posted on Dec, 27 2005 @ 10:21 PM
Here's a little more info i found on the A-8.
The Curtiss A-8 was the first non-biplane to enter service with the US Army, with its first flight coming in June of 1931 after defeating the General
Aviation XA-7 in flight tests. The A-8's primary role was attack, and it was assigned to the Army's one and only squadron devoted to the attacking
role (3rd Attack Group in Fort Crockett, Texas).
The A-8 was eventually modified with a smaller, 625hp Curtiss Conqueror radial engine. This was a step above other attack aircraft, as most of the US
attack squadrons had liquid-cooled engines at that particular time. This new-engined model became the A-12.
Powerplant:
One 600 hp Curtiss V-1570E Conqueror liquid-cooled V-12 engine.
Performance:
Maximum speed 183 mph at sea level. Cruising speed 153 mph at sea level. Stalling speed 64 mph.
Initial climb rate 1325 feet per minute. Service ceiling 18,100 feet. Range 480 miles.
Wingspan
44 feet 0 inches, length 32 feet 0 inches, height 9 feet 0 inches, wing area 256 square feet.
Weights:
3910 pounds empty, 5888 pounds loaded.
Armament:
Four forward-firing 0.30-inch machine guns. One flexible 0.30-inch machine gun operated by rear observer. Ten 30-pound bombs could be carried
internally, or four 100 pound bombs externally.
Hope this helps a little.