Curtiss BT2C

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When the Navy released the specifications for a new carrier-based attack aircraft, four companies were selected to develop prototypes for the project. This new aircraft was to take the place of the mixture of dive bombers and torpedo bombers currently serving in the fleet, by combining the duties of both in a single design. This new aircraft was also to carry a heavier amount of ordnance than its predecessors. The four competitors were the Douglas XBT2D1 Dauntless II (later to be known as the A-1 Skyraider), the Martin XBTM-1 (later to become the AM-1 Mauler), the Kaiser/Fleetwings XBTK-1, and the Curtiss XBTC. Work on the XBTC was begun on December 31, 1943. After testing, the Navy choose to pursue the Douglas and Martin designs exclusively. Not giving up, Curtiss began work on an improved design known as the XBT2C-1, and in March 1945 the Navy awarded Curtiss a contract for ten copies of this new aircraft. It was powered by the same engine as the Skyraider, but unlike the Douglas design, it was a two-place aircraft. The first flight of a BT2C was made in January 1946, but only nine aircraft were completed before development was abandoned. With this failure came the end of Curtiss-Wright's aircraft manufacturing for the Navy, a relationship that had endured since 1911.

Curtiss BT2C

Type:		carrier-based attack aircraft
Crew:		2
Armament:	guns: unknown
                also, a variety of ordnance
		carried on extra hardpoints
		and in an internal bomb bay

Specifications:
	(info not available)

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	1
	Powerplant:    	Wright R-3350-24 Cyclone 18 radial
	Horsepower:	2400 hp

Performance:
	(info not available)

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