Biplane, research attributed to Curtiss

The aircraft of which this is a model has not been identified, but its shape and origin (USA) makes us think that it came from Curtiss. The shape and gap between the wings are similar to the Curtiss P-1,P-6 and XP-22, even if the rudders are very much different. Whilst on this subject one can note that this model has similarities with another Curtiss – the SBC-4 Helldiver. Both of them have the same bevelling at the back which helps during a deck landing. One surprising detail – there is no mast connecting the engine to the wings. Since it is unlikely that the model would have been devoid of such a mast, it is more likely that the model was perhaps used for tests for which a mast wasn’t necessary...