Curtiss Hawk P-6E (oz5832)

About this Plan

Curtiss P-6E Hawk. Radio control sport-scale biplane fighter model.

Quote: "Designed for a 'forty' this classic P-GE offers the modeler everything an airplane should be. By Bob Rich. Photos by Bob & Doris Rich

I guess I just have a thing going for P-6E's, but I know I'm not alone. There is a very large group of us who think it epitomizes everything an airplane should be. Two wings, open cockpit. wind whistling through the wires, and all that good stuff. Top that off with a very colorful paint job and what more could you ask for? How about a model of that classic that is a very good flyer and is easy to build?

Two models were made from this design, just to check everything out. I would like to say the first one flew right off the drawing board. I would like to, but I can't. There were some changes made to make it better. While the first one flew very well, almost like a trainer at half throttle and very maneuverable at full power, it could be improved upon and it was.

These drawings reflect all of the changes that were made for the second plane to improve ground handling, flying and to get more scale accuracy. The model is designed fora .40 size engine, but engines from .35 to .45 will work well. A word of caution though, don't over-power the model. It just doesn't need brute force to fly, even at higher altitudes.

Our small Curtiss Hawk P-6E (oz6755) from RC Modeler August 1976, and currently a Carl Goldberg kit, flew best with a .19 to .30 engine. A .25 is a very good size. It can be a real fun flying machine but, when over-powered is a real handful with the fun removed. This plane could be the same way - so keep the power reasonable and enjoy it.

This model is not for the novice, either in construction or flying. But if you have several kits under your belt and can do a fair job of flying you will have no problems. That is if you follow the instructions. After years of extensive research I have reached the conclusion that the old saying - lf all else fails, read the instructions - is absolutely false. You can read the instructions all day long, but it you don't follow them they won't do one bit of good.

While the model is an excellent fun and sport flyer, you won't have to take a back seat to anyone in Sport Scale competition. Only a few liberties were taken for case of construction and flying ability,and it does look good. If you are as sold on the plane as I am, let's get down to the nitty gritty and get started..."

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