P-36A Mohawk (oz4590)

About this Plan

P-36A Mohawk. Last of the Hawks. Control line scale model for .14 to .29 power. Note this plan shows detail variations of fuselage (and gear) to complete 5 different scale subjects.

Quote: "Last of the Fabulous Hawks. Curtiss airplarnes are no more, but from these gorgeous plans you can build a Mohawk, '75', P-40, P-37, or P-42 - all members of the Hawk fighter family. For 14's to 29's - you can't go wrong. By Walter Musciano.

When the Curtiss Airplane Division of the Curtiss-Wright Corp. announced its discontinuance, aviation enthusiasts were amazed. From the earliest days of aviation in the US, Curtiss airplanes have held their place among the leading aircraft of all time. The many varied designs produced by this pioneering organization were responsible, to a gear extent, for American leadership in the field of aviation. Some of these famous high performance pace setters were the Falcon and Hawk series of combat craft and the Condor and Commando transports as well as the Robin, Osprey, Fledging, Shrike and many others too numerous to mention.

One of the last series of designs of famous Curtiss airplanes was started in 1936 with a neat looking all-metal monoplane identified as the Hawk 75. Many of these non-retractable landing gear fighters were exported to foreign countries, including France and China.

The following year, this design was improved upon and a retractable landing gear was fitted, Labeled the Hawk 75-A for export and P-36 by the US Army Air Corps, this 294 mph fighter was again improved to attain a speed of 300 mph. This was redesignated P-36A Mohawk and 210 planes were ordered by the Air Corps in 038. Weight was 6,010 lb. with a 1,050 hp P&W air-cooled engine. Not contented with this, one P-36A was re-worked to attain 313 mph, having been fitted with a super-charger. This was the P-36B.

We built the P-36-A Mohawk not only because of the very interesting color scheme available but because it is representative of US pre-war aircraft that evolved into one of the aerial defenders of freedom. Our 3/4 in to the foot scale replica can be fitted with most engines from .14 to .29 cu in displacement.

Construction is started by shaping the wing spar and following up with the plywood joiner. Cut the sheer balsa wing covering to outline shape and butt join to the correct chord width. Cement the spar to the lower covering. Cut the ribs to shape and cement these to the spar and lower covering. Hold in place with pins until dry.

The landing gear is very important and should be very firmly installed. Bend the wire struts to shape, one left and one right side. Sandwich the struts between two pieces of plywood using plenty of cement. When dry, the plywood is cemented into the wing and additional cement is poured around this joint. This method of installation has been used successfully for many years and withstands the most punishing abuse.

Bevel the lower covering trailing edge and add the upper covering at this time. The solid balsa wing tips are now cemented in place. When thoroughly dry, the entire wing should be well sanded with 1/0 and 3/0 sandpaper..."

Update 13/05/2014: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to JJ.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

Corrections?

Did we get something wrong with these details about this plan (especially the datafile)? That happens sometimes. You can help us fix it.
Add a correction