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The Curtiss XF14C was an airplane developed by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation in response to a request by the U.S. Navy in 1941 to produce a new shipboard high-performance fighter aircraft powered by the Lycoming XH-2470 liquid-cooled engine. On June 30, 1941 a contract for two prototype aircraft, designated the XF14C-1, was awarded. On the same date prototype development contracts were also awarded to Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation for the single engine XF6F-1 and the twin engine XF7F-1.
Early in the development the Navy requested better altitude performance and, in view of unsatisfactory progress in the development of the XH-2470 engine, Curtiss adapted the design of the aircraft around the new turbocharged Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engine. The aircraft equipped with this eighteen cylinder twin row radial air-cooled engine and three bladed contra-rotating propellers was designated the XF14C-2. The XF14C-1 was canceled. Also, looking at the problems of operation at altitudes of about 40,000 feet (12,000 m), the Navy also initiated work on a third version with a pressurized cockpit designated the XF14C-3.
Ultimately, only the XF14C-2 prototype was completed, flying for the first time in July 1944. Moreover, disappointment with performance estimates and delays with the availability of the XR-3350-16 engine coupled with the tactical need for an extremely high altitude fighter that failed to materialize led to cancellation of the development.

Curtiss XF14C

Type:           single seat interceptor fighter
Crew:           1: Pilot
Armament:       six .50 inch machine guns or 20mm cannon
Specifications:
        Length:         37' 9" (11.51 m)
        Height:         12' 4" (3.76 m)
        Wingspan:       46' 0" (14.03 m)
        Wing area:      375 sq. ft (34.84 sq. m)
        Empty Weight:   10,582 lb (4804 kg)
        Max Weight:     14,582 lb (6620 kg) max at takeoff
Propulsion:
        No. of Engines: 1
        Powerplant:     Wright XR-3350-16 18-cylinder radial
        Horsepower:     2300 hp
Performance:
        Range:          1355 miles (2180 km)
        Cruise Speed:   296 mph ( 476 km/h)
        Max Speed:      424 mph ( 682 km/h) at 32,000 ft
        Ceiling:        39,500 ft (12,048 m)

Evo malo od mene:

Curtiss XF14C-2

On 30 June 1941 Curtiss received a contract for the development and construction of a new carrier-based fighter for the U.S. Navy. The new fighter was to be fitted with the experimental Continental
XH-2470-4 liquid-cooled in-line engine of 2200 hp. Known at Curtiss as Model 94 it received the type designation XF14C-1. Two prototypes were ordered receiving the Bureau of Aeronautics serial numbers  03183 and 03184. Since further development on the XH-2479 engine was stopped, the XF14C-1 program was cancelled in December 1943.
 
However, the U.S. Navy requested Curtiss to adapt the original airframe, which was practically completed, for the new  Wright XR-3350 Duplex Cyclone radial engine. In fact, this was the same type of engine as used for the XP-62 high-altitude fighter which was at that moment also under development at Curtiss. Another feature in common with the XP-62 was the three-bladed contra rotating propellers.  Fitted with the Duplex Cyclone, the type designation was changed into XF14C-2. The first prototype was eventually completed with this engine, making its first flight in July 1944. During flight testing, however, performances fell below expectations and because of strong engine vibrations, it never could be flown at full power. Since the Duplex Cyclone engines were needed more urgently for the B-29 bomber and because the XF14C-2 offered no improvement over already operational types, the project was terminated early 1945.

Technical details:
Power plant:   Wright XR-3350-16 Duplex Cyclone 18-cilinder double-row radial engine of 2300 hp
Sizes:      wingspan   14.02 m   
      length      11.51 m
      height        3.76 m   
      wing area   34.84 m2        
Weights:   empty weight    4800 kg         
      loaded weight    6068 kg (maximal 6614 kg)
Performances:   max. speed     611 km/h at 6095 m (630 km/h at 9755 m)
      service ceiling    12,040 m
      range        2180 km
Armament:   four 20 mm cannons in the wings
Accommodation: pilot only

Tips for the model builders:

Unicraft has released at 1/72 scale a resin kit of this rare type. Although it lacks some detailing (it does not even have a cockpit interior) and care has to be taken for correct alignment of the outer wing sections, it will make a very nice model when completed. Decals are included.

References:   -Peter M. Bowers, Curtiss aircraft 1907-1947, Putnam London 1979      
           -William Green, War planes of the second world war -Fighters Vol.4, Macdonald, UK 1961
            
Remarks:

-The second XF14C-1 no. 03184 was never completed.
-A third version, the XF14C-3, was planned with a pressurized cockpit but never materialized.
-The XF14C-2 was flown in an all-white colour scheme.
-As a deck-lading fighter, the XF14C-2 was fitted with a tail-mounted arrester hook and folding wings.

 

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