The Boeing P-26 Peashooter was the first American all-metal production aircraft; it was used by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). The first prototype of the monoplane had its first flight on 20th March 1932 and was used at the beginning of the Pacific War over the Philippines.
Development[]
The fighter was based on a Boeing project, called Model 248. It had an open cockpit and a fixed undercarriage. The USAAC ordered three prototypes, which were called XP-936. The first flight took place on 20th March 1932.
After that, Boeing received a contract to build 111 Model 266 aircraft, which were named P-26A by the USAAC. This variant had more aerodynamic wings and was equipped with radio systems. The first flight of the P-26A was on 10th January 1934. 25 additional P-26B, powered by Pratt & Whitney R-1340-33-engines, followed later. The P-26C was modified on its carburettor and the fuel systems, 23 were built.
Eleven additional Model 281 configuration fighters were built and exported to China and Spain