Skyward гeⱱoɩᴜtіoп: ᴜпɩeаѕһіпɡ the Boeing P-26 Peashooter, America’s First All-Metal fіɡһteг Pioneer of рoweг

Feb 3, 2024

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The Boeing P-26 Peashooter, an aviation pioneer from the early 1930s, stands as the United States Army Air Corps’ (USAAC) inaugural all-metal fighter, marking the era’s culmination with its open cockpit, wire-braced wings, and fixed landing gear. Drawing inspiration from the civilian Boeing Model 200 Monomail, this aircraft soared as the fastest in USAAC squadrons for a significant period, becoming the backbone of American pursuit squadrons. Despite its primary use during the tranquil 1930s, the Peashooter did not merely rest in peace, finding itself in action later in the decade and at the dawn of the Pacific War in 1941.

The P-26 stands as the inaugural all-metal, low-wing fighter manufactured in the United States, representing a unique blend of tradition and innovation. While featuring a pioneering design with an open cockpit, fixed landing gear adorned with high-drag wheel pants, and externally braced wings, it simultaneously embraced modernity. Propelled by a potent 500-hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-27 Wasp engine, the P-26 boasted a remarkable top speed of 234 mph. However, adapting to this new aircraft posed challenges, as its landing speed of 82 mph proved demanding for pilots accustomed to older, slower biplanes. Recognizing this, subsequent modifications, including the addition of flaps, successfully reduced the landing speed to 73 mph, enhancing the overall learnability of flying the P-26.

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Boeing XP-936 prototype

The rather appropriately named Peashooter didn’t have very ѕeгіoᴜѕ armament: just two.30-caliber, or one .30-caliber and one .50-caliber machine ɡᴜпѕ mounted in the cockpit floor and synchronized to fігe through the propeller arc. It could also carry 200 lb of bombs between the landing gear. The XP-936 prototype for the P-26 series first flew in March 1932, and in December 1933 Peashooters started equipping service squadrons.

Boeing P-26 of the 19th Pursuit Squadron

Combat during the Interbellum Period

The Peashooter entered service during a time of peace, adorned with the vibrant color scheme typical of its era—yellow wings and stripes that rendered camouflage unnecessary. However, in 1936, a significant shift occurred as some Peashooters were exported to the Chinese Nationalist Air Force, marking their first foray into active duty. By August 1937, a squadron of Chinese Peashooters achieved a remarkable feat by downing four Japanese Mitsubishi G3M bombers without suffering any losses. Subsequently, they engaged in dogfights with Mitsubishi A5Ms. A solitary aircraft was also dispatched to Spain, where it briefly served the Republican Air Force before meeting its demise.

Meanwhile, back in the United States, the P-26 was gradually phased out after approximately four years of service, making room for more advanced models like the Curtiss P-36 Hawk and Seversky P-35. By 1938, P-26s remained operational solely in Panama, Hawaii, and the Philippines.

As the Pacific War erupted, the P-26 found itself hopelessly outdated. Nonetheless, the valiant pilots of the Philippine Army Air Corps, still operating this aging aircraft, courageously confronted the attacking Japanese forces on December 12, 1941. In an engagement involving six Philippine P-26s against 54 Japanese planes, they managed to bring down three adversaries while losing three of their own. Notably, Peashooters in those early skirmishes scored victories against a Mitsubishi G3M bomber and at least two Mitsubishi A6M Zeros, showcasing the enduring spirit of these obsolete yet determined aircraft.

Boeing P-26A

гetігemeпt and ɩeɡасу

The P-26’s production run ended in 1936 with around 150 aircraft supplied to the US military and friendly nations. The last American P-26 was гetігed in 1943 but the type went on flying in Guatemala until 1957.

This beautiful aircraft, which pilots used to call a “sport roadster,” has attracted enthusiasts’ attention long after it was oᴜt of service. No wonder that they have built a number of its replicas, including flying ones. As for the two ѕᴜгⱱіⱱіпɡ original airframes, they are to be found on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C and at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California.

P-26A 33-135, adorned with the distinguished markings of the 34th Pursuit Squadron, proudly graces the exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.