RS Models – 92191 – Curtiss Hawk II

Description:

Curtiss Hawk II

Plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a U.S. Curtiss F11C Goshawk fighter aircraft in its export variant Curtiss Hawk II.

The Hawk II was essentially an export variant of the XF11C-2, featuring a Wright R-1820F-3 Cyclone engine rated at 710 hp at 1,676 meters and a fuel capacity of 356 liters. In contrast, the Hawk I had only 189 liters of internal fuel. The Hawk II, with mixed construction similar to the F11C-2 and typically armed with twin 7.62mm machine guns, was the model exported in significant numbers.

Turkey was the first customer, receiving 19 aircraft starting on August 30, 1932. Colombia followed with an initial batch of four twin-float-equipped Hawk IIs delivered at the end of October 1932, receiving a total of 26 float fighters by the end of July 1934. Bolivia received nine aircraft, three of which had interchangeable wheel/float undercarriages. Additional deliveries included four aircraft to Chile, 52 to China, four to Cuba, two to Germany, one to Norway, and 12 to Thailand. The Curtiss Hawk II saw combat in Bolivia, China, and Siam.

The Curtiss Hawk II saw combat in Bolivia, China, and Siam. In Bolivia, the Hawk IIs were used during the Chaco War against Paraguay, where they proved effective in ground-attack roles. In China, the Hawk IIs were operated by both the Nationalist Chinese Air Force and warlord air forces, participating in various conflicts during the turbulent 1930s. In Siam (Thailand), the aircraft were employed during border conflicts and internal skirmishes.

The Hawk II featured robust construction with a fabric-covered fuselage over a metal frame and fabric-covered wings. Its versatility allowed for different configurations, including fixed-wheel and floatplane variants. The aircraft had a maximum speed of around 320 km/h (200 mph) and a service ceiling of approximately 7,500 meters (24,600 feet).

Kit include parts for wheeled of floats undercarriage and decal sheet with three markings, Cuban Air Force, Colombian Air Force (floats) and German, Ernst Udet marking.