NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Curtiss Shrike was the first U.S. Army Air Corps aircraft with the
airframe and wings constructed entirely from metal. The only fabric
covering on the aircraft were on its ailerons, rudder and elevators.
Unique for an aircraft of the time was the monoplane design, slats
built into the front of the wings to aid in slow speed handling, and
landing flaps.
The most prominent features of the aircraft were its large landing gear
fairings. These not only covered the wheels, but housed two .30
caliber machine guns and 600 rounds of ammunition per gun in each
fairing. The observer/gunner also had a .30 caliber machine gun in a
flex-mounting in the rear cockpit.
Shrikes was equipped to carry up to 500 lbs. of bombs or a 52 gallon fuel
tank externally
Curtiss Shrike aircraft included the A-8, A-10, and A-12 designations. The
primary differences being their engines, with the Curtiss A-12 Shrike
going into production.
The first Shrike aircraft had water cooled engines, while latter models
had air cooled radials for better economy and ruggedness. All
Shrike aircraft had fixed under carriages and externally braced
wings.
Shrike aircraft were eventually deployed to Hickam Field in Hawaii, and were
there when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. However, none were
used in defense of the base during the attack.
The aircraft were quickly replaced with more modern types for front line
service. However, they continued to fly for the U.S. through 1941 as
reconnaissance aircraft and for general missions.
Some 20 Curtiss A-12 Shrike aircraft were used by China against the
Japanese during the early days of World War II. They initially met
with some success as bomber interceptors, but were later used
primarily for ground attack missions.
A total of 46 Curtiss Shrike aircraft of all types were produced.
Pictured above is Chris Golds holding his rc Curtiss A-12 Shrike. Plans are for sale by Traplet Publications. It has a wingspan of 50" and is powered by a Mega 16-25-6 motor. Weight is around 3 1/4 lbs.
The first picture below is of the Curtiss A-12 Shrike C/L kit from Berkeley's for sale by CollectAir. This type of airplane is easily converted to radio control. It is 3/4" scale, designed by Don McGovern.
Pictured next below is the FF rubber powered Curtiss Shrike built from a kit for sale from Diels Engineering. This kit has often been converted to an electric powered radio control model airplane. It has a wingspan of 22".
The third picture below is the rc Curtiss Shrike built from plans for sale from Cleveland Plans. Wingspans are 16 1/2", 22", 33", 44", 66", giant scale 88" and 132".
The bottom picture is of the 1/48 scale plastic model Curtiss Shrike built from a Czech Models kit by Michael Stanley. The kit is reported to be easy to build with good instructions and decals.
Radio Control Airplane
Berkley's rc Curtiss A-12 Shrike.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Curtiss Shrike from Diels Engineering.
Radio Control Airplane
RC Curtiss Shrike from Cleveland Plans.
Scale Model Airplane
Michael Stanley's 1/48 scale Curtiss Shrike.
Aircraft Drawings.com has three view drawings of the Curtiss Shrike to help build ar rc scale model airplane.
Robert May of RC Groups posted pictures and a description of a rc Curtiss Shrike.
At RC Groups planeman posted plans for a C/L line Curtiss Shrike. It has a 33" wingspan and will fly on from .09 to .19 engines.
C/L airplanes are usually easily converted to radio control flight.
At RC Groups warhead 71 posted a link to a Curtiss A-12 Shrike scale plastic model.
BlondValkyrie of RC Groups mentions the Curtiss A-12 Shrike in a posting.
There are plans for a F/F Curtiss Shrike in the 11/91 issue of Model Builder magazine. We found it for sale on eBay.
Curtiss A-12 Shrike
