Stearman Aircraft
XA-21
The Stearman XA‑21 was a prototype attack aircraft developed in the late 1930s as the company’s response to the United States Army Air Corps requirement for a modern, high‑performance dive‑bomber. First flown in March 1939 at the Stearman plant in Wichita, Kansas, the XA‑21 combined the rugged construction typical of Stearman trainers with advanced aerodynamic and power‑plant innovations. It was powered by a 1,200‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 twin‑row radial engine, driving a three‑blade constant‑speed propeller and delivering a top speed of 340 mph. The low‑wing monoplane featured all‑metal stressed‑skin wings, retractable landing gear, and an enclosed cockpit with dual controls. Its armament consisted of two forward‑firing .50‑caliber machine guns, provision for a 1,200‑pound bomb load under the wing, and a rear defensive gun station.
Although the XA‑21 showed excellent handling and a respectable dive‑attack capability, the Army ultimately selected the Curtiss SB2C for production, and Stearman’s prototype never entered series manufacturing. Nonetheless, the XA‑21 demonstrated Stearman’s ability to transition from biplane trainers to modern combat designs, influencing later models such as the PT‑22 trainer and contributing valuable data on high‑speed monoplane structures that aided wartime aircraft development.
Although the XA‑21 showed excellent handling and a respectable dive‑attack capability, the Army ultimately selected the Curtiss SB2C for production, and Stearman’s prototype never entered series manufacturing. Nonetheless, the XA‑21 demonstrated Stearman’s ability to transition from biplane trainers to modern combat designs, influencing later models such as the PT‑22 trainer and contributing valuable data on high‑speed monoplane structures that aided wartime aircraft development.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 1938
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Stearman Aircraft
- Wikidata ID
- Q2335367