A bit early for an evening clue, but here it is. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.

Many of those clues point to the F4U Corsair, that is until you look at only one being built and being pressurized. You've got me totally lost on this one, as per usual :confused:

Well, we wouldn't want that, would we? So here's a bonus clue to aid your search. And a hint: There were certain similarities between our subject airplane and the Corsair. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.

I'm going to be flying RC today, so I'll drop the morning and afternoon clues now. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.

Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.

Afternoon clue. It seems I must make up some new clues, but we're getting down to the "how long and how wide" end of things. Some one solve this thing! Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.

Okay, I'm starting to think the plane was designed around the Allison 24 cylinder engine as I remember reading someplace that it was tried but not followed up on. Haven't had the chance to do any real research on it

Sorry, HJ; but that dog won't hunt. But I'll provide a bonus clue to help you find the way. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.

One more clue for today. We don't get a lot of weekend traffic. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.

Today's clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.



46. This plane was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).

Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie .


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.



46. This plane was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).



47. The contract proposal was issued in April of 1941.

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.



46. This plane was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).



47. The contract proposal was issued in April of 1941.



48. The combination of specified features was rather unusual for the time.

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.



46. This plane was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).



47. The contract proposal was issued in April of 1941.



48. The combination of specified features was rather unusual for the time.



49. And was to be made possible by the new and powerful 18 cylinder radial engine.

Okay, so we're talking something with the R2800 Double Wasp. Since only one was built, that takes out the Corsair(already mentioned), the Hellcat, Tigercat, Bearcat, Thunderbolt and Black Widow. How about the Curtis XP-60E

HJ; no; there were other engines. But here's a bonus clue for participating. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.



46. This plane was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).



47. The contract proposal was issued in April of 1941.



48. The combination of specified features was rather unusual for the time.



49. And was to be made possible by the new and powerful 18 cylinder radial engine.



50. Which had been developed for use in a bomber being developed.

Sorry, HJ; I didn't notice the mention of the Curtis XP-60E the first time I read that. No, it isn't the XP-60E; but you're getting warmer. Thanks; Ernie P.

So now, we're talking the B-32 Dominator engine? That means it has to be the Curtis XP-62

And HJ nails it! The Curtiss XP-62 had all the makings of a great aircraft, but the decision was to put the Curtiss factory to work building P-47s; so the XP-62 wasn't developed. Looking at the few test results recorded and preserved seems to indicate the XP-62 had enormous potential. But then again, we'll never be sure. The records are full of aircraft with a lot of potential which had teething problems never resolved.

Yes, the XP-62 engine was used in the B-32 Dominator; but it was also much more famously used on the bomber we called the B-29 Super Fortress. I think most of us here have probably heard of it. And, of course, it was used in the Interceptor prototype known as the Curtiss XP-62. You have the lead. Hydro Junkie; take it away. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.



2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.



3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.



4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.



5. This is an aircraft of the second type.



6. This aircraft was a prototype.



7. And only one was ever built.



8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.



9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.



10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.



11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.



12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.



13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.



14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.



15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.



16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.



17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.



18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.



19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.



20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.



21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.



22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.



23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.



24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.



25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.



26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.



27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.



28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.



29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.



30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.



31. And it could fly at over 37,000 feet.



32. And it could get there quickly.



33. And every foot of the way, it could outrun almost anything out there.



34. With a range of over 1,300 miles.



35. The plane was big; with a wingspan of over 53 feet.



36. And it weighed over 16,000 pounds.



37. But all things are possible when your engine cranks out well over 2,000 HP.



38. And drives a six bladed propeller.



39. But right after the first flight, the project was cancelled.



40. The production company’s facilities were urgently needed to produce an already flying and much needed production aircraft.



41. So, the project was scrapped.



42. Because the project was first slowed, then cancelled, a full set of performance figures were never obtained or recorded.



43. But what was demonstrated was impressive.



44. And so, another (potentially, who really knows?) great plane never saw combat.



45. Its original role was to be an interceptor.



46. This plane was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).



47. The contract proposal was issued in April of 1941.



48. The combination of specified features was rather unusual for the time.



49. And was to be made possible by the new and powerful 18 cylinder radial engine.



50. Which had been developed for use in a bomber being developed.



51. The USAAF wanted to know if the engine could also be used in a fighter.



52. And they wanted to “push the envelope” as to the performance which could be realized in a fighter aircraft.



53. And they wanted the prototype aircraft flying in 15 months.



54. They chose Curtiss Aircraft to build the prototype.



55. But the contract for production was cancelled because the Curtiss factory production line was needed for production of the already developed and approved P-47.





Answer: The Curtiss XP-62





The Curtiss XP-62 was a prototype single-engine interceptor aircraft, that was built at the request of the United States Army Air Forces, by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation. It first flew in 1943.



Relatively unusual objectives of the design, for its time, included superior high-altitude performance, which was to be assisted by a pressurized cockpit, heavier armament than contemporary USAAF fighter aircraft, in the form of four 20 mm autocannons, and higher speeds, at all altitudes, than other contemporary fighters. A key physical feature of the XP-62, in terms of the above objectives, was its relatively large and powerful engine, an 18-cylinder Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone.

Design and development

The terms of the contract, in accordance with a proposal of 29 April 1941, called for the first flight within fifteen months of the award.



The maximum level flight speed at 27,000 ft (8,230 m) had to be at least 468 mph (753 km/h).



The aircraft was to feature an air-conditioned, pressurized cockpit.



Proposed armament was either eight 20 mm (.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 submitted for the XP-62 reducing the maximum speed to 448 mph (721 km/h) with eight 20 mm (.79 in) cannon armament and increasing the loaded weight by 1,537 lb (697 kg).



During a project review of 1 January 1942, the contract specification was again revised: the loaded weight would be reduced by eliminating four cannon and removing the propeller de-icing equipment.



On 25 May,1942 a contract for 100 P-62 fighters was awarded.



Before construction could begin, the contract was terminated on 27 July 1942, as it would affect deliveries of urgently needed Curtiss-built P-47 Thunderbolts.

Testing

Delays in delivery of the unique pressure-cabin supercharger and engine modifications delayed the first flight of the XP-62 until 21 July 1943. The XP-62A was canceled on 21 September 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 of 1944 the XP-62 was scrapped. Because of insufficient flight testing, full performance characteristics were never obtained.

Specifications (XP-62)

Data from Curtiss Aircraft 1907–1947



General characteristics

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· Crew: 1

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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 sq ft (39 m2)

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· Airfoil: root: NACA 66-118; tip: NACA 66-113[2]

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· Empty weight: 11,775 lb (5,341 kg)

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· Gross weight: 16,650 lb (7,552 kg)

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· Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-3350-17 Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 2,300 hp (1,700 kW)

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· Propellers: 6-bladed contra-rotating constant-speed propeller



Performance

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· Maximum speed: 448 mph (721 km/h, 389 kn) at 27,000 ft (8,200 m)

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· Range: 1,300 mi (2,100 km, 1,100 nmi)

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· Service ceiling: 37,500 ft (11,400 m)

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· Time to altitude: 15,000 ft (4,600 m) in 6.9 minutes

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· Wing loading: 35 lb/sq ft (170 kg/m2)

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· Power/mass: 0.16 hp/lb (0.26 kW/kg)



Armament

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· Guns: 4x 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon