The Curtiss B-2 "Condor" was a production version of the XB-2 with more powerful engines and an improved wing design. The B-2 was initially rejected by the Army in favor of the Keystone LB-6, in part because the Curtiss aircraft was too expensive and too big to fit into existing hangars. The superior performance of the B-2, however, changed the thinking of the Air Corps leadership and a small production run of twelve B-2s was ordered in 1928-1929.
A transport version of the B-2 was tested by the Army as the C-30 and sold as the Model 18 commercial transport. The B-2 was the last bomber built by Curtiss Aircraft which concentrated on pursuit aircraft throughout the 1930s and 1940s (the Hawk series).
Type
Number built/
converted
Remarks
B-2
12
Production version of XB-2
TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: six .30-cal. machine guns and 2,500 lbs. of bombs Engines: Two Curtiss V-1570-7 Conqueror V-12s of 630 hp each Top speed: 132 mph at sea level Cruising speed: 114 mph Service ceiling: 16,140 ft. Range: 780 miles with full normal bomb load of 2,500 lbs. Span: 90 ft. 0 in. Length: 47 ft. 6 in. Height: 16 ft. 3 in. Weight: 16,500 lbs. gross Crew: Five Serial number: 28-398 and 399; 29-28 to 29-37
