Curtiss XP-62

The Curtiss XP-62 was a prototype heavily armed, high-performance, single engine fighter aircraft built for the U.S. Army Air Corps by the Curtiss Wright Corporation. The terms of the contract, in accordance with a proposal of April 29, 1941, called for delivery of the first flight within the fifteen months of award, with a guaranteed maximum speed of 468 miles per hour at 27,000 feet. The aircraft was to feature an air-conditioned cockpit and either eight 20 mm cannon or twelve 0.50 inch machine guns. The first of two prototypes was designated XP-62 and the second XP-62A.

On August 2, 1941, the specifications were submitted for the XP-62 reducing the maximum speed to 448 mph with eight cannon armament and increasing the loaded weight by 1,537 lb. During a project review of January 1, 1942 under findings of a study that the loaded weight be reduced by eliminating four cannon and removal of the propeller anti-icing equipment. On May 25, 1942 a contract for 100 P-62 fighters was awarded, but on July 27, 1942 the contract was terminated as it would affect deliveries of urgently needed Curtiss-built P-47 Thunderbolts.

Delays in delivery of the unique pressure-cabin supercharger and engine modifications delayed the first flight of the XP-62 until July 21, 1943. The XP-62A was canceled on September 21, 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 1942 the XP-62 was scrapped. Because of the insuffucient flight testing, full performance charactistics were not obtained.

Specifications (XP-62)

General characteristics

• Crew: One

Performance

• 4x 20 mm cannon

Reference

• Green, William (1961). War Planes of the Second World War - Fighters (Vol 4). London: Macdonald.

External link

• XP-62 information, including a picture (from USAF Museum)