Hall XP2H

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]

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

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. The XP2H-1 took 25 hours and 15 minutes to fly the 2,000 miles (3,200 km) distance between these two locations.[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
 United States

Specifications


Data from General Dynamic Aircraft and their Predecessors [4]

General characteristics

Performance

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

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References
  1. Test Pilot Airpower, September 1974 pp. 11-12
  2. Wegg 1990, pp.113-114.
  3. Flight January 24, 1935, p.94.
  4. Wegg 1990, p.114.
  5. Flight 21 February 1935, p.195.
  6. Loftin 1985, Chapter 8: Boats in the Sky :Biplane Flying-Boat Developments, 1920-30.
  • "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.


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