The Last Curtiss

[otftch]

This is a Curtiss XF15C-1 composite engined fighter for the US Navy. The prop in the nose-jet in the tail was tried by many manufacturers but only Ryan seemed to get it right. This is the first major modification of the airframe, where the stabilizers were moved to the top of the tail. When the Curtiss fighter eventually failed its acceptence tests, Curtiss Aircrft Company bowed out of the aircraft manufacturing business. I've ben working on this guy for about four months now. The kit is the old Airmodel vacuform in 1/72.
Ed

 

[plheure2]

Oh, to be an engineer/designer back in that Golden Age of aircraft! A very nice build on a very interesting subject!

 

[meatloaf109]

Nice bit of history. Never knew that!

 

[Njaco]

I always thought the Ryan FR-1 Fireball was the last composite plane. Cool build!

 

[T Bolt]

Very nice Ed

 

[Capt. Vick]

Very nice Ed! One of these Stingeree's still exist, believe it of not. It used to be at the New England Aviation Museum, but where it is now...I can only guess Pensacola

 

[otftch]

Here it was in '61.
Ed


Njaco; the Fireball was the last production composite. It beat out the Curtiss and outlasted its sibling,the XF2R.
Ed

 

[Airframes]

Good one Ed.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Very cool.

 

[Matt308]

That is one you don't see often. Well done!

 

[Gnomey]

Good work Ed!

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Nice job Ed on a very interesting subject. I grew up outside of Norfolk, VA. and have spent many weekends at airshows there an the Naval Air Station.

 

[ArmouredSprue]

Nice job on a very obscure subject!
Well done!
Cheers mate!

 

[rochie]

well done Ed

 

[ratpit]

nice one Ed