Curtiss R4C-1 Condor

The Curtiss R4C‑1 Condor was a two‑seat, single‑engine biplane designed by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company in the early 1920s for naval reconnaissance and medium‑bombing duties. First flown in 1924, the aircraft entered service with the United States Navy as the R4C‑1 and with the Marine Corps as the R2C, later receiving the U.S. Army designation PW‑8 for experimental work. Powered by a robust 650 hp Curtiss V‑1400 liquid‑cooled V‑12 engine, the Condor could reach 138 mph and carry up to 1,200 lb of ordnance or photographic equipment, a considerable payload for its era. Its wooden frame, fabric covering, and sesquiplane wing arrangement provided a blend of strength and maneuverability, while staggered wings and a fixed tailskid undercarriage facilitated carrier operations on early decks. The aircraft gained fame in 1925 when a R4C‑1 set a world endurance record, remaining aloft for 27 hours and 5 minutes, demonstrating the reliability of long‑range patrol platforms. Although quickly eclipsed by metal monoplanes, the Condor’s versatile design, record‑breaking performance, and dual‑service use marked a pivotal step in the transition from World War I biplanes to modern naval aviation, influencing later carrier‑borne reconnaissance concepts.

Curtiss

Curtiss R4C-1 Condor

Classification

Design & Classification