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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.

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.

Variants

;XP-62

:Prototype, 8 x 20 mm cannons

;P-62A

:Planned initial production version, 100-aircraft contract cancelled

Specifications (XP-62)

See also

References

Bibliography

  • Green, William. War Planes of the Second World War – Fighters, Volume 4. London: Macdonald. 1961.
  • Curtis XP-62 – National Museum of the USAF
  • Wind-Tunnel Tests Of The 1/9-Scale Model Of The Curtiss XP-62 Airplane With Various Vertical Tail Arrangements – DTIC