In 1935 Curtiss developed a new prototype all-metal monoplane with advanced features such as an enclosed cockpit and the most streamlined, spatted landing gear yet seen. The U.S. Army Air Corps of course rejected such a cutting edge aircraft.
Curtiss sold the prototype to Spain where it became known as the Halcón Cañón or Cannon Hawk since it was re-armed with four Madsen 40 mm cannon in the wings complimenting the two machine guns mounted above the engine. An incredibly aerodynamically spinnered experimental propeller was fitted which gave the monoplane a very fast look and increased top speed by 3 & 1/3rd m.p.h. It began service testing just in time to be re-painted in Republican colors for the Spanish Civil War.
The forgotten Halcón Cañón's only notable contribution was in the summer of 1937, flying with the 5th Air Attack Sqn. "Old Boots" (Botas Viejas) whose insignia predated the world-wide popularity of the Chuck Taylor All Stars gym shoe by a good 25 years.
The Cannon Hawk's mission would have an impact far beyond what one could reasonably expect as it lifted Republican morale at a crucial juncture and proved the mettle of resistance to the fascists. The pilot that flew this mission remains anonymous to this day.
This all happened in the town of Ciudad de Malgusto during the annual
Clamato Festival, made famous by the 1931 Hemingway novella "The Rain in Spain Falls (Mainly) on the Plain".
The Clamato Festival would become the topic of potent propaganda on both sides.
The Nationalists tried to end the fun by taking Ciudad de Malgusto with an armored column, but the Republican Cannon Hawk stopped the assault dead in its tracks. The road to Ciudad de Malgusto was littered with the burnt-out hulks of fascist avarice.
Those loyal to the Spanish Republic celebrated the victory and the 1937 Clamato Festival was remembered as one of the best until that kill-joy Franco ended the fun in 1939. The festival would not be celebrated again in Ciudad de Malgusto for another 38 years.
As for the Halcón Cañón or Cannon Hawk, hauling those four Madsen cannon put an enormous strain on the engine which gave out shortly after the Nationalist armored column did.
Repairs were attempted but unfortunately, the war and international embargo made parts impossible to obtain.
The Halcón Cañón would spend the remainder of its career on the ground until destroyed by an out-of-control oxcart in 1938. None exist today and this child's toy sold at the Soviet
GUM department stores for the 1953 International Agitprop holiday is all that remains of this once majestic monoplane.
Totally forgotten today, for one brief, shining moment this brave aircraft held the line and blunted fascist ambitions.
Brian da Basher