| The CB (Curtiss Battleplane), unofficially known as the
"Liberty Battler", was an experimental two-seat fighter
developed and flown early in 1918 as a result of difficulties
being experienced with the Liberty-engined version
of the Bristol F2B. Powered by a 425hp 12-cylinder
Liberty 12 water-cooled engine, the CB two-bay
biplane was an early example of "Curtiss ply" construction
- two layers of 5cm wide wood
veneer being cross-laminated over a form to build up a monocoque fuselage shell. In an effort to maintain fuselage
streamlining, the radiators were slung under the
upper wing centre section, where they were found to
have a seriously detrimental effect on the airflow. The
fairing of the upper wing into the top fuselage contour
resulted in a very narrow wing gap, with consequent
aerodynamic penalties. While it provided the rear gunner
with an excellent field of fire, it impaired the forward
and downward view of the pilot, necessitating
the provision of small windows in the fuselage sides.
Flown in May 1918, the sole prototype CB proved to
have extremely poor handling characteristics and
crashed early in its test programme.
 | A three-view drawing (1280 x 824) |
WEIGHTS |
Empty weight | 1622 kg | 3576 lb |
DIMENSIONS |
Wingspan | 11.98 m | 39 ft 4 in |
Length | 8.25 m | 27 ft 1 in |
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