The A-8 created a sensation in US aviation circles when it went into service with the 3rd Attack Group at Fort Crockett, Texas in April 1932. All other standard aircraft were of biplane configuration, and the first monoplane fighter (the Boeing P-26A) did not become operational until eight months later.
[edit]Variants
XA-8
Model 59, one prototype, serial number 30-387, length 32 ft 6 in (9.9 m), wingspan 44 ft (13.4 m), gross weight 5,413 lb (2,455 kg) Curtiss V-1570-23 direct drive engine
Curtiss YA-8 Shrike
YA-8
service test aircraft, 5 built, serial numbers 32-344 to 32-348, gross weight 5,706 lb (2,588 kg),[4] one was reworked as the YA-10 prototype with the 625 hp (466 kW) Pratt & Whitney Hornet radial engine
Y1A-8
service test aircraft, 8 built, gross weight 5,710 lb (2,590 kg)A-8
12 redesignated YA-8 and Y1A-8 aircraft
Y1A-8A
last Y1A-8 with Curtiss V-1570-57 geared engine, length 33 ft 7 in (10.24 m), gross weight 6,287 lb (2,852 kg)
A-8A
redesignated Y1A-8A aircraft[4]
A-8B
cancelled, replaced by A-12 Shrike[4]
[edit]Operators
United States
United States Army Air Corps
[edit]Specifications (YA-8)
Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947
General characteristics
Crew: Two
Length: 32 ft 0 in (9.76 m)
Wingspan: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)
Height: 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
Wing area: 256 sq ft (23.78 m²)
Empty weight: 3,910 lb (1,777 kg)
Loaded weight: 5,888 lb (2,676 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss V-1570-31 Conqueror Vee, 600 hp (447 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 183 mph (159 knots, 295 km/h)
Cruise speed: 153 mph (133 knots, 246 km/h)
Range: 480 mi (417 nmi, 773 km)
Service ceiling: 18,100 ft (5,500 m)
Rate of climb: 1,325 ft/min (6.7 m/s)
Armament
Guns:
4 × forward-firing 0.3 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine guns were mounted in the wheel fairings
1 × 0.3 in (7.62 mm) machine gun mounted in the observer's cockpit for rear defense
Bombs: Up to 4 × 100 lb (45 kg) bombs carried under the wings or up to 10 × 30 lb (
