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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.
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 {{cvt|20|mm}} [[autocannon]]s, a heavier armament than contemporary USAAF fighter aircraft, and was fitted with a [[pressurized cabin|pressurized cockpit]].


Relatively unusual objectives of the design, for its time, included superior high-altitude performance, which was to be assisted by a [[pressurized cabin|pressurized cockpit]], heavier armament than contemporary USAAF fighter aircraft, in the form of four 20 mm [[autocannon]]s, 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==
==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 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 {{cvt|27000|ft}} had to exceed {{cvt|468|mph}}.

⚫
#It was to feature an [[Air conditioning|air-conditioned]] [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized]] [[cockpit]].
The maximum level flight speed at 27,000 ft (8,230 m) had to be at least 468 mph (753 km/h).
⚫
#Armament to be either eight {{cvt|20|mm}} cannons or twelve {{cvt|0.50|in|1}} machine guns, mounted in the wings.

⚫
The aircraft was to feature an [[Air conditioning|air-conditioned]], [[Cabin pressurization|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 [[prototype]]s were ordered; the first designated '''XP-62''' and the second designated '''XP-62A'''.
Two [[prototype]]s 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).
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}}.


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


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). The reason given was the effect on deliveries of Curtiss-built [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47 Thunderbolt]]s.
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.


While work on the XP-62A continued, it progressed slowly, owing to its low priority; delays in delivery of the unique 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. In early 1944, the XP-62A prototype was scrapped.
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)==
==Specifications (XP-62)==
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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>
|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>
|prime units?=imp
|prime units?=imp
<!--
General characteristics
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|crew=1
|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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|length in=6
|length note=
|span ft=53
|span in=8
|span note=
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|height ft=16
|height in=3
|height note=
|wing area sqft=420
|wing area sqft=420
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|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>
|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>
|empty weight lb=11775
|empty weight lb=11775|gross weight lb=16650
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=16650
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
|more general=
<!--
<!--Powerplant-->
⚫
|eng1 number=1|eng1 name=[[Wright R-3350-17 Duplex Cyclone]]|eng1 type=18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine|eng1 hp=2300
Powerplant
⚫
|prop blade number=6|prop name=contra-rotating constant-speed propeller
-->
⚫
|prop dia ft=|prop dia in=
|eng1 number=1
<!-- Performance -->
|eng1 name=[[Wright R-3350-17 Duplex Cyclone]]
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|eng1 type=18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine
|eng1 hp=2300

|prop blade number=6
⚫
|prop name=contra-rotating constant-speed propeller
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
⚫
|prop dia note=
<!--
Performance
-->
|max speed mph=448
|max speed mph=448
|max speed note=at {{cvt|27000|ft}}
|max speed note=at {{cvt|27000|ft}}
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|range miles=1300
|range miles=1300
|range note=
|combat range miles=
|combat range note=
|ferry range miles=
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|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=37500
|ceiling ft=37500
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate ftmin=
⚫
|time to altitude={{cvt|15000|ft}} in 6.9 minutes
|climb rate note=
⚫
|time to altitude={{cvt|15,000|ft}} in 6.9 minutes
|wing loading lb/sqft=35
|wing loading lb/sqft=35
|wing loading note=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass={{cvt|0.16|hp/lb}}
|power/mass={{cvt|0.16|hp/lb}}
<!-- Armament -->
|thrust/weight=
⚫
|guns= 8 x {{cvt|20|mm|3}} cannon

|more performance=
<!--
Armament
-->
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|guns= 8x {{cvt|20|mm|3}} cannon

|avionics=
}}
}}


Revision as of 09:32, 13 March 2024

XP-62
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

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.

  1. Maximum level flight speed at 27,000 ft (8,200 m) had to exceed 468 mph (753 km/h).
  2. It was to feature an air-conditioned pressurized cockpit.
  3. 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)

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

Related lists

References

  1. ^ Bowers, Peter M. (1979). Curtiss aircraft, 1907-1947. London: Putnam. pp. 327–331. ISBN 0370100298.
  2. ^ 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.
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