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| XP-62 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A Curtiss XP-62 on the tarmac | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fighterinterceptor |
| Manufacturer | Curtiss-Wright |
| Status | Cancelled 21 September 1943 |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Forces |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1943 |
| First flight | 21 July 1943 |
TheCurtiss XP-62 was aprototype single-engineinterceptor aircraft, that was built for theUnited States Army Air Forces, by theCurtiss-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-cylinderWright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engine.[1] 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 apressurized cockpit.
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.
Twoprototypes were ordered; the first designatedXP-62 and the second designatedXP-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 thepropellerde-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 by the USAAF because of the effect on deliveries of Curtiss-builtRepublic P-47G-CU Thunderbolts.[1]
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.
Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related lists
