Early U.S. Fighter Planes of WW2

Early U.S. Fighter Planes of WW2: A Comparative Study of the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer.

Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, Republic P-43 Lancer

During World War II, the development of fighter aircraft was crucial for establishing air superiority. The early U.S. fighter planes, such as the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer played mostly unknown, but pivotal roles in the initial stages of the conflict. These aircraft marked a transition in aviation technology, featuring advancements like all-metal construction and retractable landing gear. Each of these planes contributed uniquely to the U.S.’s efforts in gaining an edge in aerial combat during the war.

The Seversky P-35 was the first single-seat fighter in the U.S. Army Air Corps to boast all-metal construction with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear, a significant step forward in fighter design. Meanwhile, the Curtiss P-36 showcased impressive agility and formed the backbone of the U.S. fighter fleet before the onset of the war. The Brewster F2A Buffalo, although initially promising with its carrier-based capabilities, unfortunately revealed performance shortcomings when faced with enemy fighters.

The Republic P-43 Lancer, though not widely produced, provided valuable experience that informed the development of more advanced aircraft, such as the P-47 Thunderbolt. Even though these aircraft had their limitations, their roles in training and early combat missions set the stage for future successes in aerial warfare.

Early U.S. fighter planes like the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer played a significant role in shaping the American aerial response during World War II. These aircraft emerged during a pivotal time in aviation history.

Advent of the Modern Fighter

The era saw a transformation in fighter aircraft design, moving from biplanes like the Boeing P-26 Peashooter to more advanced monoplanes. The Seversky P-35 and other planes of the time, such as the Republic Aviation P-43 Lancer, featured all-metal structures and retractable landing gear.

These changes were crucial as they influenced maneuverability and speed. Inspired by European designs like the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Hawker Hurricane, American engineers recognized the necessity for speed, durability, and effectiveness in aerial warfare.

The Transition From Peacetime to War

As tensions heightened before World War II, the U.S. military needed to modernize its aerial capabilities. The Seversky P-35 and Curtiss P-36 marked this transition by being among the first all-metal pursuit planes adopted by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC).

The training and organizational structure had to shift from peacetime activities to anticipating active combat scenarios. This period required rapid enhancements to design, production, and pilot training to prepare for the coming conflict.

Influences on American Fighter Design

Designers like Alexander P. de Seversky and entities like Republic Aviation made significant impacts through innovative approaches. The focus was on creating aircraft that could keep up with or surpass foreign competitors.

The United States Navy and the USAAC sought planes that could also operate effectively in different theaters of war. The enclosed cockpits and low-wing cantilever designs were responses to these operational demands. These features were vital for performance improvements and paved the way for future aircraft advancements like the Supermarine Spitfire and Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.

Key Fighter Aircraft of the Era

The early U.S. fighter planes of World War II, like the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36 Hawk, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer, played significant roles during the war. These aircraft featured advancements such as retractable landing gear and enclosed cockpits, setting the stage for more modern fighters.

Seversky P-35

The Seversky P-35 was a notable advancement in the late 1930s for American aviation. It was the first single-seat fighter for the U.S. Army Air Corps with an all-metal construction and included features such as a retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit, which were pioneering for the time. It had a Twin Wasp engine, generated by Pratt & Whitney, providing decent power but lacking armor protection and self-sealing fuel tanks, which became crucial as the war progressed.

A noteworthy variant, the P-35A, was exported to Sweden under the designation EP-106. Though innovative, it struggled in dogfights against newer Japanese aircraft due to its limited speed and maneuverability. Despite its shortcomings, the P-35 laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements in fighter design.

History:

This aircraft was the inspiration for the 1938 Italian Reggiane Re2000, which was designed by Roberto Longhi. Like the Italian aircraft, however, the Seversky P-35 was not as popular as it might have been and both the Seversky and the Reggiane ended up going for export. Sweden bought both Re 2000s and P-35s, 60 of the former and 120 of the latter.

The small Seversky fighter was designed in 1936 by Alexander Kartveli, the father of the P-47 Thunderbolt.

Only 77 of the original model were built and these were powered by Pratt & Whitney 950 hp engines. The export model, the EP-106, was built for the Swedish Air Force, but, because of the American embargo on arms exports, only 60 of the 120 ordered were delivered.

The remaining 60 aircraft, redesignated P-35 A, were used by the Americans for operational purposes in the Philippines in late 1941.

Animated 3d model Seversky P-35:

Curtiss P-36 Hawk

The Curtiss P-36 Hawk, also known as the Curtiss Model 75, introduced many U.S. pilots to modern aviation tactics. As a precursor to the famous P-40 Warhawk, this plane featured a robust design and was powered by a Wright R-1820 Cyclone engine. It had a closed cockpit, which was still a novelty at the time.

The Hawk’s maneuverability was well-regarded, thanks to its lightweight build. While lacking some modern protection, such as self-sealing fuel tanks, it still held an advantage in the early stages of the war. This aircraft marked significant steps in preparation and experience for American pilots, influencing future designs and combat philosophies.

History:

The P-36 was designed in November 1934, and six months later the prototype was ready, but deliveries did not begin until 1938, when 177 P-36As reached the units. The final delivery, 30 P-36Cs, was made in early 1939 and this version had a more powerful engine and heavier armament.

By the outbreak of the Second World War, the P-36 was obsolete and only four were operational at Pearl Harbour. The type was more successful abroad and was sold to France, Great Britain, Finland and Holland.

Brewster F2A Buffalo

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was one of the first monoplane fighters used by the U.S. Navy. Created at the Naval Aircraft Factory, it signaled a shift from biplanes to more streamlined monoplanes. Equipped with a powerful Wright R-1820 engine, it had an enclosed cockpit, making it suitable for challenging aerial combat conditions.

However, the F2A struggled with excessive weight when loaded with armor protection and self-sealing fuel tanks, making it less agile compared to opponents. Despite being outperformed by many adversaries, its initial success in Europe highlighted its value in transitioning naval aviation to more modern forms.

History:

In direct competition with the Grumman F4F Wildcat, the F2A Buffalo was the U.S. Navy’s first fighter monoplane. The small, compact Brewster design was not a success in service.

Nevertheless, the Buffalo won the tender and in June 1938 a contract was signed for an initial 54 aircraft. However, after just a few months of service, the Buffalo was withdrawn from Navy and Marine units and replaced by the first Wildcats.

Most of the 500 Buffalos built went to Great Britain, Finland and Holland and were used by their air forces before America entered the war.
A Marine Corps squadron (VMF-221) was the only American unit to fly the Buffalo in combat – at Midway on 5 June 1942 – and the results were disastrous.

The XF2A-1 project was launched in early 1936, around the same time as the competing Grumman proposal. The Brewster prototype took to the skies in late 1937 and the first of the 54 F2A-1s ordered in June 1938 were delivered a year later. Only 11 aircraft were delivered to the navy by the end of 1939, the other 43 went to Finland, where they were used in the fight against the Soviet Union.

In the meantime, a second version was prepared for production. The F2A-2, which had a better engine, was also sold
mainly sold abroad. A total of 43 went to the US Navy, 40 to Belgium, 170 to Great Britain and 72 to the Dutch East Indies. Thirty-eight of the Belgian aeroplanes were subsequently sold to Great Britain.

The F2A-2 was not as efficient as the original model because the additional weight of the military equipment reduced its performance.
These negative characteristics were further reinforced in the F2A-3, 108 of which were ordered by the navy on 21 January 1941. Better armour protection for the pilot and the fuel tanks, as well as additional equipment, increased the weight of the F2A-3 to such an extent that performance was reduced even further.
Production was discontinued in March 1942 after 20 more aircraft had been built for Holland. A total of 507 Buffalos were built.

The Brewster fighter aircraft was first used in Finland. The RAF later decided that the type was unsuitable for use in Europe and sent most of its Buffaloes to the Far East. It was in this theatre of war – the war against Japan – that the Buffalo saw the majority of its missions.

British and Dutch Buffaloes put up a desperate fight as the Japanese advanced on Singapore, Burma, Java and the Philippines, but they were outnumbered and also outclassed by the Japanese Zero and Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa.
Their resistance lasted only three months and by March 1942 most of the Buffaloes had been destroyed or abandoned by their units to await the arrival of newer and better aircraft.

Republic P-43 Lancer

The Republic P-43 Lancer served as an intermediate step in U.S. fighter development. With its single-engine, all-metal low-wing monoplane design, it carried distinct features like high-altitude capabilities and an effective oxygen system. This was crucial for missions involving higher flight ceilings, which were previously challenging.

Although not remarkable in maneuvering, the P-43’s design would influence the more successful Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. It demonstrated the importance of integrating technology focused on protection and pilot capability, even as it saw limited success compared to some contemporaries. Despite its modest accomplishments, the P-43 contributed to the evolving landscape of fighter aircraft technology.

History:

This aircraft was derived directly from the Severski P-35, which was designed by Alexander Kartveli in 1936. The
Republic P-43 Lancer was as ill-starred as its predecessor. It was built in 1940 by modifying a P-35 airframe, with a more powerful engine and structural and aerodynamic improvements, but the results were not satisfactory.
The P-43 could not match the performance of contemporary fighters already in service with other major powers in Europe.

A total of 272 P-43s were built in two main versions, the main difference being the choice of engine. In 1942, most of these aircraft were converted for reconnaissance, with cameras in the rear of the fuselage.

The only Lancers to be used in combat were the 108 examples that were handed over to China, who were fighting
were able to hold their own against the more advanced Japanese fighters of the time.

Specifications

Specifications:

Armament:

Service statistics:

Technical Innovations and Features

Early U.S. fighter planes like the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer showcased noteworthy advancements in aviation technology. These aircraft featured notable improvements in cockpit design, armament, and propulsion systems that set them apart in the evolving landscape of military aviation during World War II.

Advancements in Cockpit and Airframe

The Seversky P-35 and its contemporaries introduced pilots to enclosed cockpits, an improvement enhancing visibility and pilot safety. The use of all-metal construction strengthened the airframe, making these aircraft more durable in combat.

Innovative designs streamlined the fuselage, boosting aerodynamic efficiency. In the Brewster F2A Buffalo, adjustments were made to allow carrier operations, showcasing design adaptability. These features combined to improve overall performance and pilot conditions.

Progress in Armament and Firepower

Armament enhancements marked a significant leap in these planes’ capabilities. The Seversky P-35 utilized a mix of machine guns, incorporating both .30 and .50 caliber weapons, providing more versatility and firepower. The Curtiss P-36 Hawk also included these machine guns, increasing its combat effectiveness.

Bomb racks were often added to these models, allowing for ground-attack missions. Developments in self-sealing fuel tanks offered better protection against enemy fire, increasing their survival chances in battle by minimizing the risk of fuel leaks or explosions.

Landing Gear and Propulsion Systems

The transition to retractable landing gear in this period played a pivotal role in reducing drag, enhancing speed, and efficiency. The Seversky P-35 and Republic P-43 Lancer, among others, adopted this feature. This design choice was crucial for achieving higher maximum speeds and improved aerodynamics.

Engines on these fighters were also refined to deliver increased horsepower, impacting their maximum speed and range. Such propulsion improvements were critical in ensuring these aircraft met the demands of aerial combat, allowing them to keep pace with adversaries.

Operational History and Combat Performance

The early U.S. fighter planes of World War II, including the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer, each played unique roles in combat. These aircraft faced various challenges and offered valuable lessons for future fighter design.

Initial Deployment and Combat Roles

The Seversky P-35 was first deployed with the USAAC’s 17th Pursuit Squadron. It saw limited action due to rapid advancements in aircraft technology. In contrast, the Curtiss P-36 gained fame during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where pilots from the 15th and 47th Pursuit Squadrons took to the skies against Japanese attackers.

The Brewster F2A Buffalo served primarily with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Finnish Air Force. While it performed poorly in U.S. service, notably in the Battle of Midway, the Finns found success with it against Soviet aircraft. The Republic P-43 Lancer had a brief combat role and mainly transitioned into a trainer role for the USAAF. Its limited combat use reflected its inadequacies compared to newer designs.

Comparison With Contemporary Fighters

The performance of these planes varied significantly against contemporaries like the Messerschmitt Bf 109, Supermarine Spitfire, and Hawker Hurricane. The P-35 was less agile and slower, which limited its effectiveness.

The Curtiss P-36, though overshadowed by modern designs like the P-40 Warhawk, showed potential with its maneuverability. The Brewster Buffalo was often unfavorably compared; its bulkiness was a drawback in the Pacific theater. The P-43 Lancer, preceding the famed Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, lacked the power and durability that later defined Republic’s designs.

Lessons Learned and Evolution

Lessons from these fighters influenced later designs profoundly. Alexander Kartveli, designer of the P-43 and P-47, acknowledged the need for more powerful engines and improved aerodynamics, leading to the development of the robust P-47 Thunderbolt.

Experiences with the P-36 offered insights into armament and armor improvements seen in subsequent models. The failures of the Buffalo underscored the importance of speed and durability, which shaped the development of more advanced fighters like the P-51 Mustang. These lessons guided the USA towards designing versatile aircraft that better suited the varied demands of WWII combat.

Legacy and Influence

Early U.S. fighter planes like the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer played significant roles in shaping future aircraft designs. Their innovations in aerodynamics and technology paved the way for the development of more advanced fighters.

Transition to Later Models

These early fighters marked the transition to innovative designs such as the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, with Alexander Kartveli’s involvement. The P-47, known for its durability and firepower, was influenced by the structural design of its predecessors, leading to more robust aircraft.

The Seversky P-35, with its all-metal construction and retractable gear, was a precursor to the XP-41 and AP-4 models. These innovations were crucial in developing planes like the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the P-51 Mustang, which became iconic for their speed and maneuverability.

Impact on Subsequent Aircraft Designs

The legacy of these early models can be seen across many dimensions of aircraft design. The introduction of enclosed cockpits and metal fuselages in the P-35 and P-36 set new standards. Pilots benefited from increased protection and performance, allowing for more ambitious missions.

Aircraft companies like Vought and Consolidated adopted design elements from these models, enhancing aircraft like the F6F Hellcat. These enhancements were vital in meeting the demands of the rapidly evolving aerial combat environment of later WWII years. This generation of fighters significantly influenced the strategies and success of allied air forces.

Preservation and Commemoration

Many historic aircraft, like the Seversky P-35 and Curtiss P-36, are preserved in museums across the United States. These aircraft serve as reminders of their roles in early World War II aviation. Institutions like the National Museum of the United States Air Force house some of these iconic planes for public viewing and appreciation.

Selfridge Field played a significant part in the early days of U.S. military aviation. Planes such as the P-35 found a home here, reinforcing their place in history. Wright Field, known for testing and development, also played a vital role in refining fighter aircraft capabilities, including those of the Brewster F2A Buffalo.

Aviation heritage groups actively restore and maintain these aircraft, ensuring their stories are not forgotten. For example, the efforts to preserve the Republic P-43 Lancer showcase the technological advancements of that era, bridging the gap from planes like the P-35 to more advanced fighters.

The legacy of these aircraft is intertwined with more well-known planes, like the Bell P-39 and B-24 Liberator, highlighting the evolution of military aviation. Defensive innovations seen in planes such as the Focke-Wulf FW 190 provide context for the advancements seen in U.S. aircraft development. Today, these preserved planes help educate visitors on the dynamic changes in aircraft design and warfare strategy during the early stages of the war.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early U.S. fighter planes like the Seversky P-35, Curtiss P-36, Brewster F2A Buffalo, and Republic P-43 Lancer played vital roles during the initial stages of World War II. These aircraft introduced several technological advancements, though they faced challenges compared to Axis planes.

What were the main US fighter aircraft at the beginning of World War II?

At the start of World War II, the Seversky P-35 and Curtiss P-36 Hawk were among the primary fighter aircraft used by the United States. The Brewster F2A Buffalo also became the first monoplane fighter for the U.S. Navy during this period.

How did aircraft like the Brewster F2A Buffalo perform in combat during WWII?

The Brewster F2A Buffalo had mixed results in combat. While initially promising, it struggled against more advanced enemy aircraft. Its performance varied by theater, with some success in early battles but generally faced criticism for its lack of speed and maneuverability against Japanese fighters.

Which early American WWII fighter planes did Marine pilots primarily use?

Marine pilots primarily used the Brewster F2A Buffalo early in the war. Despite its limitations, it was one of the first aircraft assigned to Marine squadrons during the initial stages of World War II.

What technological advancements did the Seversky P-35 and Curtiss P-36 bring to early WWII air combat?

The Seversky P-35 introduced innovations like all-metal construction and retractable landing gear, while the Curtiss P-36 Hawk featured a radial engine and improved aerodynamics. These advancements helped improve speed, durability, and overall performance compared to earlier biplanes.

Are there any remaining early US WW2 fighter aircraft in existence today?

Few early US WW2 fighter aircraft exist today. Most were retired after their limited production run and replaced by more capable fighters like the P-47 Thunderbolt.

How did the early US fighter planes compare to their Axis counterparts in the initial stages of WWII?

Early U.S. fighter planes faced challenges against Axis aircraft. Fighters like the German Bf 109 and Japanese Zero had superior speed and agility. Despite technical advancements, American planes often lagged in high-altitude and dogfighting performance during the initial stages of the war.

References and literature

Luftkrieg (Piekalkiewicz)
Technik und Einsatz der Kampfflugzeuge vom 1. Weltkrieg bis heute (Ian Parsons)
Das große Buch der Luftkämpfe (Ian Parsons)
World Aircraft World War II (Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi)