Boeing P-26A Peashooter

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Summary

The Boeing P-26A of the mid-to-late 1930s introduced the concept of the highperformance, all-metal monoplane fighter design, which would become standard
during World War II. A radical departure from wood-and-fabric biplanes, the
Peashooter nonetheless retained an open cockpit, fixed landing gear, and external
wing bracing.
Most P-26As stationed overseas were eventually sold to the Philippines or
assigned to the Panama Canal Department Air Force, a branch of the U.S. Army
Air Corps. Several went to China and one to Spain. This one was based at
Selfridge Field in Michigan and Fairfield Air Depot in Ohio between its acceptance
by the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1934 and its transfer to the Canal Zone in 1938. It
was given to Guatemala in 1942 and flew in the Guatemalan air force until 1954.
Guatemala donated it to the Smithsonian in 1957.

Gift of the Guatemalan Air Force, Republic of Guatemala

Country of Origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Boeing Aircraft Co.
Date
1934
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA
Hangar
Boeing Aviation Hangar
Type
CRAFT-Aircraft
Dimensions
Wingspan: 8.5 m (27 ft 11 in)
Length: 7.3 m (23 ft 11 in)
Height: 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
Weight, empty: 996 kg (2,196 lb)
Weight, gross: 1,334 kg (2,935 lb)
Top speed: 377 km/h (234 mph)
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-27, 600 hp
Armament: two .30 cal. M2 Browning aircraft machine guns
ID: A19730273000