| Curtiss Robin | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Curtiss Robin Challenger | |
| Type | Touring |
| Manufacturer | Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company |
| Maiden flight | 7 August 1928[1] |
| Introduced | 1928 |
| Status | A number still flying[1] |
| Primary user | U. S. Private Owner Market[1] |
| Number built | 769[1] |
| Unit cost | $7,500 U.S. Dollars (1938) |
The Curtiss Robin, introduced in 1928, was a high wing monoplane with an 8-cylinder V8 OX-5 90 hp (67 kW) engine. It was later fitted with the more powerful Challenger engine, which developed between 170 and 185 hp (127 to 138 kW). The OX-5 version was flown by Douglas "Wrongway" Corrigan as well as The Flying Keys.
Contents |
Design
The Robin, a workmanlike cabin monoplane had a wooden wing and steel tubing fuselage. The cabin accomidated three, two passegers seated side-by-side behind the pilot. Early Robins were distinguished by large flat fairings over the parallel diagional wing bracing struts, which were abandond on later versions when found ineffective at creating lift[1]. The original landing gear were bungee rubber cord shock absorbers, later replaced by an oleo-pneumatic system, a number of Robins had twin-floats added. Payload with 50 U.S. gal (190 L) fuel was 452 lb (205 kg), cruising speed 102 mph (164 km/h), landing speed 48 mph (77 km/h), gas capacity 50 U.S. gal (25 U.S. gal in each wing tank) (2×85 L), oil capacity 5 U.S. gal (19 L). Price at factory field was $7,500.
Military service
A single modified Robin (with a 110hp Warner R-420-1) was used by the United States Army Air Corps, and designated XC-10. This aircraft was used in a test program for radio-controlled (and unmanned) flight.
Specifications (Robin OX-5)
General characteristics
- Crew: three
- Length: 25 ft 1 in[2] (7.65 m)
- Wingspan: 41 ft[2] (12.5 m)
- Height: 8 ft[1] (2.44 m)
- Wing area: 223 ft²[1] (20.72 m²)
- Empty weight: 16318 lb (743 kg)
- Loaded weight: 621 lb (436 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 12600 lb (1180 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Curtiss OX-5 liquid-cooled V-8, 90 hp (67 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 103 knots (120 mph, 190 km/h)
- Range: 4323 nm (500 miles, 800 km)
- Service ceiling 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
- Rate of climb: 640 ft/min (195 m/min) at sea level
References
External links
- Virginia Aircraft Museum
- Aiminded.net
- Information about this flight at the National Air and Space Museum Web Site
- The Museum of Flight
- A Curtiss Robin is rebuild from an empty frame
- A brief story of "Wrongway" Corrigan's adventure
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