CURTISS-WRIGHT CW-21A DEMONSTRATOR

The Curtiss-Wright CW-21 was an American prototype fighter aircraft from the interwar period. The machine was built in a low wing configuration and had a classic retractable landing gear. The prototype flight took place in 1938. The drive was provided by a single engine Wright Cyclone R-1820-G5 with a power of 1000 HP. The deck armament consisted of four 7.62 mm machine guns. The Curtiss-Wright CW-21 was created in connection with an attempt by the American aviation to test the concept of a light and highly maneuverable fighter plane, which would have small dimensions, had the best possible performance and was cheap to produce. The prototype specimen lived up to the hopes placed in it, above all it was characterized by a great rate of climb and good maneuverability. However, the machine did not have self-sealing fuel tanks and armor, which made it very vulnerable to enemy fire. These factors, as well as the interest in the US Air Force's interest in much larger, but also multi-purpose, fighter jets prevented the CW-21 from entering service with the US Air Force. However, Curtiss managed to sell the planes to China and the Netherlands. In Dutch colors, airplanes of this type took part in the fighting in the Far East at the turn of 1941/1942.