Flight of the Rangers

Consolidated P2Y-1 Ranger

CREW: 5

SPECIFICATIONS:
1935 Aircraft Year Book

A main wing parasol patrol flying boat with a lower sesquiplane wing carrying 2 stability floats.

Length: 61' 9"
Height: 19' 1"
Wingspan: 100'
Sesquiplanespan: 45" 3"
Weight: 12,769 empty, 25,266 gross
Wing Area: 1514 sq. feet / 403 sq. ft.

PROPULSION:
Engines: 2
Powerplant: Wright R-1820E Hornets
Horsepower: 575 hp each
Fuel: 1,620 gallons

Performance:
Range: 1,180 miles with 2000 lb bombload
Cruise Speed: 108 mph
Max Speed: 126 mph at 4000 feet
Stall Speed: 58 mph
Ceiling: 18,100 ft

Armament:
two dorsal .30 machine gun sliding hatches
one .30 cal machine gun in bow
2,000 lbs. of bombs or depth charges

The P2Y-1 was accepted on December 22, 1932 and the first delivery was made to VP-10S in February 1933, as stipulated in the contract. The second delivery went to VP-5F in Norfolk in June 1933. The XP2Y-1 development contract had been for $140,193 and the the production models sold for between $58,251 and $58,824. In total, 23 P2Y-1 were delivered to the Navy between December and June 1933. The P2Y-1 proved to be a rugged aircraft with long legs, and it was not long before the Navy would contract with Consolidated for upgrades.

At 1932 photo of a XP2Y-1 testing taking off response in open sea.

An aerial view of a P2Y-1 taking off in open sea.

A P2Y-1 of VP-5 taking being towed on the ramp. Note the detachable access ladder to the top wing. It was also used as a platform for engine service.

P2Y-1s of VP-5 flying over Coc Solo in the Canal Zone. Note the engineer in the access hatch below the main wing.

A P2Y-1 of VP-5. A P2Y-1 of VP-5 in flight.

A P2Y-1 flying over the USS Lexington. An aerial photo of the U.S.S. Lexington. Note the P2Y-1 flying over the bow of the aircraft carrier.