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To build the USAAF a fighter of 'exceptional performance' with high
speed, long range and a fast climb rate, someone had the bright idea of
assembling parts from several different aircraft and getting a car parts maker
to build it. The Fisher Body Division of auto maker General Motors
combined Curtiss Warhawk, Douglas Dauntless and Vought Corsair parts
with a complicated new engine to create the XP-75. By the time the
prototypes were flying, the USAAF decided it needed an escort fighter more
than an interceptor and ordered 2500 XP-75As, a revised version with a
bubble canopy and fewer borrowed parts. These proved unstable in yaw and
sluggish in roll, and they spun badly. The mid-mounted engine gave less
power than expected and tended to overheat. Thankfully the P-51D proved
up to the job and the Eagle was grounded.
| MODEL | P-75A "Eagle" |
| ENGINE | 1 x Allison V-3420-23, 2150kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 8260 kg | 18210 lb |
| Empty weight | 5214 kg | 11495 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 15.04 m | 49 ft 4 in |
| Length | 12.32 m | 40 ft 5 in |
| Height | 4.72 m | 15 ft 6 in |
| Wing area | 32.24 m2 | 347.03 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 644 km/h | 400 mph |
| Cruise speed | 500 km/h | 311 mph |
| Ceiling | 10975 m | 36000 ft |
| Range w/max.fuel | 4828 km | 3000 miles |
| ARMAMENT | 10 x 12.7mm machine-guns, 2 x 227kg bombs |
 | A three-view drawing (1668 x 1230) |
| 3VI, landmania(@)libero.it, 15.12.2007 Four in the nose and six in the wings, I suppose...
Four synchronized guns through 2x3 blades contraprops!!! Hugely complicated game!!! | | ismael, raygozaisma(@)hotmail.com, 01.11.2007 where where the guns located |
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Do you have any comments about this aircraft ?
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FACTS AND FIGURES© The engine was a 24-
cylinder monstrosity, created
by joining two Allison V-
1710s on a common shaft. © The engine was mounted
behind the cockpit like that
on the P-39 and P-63,
driving contra-rotating
propellers through an
extension shaft. © The Eagle's outer wings
came from the P-40
Warhawk, the landing gear
was from an F4U Corsair
and the tail originated with
the SBD Dauntless. © It was originally planned to
use outer wings from the
P-51, but those from the
P-40, designed by the same
man behind the XP-75,
were used instead.
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