Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-26>HA7507

General Background

Boeing’s first and last all-metal monoplane fighter produced for the US Army Air Corps. was the P-26. Known as the “Peashooter” there were 111 P-26As produced. The wings were braced with wire instead of wooden struts and this reduced drag and along with a 500 hp engine the aircraft was much faster than the older bi-planes. The mono-wing also meant a higher landing speed so flaps had to be added to slow the aircraft down. It had fixed landing gear and an open cockpit with just a windscreen to protect the pilot.

The Aircraft

Originally formed as the 17th Observation Group on October 17, 1927 they were re-designated the 17th Pursuit Group on July 15, 1931 at March Field California. The 17th PG was comprised of the 34th, 73rd and 95th PS and operated the Boeing P-12 and P-26 fighter aircraft until 1935 when they were re-designated the 17th Attack Group and re-equipped with the Northrup A-17 attack bomber. In 1938 the P-26s were transferred to the 16th Pursuit Group stationed in the Panama Canal Zone.

Specifications :

Country of origin:	USA
Manufacturer:	Boeing Aircraft Company
Role:	Fighter
Crew:	One
Dimensions:	Wing span - 27 ft. 11.5 in.
	Length - 23 ft. 10 in.
	Height - 10 ft. 5 in.
Weight:	Empty - 2,197 lbs
	Maximum - 2,955 lbs.
Performance:	Engine - Pratt and Whitney R-1340-27 (500 hp)
	Maximum speed - 234 mph (203 knots)
	Cruising speed - 199 mph (172 knots)
	Landing Speed - 82 mph (71.26 knots)
	Range - 360 statute miles (313 nautical miles)
	Service ceiling - 27,400 ft.
Armament	2 X fixed .30-cal. machine guns or,
	1 X .50- and one .30-cal. machine gun and
	Up to 200 lbs. of bombs