Curtiss XBTC (Model 96)

History of Curtiss XBTC (Type 96)

In 1942, during World War II, the United States committed to fighting in Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. In the Pacific theater, torpedo and dive bombers were crucial for attacking enemy ships. The U.S. Navy initially separated torpedo and bomber development but later realized the need for a versatile aircraft capable of both roles. This led to the commissioning of Curtiss Aerospace & Motors to create a combined torpedo and bomber aircraft.

Curtiss designed the aircraft with a simplified layout and the Wright R-3350 Radial engine, reducing crew requirements. It featured an internal bomb bay, external torpedo placement, and was armed with 20mm automatic cannons. To enhance survivability, self-sealing fuel tanks were incorporated, and it had an impressive range of up to 1,500 miles with optional fuel tanks. The U.S. Navy approved two designs, known as "XBTC-1" and "XBTC-2," based on different engines.

This collaboration between Curtiss and the U.S. Navy marked a significant effort to create a multi-role strike aircraft in a field typically dominated by fighter jets. The initial model was delivered in 1942, but the program faced delays due to wartime demands. The XBTC-1 program was terminated in 1943, while the XBTC-2 continued with two prototypes under development.

Specification

Base

Year of Service: 1945

Origins: United States

Status: Cancel

Crew: 1

Production: 2

Manufacturer: Curtiss Airplane and Motor Company - USA

Carrier: United States (removed)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Special Mission: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

Can search, track and attack enemy underwater elements using special equipment and weapons on board.

Special Mission: Ship Defense

Equipped to find, track and engage enemy surface elements through visual acquisition, radar support, and shipborne weapons.

Nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Notable features

Folding wings

The main aircraft is designed to be foldable, increasing storage capacity on land and at sea.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Inner bay

Hull volume includes space for internal weapons or special mission equipment.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Rescue process

A manual process to allow the pilot and/or crew to exit in the event of an onboard emergency.

Enclosed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Torpedo weapons

Ability to launch/release torpedoes against maritime threats/targets.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 39. 0 feet (11.90m)

Width/span: 50. 0 feet (15.25m)

Height: 13. 0 feet (3.95m)

Cured weight: 13,415 lbs (6,085 kg)

MTOW: 21,660 lbs (9,825 kg)

Wgt Difference: +8,245 lbs (+3,740 kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Install low

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major 3,000 hp Radial Piston Air-Cooled Engine 2c Three-Blade Propeller Unit, Counter Rotating Arrangement.

Maximum speed: 376 km/h (605 km/h | 327 knots)

Cruising speed: 190 km/h (305 km/h | 165 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +186 km/h (+300 km/h | 162 kn)

Maximum: 26,247 feet (8,000 m | 5 km)

Area: 1,836 km (2,955 km | 5,473 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 2,250 ft/min (686 m/min)

Weapons

Recommended: 4 x 20mm autocannon mounted on the wings (inside the wing hinges). Up to 2,000 lb conventionally dropped bombs (2 x 1,000 lb bombs) can be dropped in the internal bomb bay or a torpedo placed under the hull. Optional provisions for external bomb racks and jettisonable fuel tanks.