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Curtiss SC-2 Seahawk
Hello everybody. Today, I’d like to suggest the Curtiss SC-2 Seahawk for US Aviation in War Thunder. The SC-2 Seahawk was the successor to the SC-1, designed and developed by Curtiss as a late-war American floatplane for the US Navy between 1945 and later. It incorporated several improvements and modifications over its predecessor.
Key Characteristics
A successor to the SC-1 fast scout floatplane
Powered by a 1,450-hp Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone non-turbocharged radial engine
Armed with 2 x 0.50 caliber machine guns and capable of carrying 2 x 250-lb general purpose bombs and 4 x rockets
Can be modified to fly with either fixed convertible landing gear or floats
History
Background
The SC-2 variant of the Curtiss SC Seahawk was developed as an improved successor to the SC-1, aiming to enhance overall performance. By the time the SC-2 was designed, the US Navy had already adopted the SC-1 as a more advanced scout and observation floatplane to maintain an edge in the Pacific Theater. The SC-2 was intended to offer better speed, range, and armament capabilities. However, its development coincided with the approaching end of World War II, which significantly reduced the need for such aircraft and led to limited production and service.
Overview of Technical Specifications
The SC-2 Seahawk retained the basic design of the SC-1 but incorporated several upgrades. It was powered by the newer Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone radial engine, now fitted with a newer circular cowling. This engine produced 1,425 hp and was more fuel-efficient, though it was non-turbocharged, which weakened its performance at higher altitudes. The SC-2 featured a newer, clear-blown canopy instead of the framed canopy of the SC-1, along with strakes extending from the fuselage to the horizontal stabilizer and an anti-spin extension on the lower rear fuselage. These changes resulted in improved flight performance, including a slightly higher top speed and better range.
The SC-2 was armed with two 0.50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns and could carry up to 650 pounds (295 kg) of ordnance, including bombs or depth charges. It also received new wing racks for four rockets. Like the SC-1, it was equipped with a single central float and two stabilizing outrigger floats, along with folding wings for shipboard storage. The SC-2 retained the AN/APS-4 radar pod provision and the bunk in the aft fuselage for rescue or personnel transfer missions. Additional changes included a rudder with a higher aspect ratio, horn-balanced elevators, an antenna relocated to the rear of the canopy, and provisions for a camera.
Service History
One SC-1 (BuNo 35302) was re-engined with a Wright R-1820-76, redesignated XSC-1A, and became the prototype for the SC-2. Following the testing, 250 SC-2s were ordered, but the SC-2 variant entered production too late to see significant action in World War II. Only 10 SC-2 units were completed before the war ended, and the remaining orders were canceled due to the reduced demand for floatplanes in the post-war era. The 10th SC-2 had a jump seat installed behind the pilot and was designated as a scout-rescue aircraft. All SC-2s later received Sea Blue camouflage and Twin Insignia Red lengthwise bars in accordance with US Navy postwar regulations. The SC-2’s service history was brief and quiet, as the US Navy began transitioning to more advanced aircraft, such as helicopters and drones, which offered greater versatility and operational efficiency. By 1949, the SC Seahawk series, including the SC-2, was fully retired from service.
Specifications
Curtiss SC-2 Seahawk
General Characteristics w/ floats
Crew: 1 (Pilot)
Length: 36 ft 5 in (11.01 m)
Height: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)
Span: 41 ft (12.5 m)
Wing Area: 282 sq ft (26.2 sq m)
Propeller Type: 4-bladed constant-speed propeller
Propeller Diameter: 10 ft 2 in (3.01 m)
Powerplant: R-1820-76 air-cooled radial piston engine
Internal Fuel: 316 US gal. (1,196 L)
Oil Tankage: 13 US gal. (49.2 L)
Empty Weight: 6,451 lb (2,926 kg)
Design Weight: 7,352 lb (3,335 kg)
Max. Takeoff Weight: 9,200 lb (4,173 kg)
Engine Ratings
Takeoff
Military
Normal
Performance w/ floats
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.19 hp/lb (0.31 kW/kg)
Sea level Speed: 243 mph (391 km/h)
Critical Altitude Speed: 261 mph @ 17,400 ft (420 km/h @ 5,303 m)
Stall Speed: 66.9 mph (107.7 km/h)
Wing Loading: 26.07 lb/sq ft (127.3 kg/sq m)
Takeoff Time: 16 seconds
Rate of Climb: 2,880 fpm (14.63 m/s)
Time to Altitude:
4.8 minutes to 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
9.6 minutes to 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Service Ceiling: 27,500 ft (8,382 m)
Combat Radius: 334 miles (537 km)
Combat Range: 840 miles (1,352 km)
Armament
Guns:
2 x M2 .50 caliber machine guns (400 rpg; 800 rounds)
Bombs:
2 x 250-lb bombs
2 x 325-lb depth bombs
Rockets:
4 x 5-in (127-mm) HVAR rockets
Conclusion | Why it should be in the game
Currently, US Aviation in War Thunder lacks a modern fighter floatplane, while Japan only has two such aircraft. The SC-2 Seahawk, with its enhanced capabilities and faster speed compared to the SC-1, would be an ideal addition to fill this gap. Despite being primarily a scout, the SC-2 had excellent strike capabilities and far superior flight performance compared to the OS2U Kingfisher. Therefore, I am advocating for its inclusion alongside the SC-1 in the game for US Aviation.
See Also
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Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk
Hello everybody. Today, I’d like to suggest the Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk for US Aviation in War Thunder. The SC-1 Seahawk was designed and developed by Curtiss as a late-war American floatplane for the US Navy between 1944 and 1945. Its introduction replaced obsolete American floatplanes like the Curtiss SOC Seagull, SO3C Seamew, and Vought OS2U Kingfisher.
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Key Characteristics
Fast scout floatplane
Powered by a 1,300-hp Wright R-1820-62 Cyclone …
Sources
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
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A pair of 250lb bombs AND four HVARs? Quite a powerful punch for a little floatplane! +1
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