Curtiss PW-8 Hawk: First Hawk of the Cast...

slowmo21too · August 8, 2025, 10:15pm

Curtiss PW-8 Hawk: First Hawk of the Cast…

(Polls are at the Bottom)

Overview

Good Morning, Good Afternoon & Good Evening!

Today I want to suggest the first Hawk of the legendary family, the PW-8! The first plane by Curtiss to see a military contract, this plane would be the catalyst to launch Curtiss into the limelight and begin the legacy of the legendary Hawks!

Basic Information

Designation:

PW-8 (Military)
Model 33 (Manufacturer)

Name: “Hawk"

Role: Fighter Aircraft

Crew: 1

Designer: Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company

Manufacturer: Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company

Total built: 28 Airframes

3 Prototypes
25 Serial Aircraft

First Flight: January 1923

Introduced: May 14, 1923

Specifications

Dimensions:

Length: 23 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
Wing Area: 286.97 sq. ft (26.66 m²)
Wingspan: 9 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Height: 4.7 m (15 ft 5 in)

Flight Performance:

Engine: 1x Curtiss D-12 water-cooled 12-cylinder V-Engine.
- 440 Horsepower
Maximum Speed: 171mph (275 km/h)
Cruise Speed: 136mph (219 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 20,350 ft (6,203 m)
Rate of Climb: 1,830 ft/min (9 m/s)
Maximum Range: 544 mi (875 km)
Empty weight: 2,185 lbs (991 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight: 3,155 lbs (1,431 kg)

Armament:

Armament (Offensive): 2x .30 cal (7.62mm) M1919 Browning Machine Guns

Usage In Battles

The PW-8 would be a comfortable aircraft to fly at low-ranks, with the benefits of a biplane with decent turn, and bearing standard US machine guns, it’ll be unremarkable game-wise, but historically, would be an important addition!

History

The “Pursuit, Water-Cooled, Model-8”, better known simply as the PW-8, was a single-seat two-bay biplane that served as a fighter aircraft in the United States Army Air Service, or USAAS, in the early interwar period after WW1. Originating in 1922 as a private venture of the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, the PW-8 started as a modification of military racing aircraft already built by Curtiss, specifically for the engine they used, the 435 horsepower D-12, later known as the V-1150.

In-house, the design would be designated the “Model 33”, and 3 prototypes would be ordered by the USAAS on April 27, 1923, now designated the PW-8, for testing and to compete against Boeing’s aircraft, the PW-9, for a contract to be the Army’s new fighter, with the first being delievered on May 14, 1923.

The first prototype would underpreform compared to the Boeing PW-9, being outmatched in all catagories but speed; however the primary problem identified by the Army was the unique radiator used on the PW-8, as while its surface radiator made for a more streamlined airframe, it was determined to be prone to damage in combat, frequent leaks, and being difficult to repair and maintain.

The second prototype would see a redesign in its landing gear, allowing for reduced drag; new engine cowling, and new control surfaces, increasing its gross weight. Despite the improvements, the Army would still prefer the Boeing PW-9 over the PW-8. Ultimately however, The USAAS would order contracts for both aircraft, with Curtiss recieving an order of 25 serial aircraft in September of 1923, under one condition: Curtiss and its PW-8 would complete a full coast-to-coast flight of the US from dawn to dusk.

And on July 1923, one prototype PW-8 was stripped of its military gear and piloted by Lt. Russell Maughan, began its attempt… only to fail. They try again… and once again fail. Despite this, production would continue, seeing the first delievery in June of 1924.

The Majority of PW-8s in the USAAS would be flown by the 17th Pursuit Squadron, while a handful would see further testing and experimentation at McCook Field. Overall it would serve quietly, seeing no combat or major incidents; However, on June 23, 1924, the PW8, flown by Lt. Maughan, would finally complete the coast-to-coast trek from dawn-to-dusk.

The Third prototype would remain in the factory to test inprovements and further modifications, and would be dubbed the Model 34, later to enter service as the PW-8A.

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