Tony’s Scrapbook: Curtiss P-36 Hawk

This newspaper clipping describes a new U.S. Army pursuit plane from Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, probably a prototype at that time. The aircraft was manufactured in Buffalo by the Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Co. Key features of this aircraft include:

1. Flaps and Slots for Safety: These features enhance the plane’s stability and control during flight.
2. 650-Horsepower Motor: Indicates the engine’s power, providing strong performance capabilities.
3. All-Metal Construction: This was a modern design choice at the time, offering improved durability and strength.
4. Enclosed Cockpit: This innovation was significant for protecting the pilot at high speeds, enhancing safety and comfort.

The image shows the aircraft in flight with the date ‘Jan 1933’ marked. This period, known as the interwar years, saw significant advancements in military aviation technology. The P-36 Hawk, likely an early model, was a product of this era, representing the evolution of military aircraft design and capabilities leading up to World War II.

Based on the description and the image in the newspaper clipping, the aircraft is likely the Curtiss P-36 Hawk. Here are the reasons supporting this identification:

1. Manufacturer: The clipping mentions that the Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Co built the plane. The Curtiss P-36 Hawk was one of the prominent fighter aircraft produced by Curtiss in the early 1930s.
2. Period: The clipping’s date is January 1933. The Curtiss P-36 Hawk flew in 1935, but prototypes were developed and tested in the early 1930s.
3. Design Features:
   • All-Metal Construction: The P-36 Hawk boasted an all-metal structure, a cutting-edge feature for its time, showcasing the aircraft’s technological prowess and innovation.Enclosed Cockpit: The P-36 Hawk had an enclosed cockpit, a relatively innovation for fighters of that era.
   • 650-Horsepower Motor: Early versions of the P-36 Hawk had similar engines in this power range.
4. Role: The clipping describes the plane as a “pursuit plane” (an older term for a fighter aircraft), which aligns with the role of the P-36 Hawk.

Given these factors, it is plausible that the aircraft in the clipping is an early version or prototype of the Curtiss P-36 Hawk.

Curtiss P-36 Hawk Specifications

General Characteristics:

• Crew: 1 (pilot)
• Length: 28 ft 6 in (8.7 m)
• Wingspan: 37 ft 4 in (11.4 m)
• Height: 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m)
• Wing Area: 236 sq ft (21.9 m²)
• Empty Weight: 4,716 lb (2,139 kg)
• Gross Weight: 5,772 lb (2,617 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-13 Twin Wasp radial engine, 1,050 hp (780 kW)

Performance:

• Maximum Speed: 313 mph (504 km/h, 272 km) at 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
• Cruise Speed: 250 mph (400 km/h, 220 km)
• Range: 830 mi (1,340 km, 720 nmi)
• Service Ceiling: 32,700 ft (9,960 m)
• Rate of Climb: 2,540 ft/min (12.9 m/s)

Armament:

• Guns:
  • 1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine gun
  • 1 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun
• Bombs: Up to 400 lb (180 kg) of bombs

Design Features:

• Construction: All-metal, low-wing monoplane
• Landing Gear: Retractable landing gear
• Cockpit: Enclosed cockpit for the pilot

The Curtiss P-36 Hawk was essential in fighter development for the U.S. Army Air Corps. It was a precursor to more advanced models like the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. Although it saw limited combat, it was significant for its technological advancements during its era.

The Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Co. in Buffalo produced the Curtiss P-36 Hawk from 1937 to 1939. Here is a brief timeline of its production and development:

• First Flight: The prototype of the P-36 Hawk, initially designated as the Curtiss Model 75, first flew in 1935.
• Production Start: Full-scale production of the P-36 began in 1937 after the U.S. Army Air Corps placed an order following successful testing.
• Production End: Production continued until 1939, when the focus shifted towards developing and producing more advanced fighter aircraft such as the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.

During this period, approximately 215 P-36 Hawks made it through the Curtiss production line for the U.S. Army Air Corps, with additional units produced for export to other countries.

The P-36 Hawk at Pearl Harbor

One of the most famous stories involving the P-36 Hawk took place during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Although most U.S. fighter aircraft cannot take off from extensive damage, a few P-36 Hawks managed to get airborne.

• Lieutenant Phil Rasmussen is the most famous pilot to have flown the P-36 Hawk during the attack. Despite the chaos, Rasmussen and a few other pilots took off in their P-36s and engaged the attacking Japanese aircraft. Rasmussen, still in his pajamas, scored one of the few American aerial victories that day by shooting down a Japanese plane.

Lieutenant Phil Rasmussen’s actions during the Pearl Harbor attack have been celebrated in various historical accounts, making him a notable figure in American military history.

International Use and Combat

The P-36 Hawk saw action with several other air forces around the world. Here are a couple of international stories:

• French Air Force: The P-36, known as the Curtiss H75 in French service, saw significant combat during the early stages of World War II. French pilots achieved numerous victories against German aircraft during the Battle of France in 1940. Despite being outnumbered and often outgunned, French pilots flew the H75 with distinction, proving its effectiveness in combat.
• Finnish Air Force: The P-36 is a popular choice by the Finnish Air Force, where it was known as the Curtiss Hawk 75A. Finnish pilots achieved a remarkable kill-to-loss ratio while flying these aircraft against Soviet forces during the Continuation War (1941-1944). The aircraft’s maneuverability and robustness made it a valuable asset for skilled pilots.

Development and Legacy

The P-36 Hawk was not just a significant aircraft in its own right but also paved the way for developing more advanced models.

The design and experience gained from the P-36 directly influenced the development of the more famous Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. The P-40 retained many design elements of the P-36. Still, it featured a more powerful engine and better armament, making it more suited for the demands of World War II. These stories highlight the P-36 Hawk’s versatility and impact across different theaters of war and its role in the evolution of military aviation during a critical period in history.

It’s necessary to explore Lieutenant Phil Rasmussen because of his essential role in defending our country on that day.

Lieutenant Phil Rasmussen: A Brief Biography

Early Life and Career:

• Birth: Philip M. Rasmussen was born on May 11, 1918, in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Education: He attended Boston University before joining the United States Army Air Corps.

Military Service:

• Enlistment: Rasmussen enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and completed his flight training in 1940.
• Assignment: He was stationed at Wheeler Field in Hawaii as a second lieutenant.

Pearl Harbor Attack:

• December 7, 1941: During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Rasmussen was one of the few American pilots who managed to get airborne. Despite the surprise attack and heavy damage to the base, he quickly responded.
• Heroic Actions: Rasmussen, still in his pajamas, found an operational P-36 Hawk and took off with three other pilots. He engaged in aerial combat with Japanese aircraft and scored a victory by shooting down one enemy plane. However, some sources suggest Rasmussen may have downed more. His aircraft was heavily damaged, but he managed to land safely.

Later Career:

• Promotions: Rasmussen continued his military career, eventually rising to Lieutenant Colonel.
• World War II Service: He served in various capacities throughout World War II, contributing significantly to the war effort.

Post-War Life:

• Retirement: Rasmussen retired from the United States Air Force after a distinguished career.
• Death: He passed away on April 30, 2005, in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Legacy:

• Recognition: Rasmussen will always be known for his bravery and quick action during one of the most critical moments in American military history. His story inspires others as a remarkable example of heroism during the Pearl Harbor attack.
• Historical Impact: His actions on December 7, 1941, are a testament to the resilience and courage of American service members in the face of adversity.

Thanks for making it to the end of this post. It’s been a while since I posted something new on this site, and I’ll be more consistent in the future. Plus, I needed to increase my storage capacity, which is good now.

Thanks for visiting, and I’ll see you in the next post!