1 was the largest four engine biplane aircraft ever procured by the US Navy.[1]
Development and design
In 1930, the United States Navy ordered a single example of a large flying boat from the Hall-Aluminum Aircraft Corporation, to meet a requirement for an experimental very-long-range patrol aircraft. The resulting design was designated XP2H-1 and was a four-engined biplane. It had an all-aluminum hull, a scaled-up version of that used in Hall's smaller PH flying boat, which accommodated a crew of six. The wings were of fabric-skinned aluminum construction and were of trapezoidal shape. The engines, Curtiss V-1570 Conquerors were mounted in tandem push-pull pairs between the wings.[2][3]
The XP2H-1 first flew on November 15, 1932, and was extensively tested, demonstrating excellent performance, being 11 mph (18 km/h) faster than predicted.[4] It was possible to cruise on just two engines to extend range, and in 1935, the XP2H-1 was used to carry out a nonstop flight between Norfolk, Virginia and Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone in 1935, taking 25 hours and 15 minutes to fly the 2,000 miles (3,200 km).[5] It was destroyed later in the year attempting a landing in open water.[6] No further P2Hs were built, with the US Navy equipping its patrol squadrons with smaller flying boats such as the Consolidated P2Y.
Operators
Specifications
Data from General Dynamic Aircraft and their Predecessors [4]
General characteristics
- Crew: six
- Length: 64 ft 6½ in (19.68 m)
- Wingspan: 112 ft 0 in (34.15 m)
- Height: 25 ft 6 in (7.77 m)
- Wing area: 2,742 ft² (254.8 m²)
- Empty weight: 20,856 lb (9,840 kg)
- Loaded weight: 35,393 lb (16,087 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 43,193 lb (19,633 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × Curtiss V-1570-54 Conqueror V-12 water cooled, 600 hp (448 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 121 knots (225 km/h, 139.6 mph) at sea level
- Cruise speed: 104 knots (193 km/h, 120 mph)
- Range: 1,870 nmi (3,462 km, 2,150 mi)
- Ferry range: 2,913 nmi (5,394 km, 3,350 mi) (maximum range)
- Service ceiling: 10,900 ft (3,320 m)
- Climb to 5,000 ft (1,525 m): 8.7 min
Armament
- Guns: Five flexibly mounted 0.3 in Browning machine guns in nose, dorsal waist and tail positions
- Bombs: 2,000 lb (909 kg) bombs
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hall aircraft. |
- "For Long Range Patrol". Flight, 24 January 1935. p. 94.
- "A Long Distance Flight" Flight, 21 February 1935, p. 195.
- Boyne, Walter J. "The Flying Hallmarks: The Hall Aluminium Classics". The Best of Wings Magazine. Washington, DC:Brasseys, 2001. ISBN 978-1-57488-368-8. pp. 52–61.
- Loftin, Laurence K. Quest for Performance:The Evolution of Modern Aircraft,SP-468. Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, History Office, Scientific and Technical Information Branch, 1985.
- Wegg, John. General Dynamic Aircraft and their Predecessors. London:Putnam, 1990. ISBN 0-85177-833-X.