T-32 Condor II

The Curtiss‑Wright T‑32 Condor II was introduced in 1933 as a twin‑engine, low‑wing monoplane designed primarily for advanced military training and light transport. Built at the company's Buffalo, New York plant, the Condor II evolved from the earlier T‑32 military prototype and incorporated a fully stressed‑skin aluminum structure, retractable main landing gear, and a streamlined nose with a 750 hp Wright Cyclone radial engine on each side. Its spacious cabin could accommodate a pilot, instructor, and up to four passengers, while the dual‑control cockpit featured state‑of‑the‑the instrumentation that familiarized trainees with the systems later found in front‑line bombers. The aircraft’s robust airframe and forgiving handling made it a favorite in U.S. Army Air Corps training schools, and its speed—over 230 mph—allowed it to compete successfully in a series of inter‑war air races, showcasing Curtiss‑Wright’s engineering prowess. Though production numbers were modest, the T‑32 Condor II demonstrated the viability of all‑metal, twin‑engine trainers and influenced subsequent designs such as the C‑46 Commando. Its legacy endures as a bridge between early biplane trainers and the more sophisticated multi‑engine aircraft of World War II. Preserved examples can be seen in several aviation museums, where they continue to educate new generations about the evolution of trainer aircraft.

Curtiss-Wright

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