In 1931, the U.S. Navy signed a contract with Bellanca Aircraft Corp. for the construction of a deck-based, long-range reconnaissance aircraft. That same year, the aircraft’s design project was developed, based on the Bellanca P-200 Airbus transport aircraft.
Initial Development and the XSE-1
Testing of the XSE-1 prototype began in December 1931. This was a three-seater, strut-braced high-wing monoplane, equipped with a single 650 hp Wright R-1820F Cyclone engine. Its armament consisted of two forward 7.62mm Browning machine guns and one identical gun installed in the rear cockpit on a movable turret. Unfortunately, the prototype was destroyed during its initial test flights.
The Improved XSE-2 Prototype
The second prototype, the XSE-2, was not completed until 1934. It featured a fourteen-cylinder Wright R-1510-98 Twin Whirlwind engine of the same power, a new tail section, and a reinforced arresting hook.
During factory tests, the aircraft demonstrated promising flight performance. However, by this time, the military had changed its plans, becoming more interested in reconnaissance-bomber aircraft, which ultimately led to the project’s cancellation.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | XSE-2 |
| Wingspan, m | 15.16 |
| Length, m | 9.04 |
| Wing area, m2 | 38.18 |
| Empty weight | 1619 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2741 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Wright R-1510-98 Twin Whirlwind |
| Power, hp | 1 x 650 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 278 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 225 |
| Practical range, km | 2345 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5730 |
| Crew | 3 crew |
| Armament | two forward 7.62-mm Browning machine guns, one 7.62-mm machine gun on a turret in the observer’s cockpit |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bellanca XSE
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