Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright R5C-1 Commando
The Curtiss‑Wright R5C‑1 Commando was a twin‑engine, low‑wing transport and utility aircraft developed in the late 1930s for the United States Navy. Built by the Curtiss‑Wright Corporation, the R5C‑1 entered service in 1939 as the Navy’s first purpose‑built, all‑metal monoplane designed for carrier‑based liaison, personnel transport, and light cargo duties. Its 1,200 hp Wright R‑1820 Cyclone radial engines gave a top speed of 210 mph and a range of 1,200 nm, while its retractable landing gear and split‑flap system enhanced carrier handling. The aircraft’s spacious cabin could accommodate up to eight crew members or 2,000 lb of freight, and a large side door facilitated rapid loading. Though only a limited production run of 44 airframes was completed before the outbreak of World War II shifted focus to combat types, the R5C‑1 proved valuable in training, medical evacuation, and as a testbed for early navigation equipment. Its all‑metal construction and aerodynamic efficiency set a benchmark for subsequent Navy transport designs, influencing the later development of the iconic R5D (C‑47) and other logistical platforms that underpinned Allied air operations. A handful of surviving examples are displayed in aviation museums, reminding historians of the transitional role the Commando played between biplane scouts and modern transport aircraft.
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Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 160