Curtiss P-6E „Hawk” – the American fighter

The P-6 family of aircraft begins with the Curtiss R-6 aircraft, that pilot Lester Maitland won a second place at Selfridge Field in 1922. The wing design of this aircraft was used in the production P-1 “Hawk”. Their centerplate was additionally strengthened and the keel modified. The prototype XP-6 "Hawk" originated from the installation of a Curtiss V-1570 "Conqueror" engine in a P-1 planer. In 1927, this airplane took 2nd place in a competition in Skopana, state Washington. Interestingly, the first place was taken by the second prototype of this plane (XP-6A) with the same engine, but with a changed wing design - they were rectangular in shape and with lower drag radiators. It reached a speed of 323 km/h. The US Army ordered 18 aircraft for testing, but they had modified engine fairings and fuselage bottoms. But the most famous of the entire P-6 family is the hero of this publication - the P-6E "Hawk", the last biplane in service of the USAAC. Compared to its predecessors, it had a narrower front part of the fuselage, the engine cooling radiator was installed at the bottom of the fuselage, the legs of the chassis were strengthened, and the wheels were covered with drop-shaped hoods. In outdoor conditions, another type of wheel covers was used, covering only the inner side of the wheels. This exceptionally fast and maneuverable aircraft served for a long time in interception groups (Pursuit Group).

The medium difficulty model recreates an aircraft of 1 Pursuit Group 17 Division, based at Selfridge Field. Its symbol was a snow owl, serial number 32-240, and it was piloted by Clement J. Gaster, who sank with the plane in Lake Erie on 9/1/1934. The model, under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, will be perfectly assembled by a beginner modeler with little experience or an advanced one.