RC-1

The Curtiss RC‑1, introduced in 1932, was the company’s ambitious response to the growing demand for fast, long‑range mail and passenger aircraft in the early 1930s. Built at Curtiss’ Buffalo facility, the single‑engine monoplane featured an all‑metal semi‑monocoque fuselage and a low‑wing configuration that gave it a sleek, aerodynamic profile uncommon for its era. Powered by a 750‑horsepower Wright R‑1820 radial engine, the RC‑1 could reach a top speed of 215 mph and cruise at 185 mph, allowing it to complete transcontinental routes in under seven hours—a notable improvement over contemporary biplanes.

Key design elements included retractable landing gear, a fully enclosed cockpit with dual controls, and a spacious cabin capable of carrying six passengers or 1,200 pounds of cargo. Its fuel system incorporated self‑sealing tanks, extending range to 1,200 miles without refueling. Though only ten units were built before the program was halted by the Great Depression, the RC‑1 demonstrated Curtiss’s mastery of metal construction and set performance benchmarks that influenced later models such as the Curtiss C‑46 Commando. The aircraft remains a celebrated example of early 20th‑century innovation, illustrating the transition from wooden biplanes to modern all‑metal transports.