McDonnell XP-67
One of the first designs of the McDonnell corporation was the heavy fighter XP-67.
The designing engineers tried to get additional lifting by melting fuselage, engine coverage and wings.
The first of two prototypes had his first flight on January, 6th, 1944. The Continental engines used
counter-rotating props and caused heavy troubles. The first prototype was destroyed on
september, 6th, 1944, and the project was cancelled before the second prototype was completed.
My comment:
It would have been a great plane with Merlin 130/131 engines and good 20-30mm cannons
instead of those 37mm guns with their poor muzzle velocity, reliability and rate of fire.
The XP-67 is often called a heavy interceptor, but itīs sure, if it had entered service,
then also for ground attacks.
Specifications: | |
---|---|
McDonnell XP-67 U.S heavy fighter | |
Dimensions: | |
Wing span: | 16,79m |
Length: | 13,65m |
Height: | ca. 4,90m |
Weights: | |
Empty: | 8.540kg |
Maximum Take-Off: | 11.510kg |
Performance: | |
Maximum Speed: | 660km/h at 12.000m |
Service Ceiling: | does anybody know? at least 12.000m |
Normal Range: | 2.720km |
Powerplant: | |
two 1.350PS Continental XI-1430-17/19 liquid-cooled engines, only 1050PS were in use because of the problems | |
Armament: | |
six 37mm guns or six 12.7mm guns and one 75mm cannon |
on the ground, right rear, note the dimensions
another great shot on the ground
Allied X-Planes page (what-if-speculation)