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{{short description|Prototype fighter aircraft}} |
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<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. --> |
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The '''[[Curtiss-Wright Corporation|Curtiss]] XP-62''' was a [[prototype]] heavily armed, high-performance, single engine [[fighter aircraft]] built for the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] by the Curtiss Wright Corporation. The terms of the contract, in accordance with a proposal of [[April 29]], [[1941 in aviation|1941]], called for delivery of the first flight within the fifteen months of award, with a guaranteed maximum speed of 468 miles per hour at 27,000 feet. The aircraft was to feature an air-conditioned [[cockpit]] and either eight 20 mm cannon or twelve 0.50 inch machine guns. The first of two prototypes was designated '''XP-62''' and the second '''XP-62A'''. |
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{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin |
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| name = XP-62 |
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| image = XP-62_-_Ray_Wagner_Collection_Image_(28023153805).jpg |
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| caption = A Curtiss-XP-62 on the tarmac |
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}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type |
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| type = [[Fighter aircraft|Fighter]] [[Interceptor aircraft|interceptor]] |
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| manufacturer = [[Curtiss-Wright]] |
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| designer = |
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| first flight = 21 July 1943 |
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| introduced = |
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| retired = |
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| status = Cancelled 21 September 1943 |
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| primary user = [[United States Army Air Forces]] |
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| more users = |
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| produced = 1943 |
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| number built = 1 |
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| unit cost = |
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| variants with their own articles = |
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}} |
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|} |
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The '''Curtiss XP-62''' was a [[prototype]] single-engine [[interceptor aircraft]], that was built for the [[United States Army Air Forces]], by the [[Curtiss-Wright Corporation]]. It first flew in 1943. |
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On [[August 2]], 1941, the specifications were submitted for the XP-62 reducing the maximum speed to 448 m.p.h. with eight cannon armament and increasing the loaded weight by 1,537 lbs. During a project review of January 1, [[1942 in aviation|1942]] under findings of a study that the loaded weight be reduced by eliminating four cannon and removal of the [[propeller]] anti-icing equipment. On [[May 25]], 1942 a contract for 100 P-62 fighters was awarded, but on [[July 27]], 1942 the contract was terminated as it would affect deliveries of urgently needed Curtiss-built [[P-47 Thunderbolts]]. |
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The design sought to have an improved high-altitude performance and higher speeds, at all altitudes, which was to be assisted by the 18-cylinder [[Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone]] engine. It was to be armed with four {{cvt|20|mm}} [[autocannon]]s, a heavier armament than contemporary USAAF fighter aircraft, and was fitted with a [[pressurized cabin|pressurized cockpit]]. |
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Delays in delivery of the unique pressure-cabin supercharger and engine modifications delayed the first flight of the XP-62 until July 21, [[1943 in aviation|1943]]. The XP-62A was canceled on [[September 21]], 1943 and only a limited amount of flight testing was conducted with the XP-62. Owing to its low priority work progressed slowly and in the autumn [[1944 in aviation|1942]] the XP-62 was scrapped. Because of the insuffucient flight testing, full performance charactistics were not obtained. |
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==Specifications (XP-62)== |
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===General characteristics=== |
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* '''Crew:''' one, pilot |
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* '''Length:''' 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m) |
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* '''Wingspan:''' 53 ft 8 in (16.36 m) |
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* '''Height:''' 16 ft 3 in (4.95 m) |
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* '''Wing area:''' 420 ft² (39.0 m²) |
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* '''Empty:''' 11,773 lb (5,340 kg) |
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* '''Loaded:''' 14,660 lb (6,650 kg) |
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* '''Maximum takeoff:''' 16,651 lb (7,553 kg) |
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* '''Powerplant:''' 1× [[Wright R-3350]]-17 radial, 2,300 hp (1,716 kW) |
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==Design and development== |
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===Performance (estimated)=== |
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The terms of the contract proposal of 29 April 1941 called for the first flight within fifteen months of the award and meet the following objectives. |
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* '''Maximum speed:''' 448 mph (721 km/h) |
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#Maximum level flight speed at {{cvt|27000|ft}} had to exceed {{cvt|468|mph}}. |
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* '''Range:''' 1,500 miles (2,414 km) |
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#It was to feature an [[Air conditioning|air-conditioned]] [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized]] [[cockpit]]. |
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* '''Service ceiling:''' 35,700 ft (10,884 m) |
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#Armament to be either eight {{cvt|20|mm}} cannons or twelve {{cvt|0.50|in|1}} machine guns, mounted in the wings. |
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* '''Rate of climb:''' ft/min ( m/min) |
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* '''Wing loading:''' 35 lb/ft² (171 kg/m²) |
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* '''Power/mass:''' 0.16 hp/lb (0.26 kW/kg) |
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Two [[prototype]]s were ordered; the first designated '''XP-62''' and the second designated '''XP-62A'''. |
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===Armament (planned)=== |
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* 4× 20 mm cannon |
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On 2 August 1941, the specifications were amended for the XP-62, reducing the maximum speed to {{cvt|448|mph}} with eight {{cvt|20|mm}} cannons, and increasing the loaded weight by {{cvt|1537|lb}}. |
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==Reference== |
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* Green, William (1961). ''War Planes of the Second World War - Fighters'' (Vol 4). London: Macdonald. |
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During a project review of 1 January 1942, the specification was again revised, with the loaded weight reduced by eliminating four cannons and removing the [[propeller (aircraft)|propeller]] [[de-icing]] equipment. |
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==Related content== |
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'''Related development:''' |
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On 25 May 1942 a contract for 100 P-62 fighters was awarded. However, on 27 July 1942, before production could begin, the contract for the P-62 was terminated (although not, apparently, the XP-62A) because of the effect on deliveries of Curtiss-built [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt]]s. |
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'''Comparable aircraft:''' |
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While work on the XP-62A continued, it progressed slowly, owing to its low priority. Delays in delivery of the pressure-cabin supercharger and engine modifications delayed the first flight until 21 July 1943. Only a limited amount of flight testing was carried out before the XP-62A was canceled on 21 September 1943 and full performance characteristics were not obtained. The prototype was scrapped in early 1944. |
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==Specifications (XP-62)== |
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{{Aircraft specs |
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|ref=Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947<ref name=Bowers>{{cite book |last1=Bowers |first1=Peter M. |title=Curtiss aircraft, 1907-1947 |date=1979 |publisher=Putnam |location=London |isbn=0370100298 |pages=327–331}}</ref> |
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|prime units?=imp |
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|crew=1 |
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|length ft=39|length in=6 |
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|span ft=53|span in=8 |
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|height ft=16|height in=3 |
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|wing area sqft=420 |
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|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 66-118]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 66-113]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> |
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|empty weight lb=11775|gross weight lb=16650 |
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|more general= |
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<!--Powerplant--> |
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|eng1 number=1|eng1 name=[[Wright R-3350-17 Duplex Cyclone]]|eng1 type=18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine|eng1 hp=2300 |
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|prop blade number=6|prop name=contra-rotating constant-speed propeller |
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|prop dia ft=|prop dia in= |
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<!-- Performance --> |
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|max speed mph=448 |
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|max speed note=at {{cvt|27000|ft}} |
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|cruise speed mph= |
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|range miles=1300 |
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|ceiling ft=37500 |
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|climb rate ftmin= |
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|time to altitude={{cvt|15000|ft}} in 6.9 minutes |
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|wing loading lb/sqft=35 |
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|wing loading note= |
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|fuel consumption lb/mi= |
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|power/mass={{cvt|0.16|hp/lb}} |
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<!-- Armament --> |
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|guns= 8 x {{cvt|20|mm|3}} cannon |
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}} |
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==See also== |
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'''Designation sequence:''' |
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{{Portal|Aviation}} |
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[[P-59 Airacomet|P-59]] - |
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{{aircontent |
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[[Curtiss P-60|P-60]] - |
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|related= |
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[[P-61 Black Widow|P-61]] - |
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|similar aircraft= |
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'''XP-62''' - |
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|lists= |
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[[P-63 Kingcobra|P-63]] - |
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* [[List of fighter aircraft]] |
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[[North American P-64|P-64]] - |
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* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]] |
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[[Grumman XP-65|XP-65]] |
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}} |
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== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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*[http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/p62.htm XP-62 information, including a picture] (from USAF Museum) |
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* Green, William. ''War Planes of the Second World War – Fighters, Volume 4''. London: Macdonald. 1961. |
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==External links== |
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{{airlistbox}} |
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{{commons category|Curtiss XP-62}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121010042055/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2266 Curtis XP-62] – National Museum of the USAF |
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{{Curtiss aircraft}} |
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[[Category:U.S. fighter aircraft 1940-1949|P-62]] |
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{{USAF fighters}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Curtiss Xp-62}} |
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[[ja:XP-62 (航空機)]] |
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[[Category:1940s United States fighter aircraft|Curtiss P-62]] |
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[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]] |
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[[Category:Curtiss aircraft|P-62]] |
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[[Category:Aircraft with contra-rotating propellers]] |
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1943]] |
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Latest revision as of 09:32, 13 March 2024
| XP-62 | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| A Curtiss-XP-62 on the tarmac | |
| Role | Fighter interceptor |
| Manufacturer | Curtiss-Wright |
| First flight | 21 July 1943 |
| Status | Cancelled 21 September 1943 |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Forces |
| Produced | 1943 |
| Number built | 1 |
The Curtiss XP-62 was a prototype single-engine interceptor aircraft, that was built for the United States Army Air Forces, by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation. It first flew in 1943.
The design sought to have an improved high-altitude performance and higher speeds, at all altitudes, which was to be assisted by the 18-cylinder Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engine. It was to be armed with four 20 mm (0.79 in) autocannons, a heavier armament than contemporary USAAF fighter aircraft, and was fitted with a pressurized cockpit.
Design and development[edit]
The terms of the contract proposal of 29 April 1941 called for the first flight within fifteen months of the award and meet the following objectives.
- Maximum level flight speed at 27,000 ft (8,200 m) had to exceed 468 mph (753 km/h).
- It was to feature an air-conditioned pressurized cockpit.
- Armament to be either eight 20 mm (0.79 in) cannons or twelve 0.50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns, mounted in the wings.
Two prototypes were ordered; the first designated XP-62 and the second designated XP-62A.
On 2 August 1941, the specifications were amended for the XP-62, reducing the maximum speed to 448 mph (721 km/h) with eight 20 mm (0.79 in) cannons, and increasing the loaded weight by 1,537 lb (697 kg).
During a project review of 1 January 1942, the specification was again revised, with the loaded weight reduced by eliminating four cannons and removing the propeller de-icing equipment.
On 25 May 1942 a contract for 100 P-62 fighters was awarded. However, on 27 July 1942, before production could begin, the contract for the P-62 was terminated (although not, apparently, the XP-62A) because of the effect on deliveries of Curtiss-built Republic P-47 Thunderbolts.
While work on the XP-62A continued, it progressed slowly, owing to its low priority. Delays in delivery of the pressure-cabin supercharger and engine modifications delayed the first flight until 21 July 1943. Only a limited amount of flight testing was carried out before the XP-62A was canceled on 21 September 1943 and full performance characteristics were not obtained. The prototype was scrapped in early 1944.
Specifications (XP-62)[edit]
Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
- Wingspan: 53 ft 8 in (16.36 m)
- Height: 16 ft 3 in (4.95 m)
- Wing area: 420 sq ft (39 m2)
- Airfoil: root: NACA 66-118; tip: NACA 66-113[2]
- Empty weight: 11,775 lb (5,341 kg)
- Gross weight: 16,650 lb (7,552 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-3350-17 Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 2,300 hp (1,700 kW)
- Propellers: 6-bladed contra-rotating constant-speed propeller
Performance
- Maximum speed: 448 mph (721 km/h, 389 kn) at 27,000 ft (8,200 m)
- Range: 1,300 mi (2,100 km, 1,100 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 37,500 ft (11,400 m)
- Time to altitude: 15,000 ft (4,600 m) in 6.9 minutes
- Wing loading: 35 lb/sq ft (170 kg/m2)
- Power/mass: 0.16 hp/lb (0.26 kW/kg)
Armament
- Guns: 8 x 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon
See also[edit]
Related lists
References[edit]
- ^ Bowers, Peter M. (1979). Curtiss aircraft, 1907-1947. London: Putnam. pp. 327–331. ISBN 0370100298.
- ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
- Green, William. War Planes of the Second World War – Fighters, Volume 4. London: Macdonald. 1961.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Curtiss XP-62.
- Curtis XP-62 – National Museum of the USAF