Pitcairn PA-2 Sesquiwing

The Pitcairn PA-2 Sesquiwing "Arrow" is an early biplane designed for air racing and commercial airmail service.[1]

Pitcairn PA-2 Sesquiwing
Model of a 1926 PA-2 on display at the EAA Airventure Museum
Role Biplane
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Pitcairn Aircraft Company
Designer Agnew E. Larson
First flight 1926
Introduction 1926

Design

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The Sesquiwing featured a quick change motor mount to accommodate a Curtiss C-6 or Curtiss OX-5 engine, and wheel fairings for speed.[2]

Operational history

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A specially built PA-2 was flown by Jim Ray in the 1926 Ford National Reliability Air Tour. It placed second in a race for engines under 800 cubic inches displacement, then it had its engine swapped to an OX-5 for a race the next day, and again back to a Curtiss C-6 engine the next day to win the Detroit race.[3]

Specifications (Pitcairn PA-2 Sesquiwing - C-6 engine)

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Pitcairn PA-2 Sesquiwing with OX-5 motor. 3-view drawing from Le Document aéronautique February,1927

Data from The Pitcairn Sesqui-Wing[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 2 passengers
  • Length: 22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
  • Upper wingspan: 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m)
  • Lower wingspan: 24 ft 8+12 in (7.531 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
  • Wing area: 219.8 sq ft (20.42 m2)
  • Empty weight: 1,492 lb (677 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,246 lb (1,019 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss C-6 , 160 hp (120 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 145 mph (233 km/h, 126 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 120 mph (190 km/h, 100 kn)
  • Stall speed: 60 mph (97 km/h, 52 kn)
  • Range: 360 mi (580 km, 310 nmi)
  • Endurance: 3 hr
  • Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ Frank Kingston Smith. Legacy of wings: the story of Harold F. Pitcairn.
  2. ^ Frank Kingston Smith. Legacy of wings: the story of Harold F. Pitcairn.
  3. ^ William F. Trimble (1982). High frontier: a history of aeronautics in Pennsylvania. ISBN 9780822953401.
  4. ^ Aviation November 8, 1926, pp. 802–804.

Bibliography

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