Originally posted by Vermillion:
New to me too.. looks almost like a melted F7F Tigercat to me.
McDonnell's XP-67 was the result of a design proposal accepted by the AAF in mid 1941. Its shape is the result of a concerted effort to make every surface contribute to the total lift. Indeed, the airframe was quite advanced for the time and drag was remarkably low (its CDo was just under .02). What ultimately damned this unique fighter was the choice of engines. Powered by a pair of troublesome and weak-wristed Continental XV-1430 inverted V-12s, the XP-67 was seriously underpowered. Its maximum speed was limited to 405 mph on a paltry 2,100 total hp. McDonnell discussed switching to a pair of 1,720 hp V-1650-7 Packard Merlins with the AAF. Unfortunately, this was in August of 1944, and the program was expected to be delayed at least six months to redesign the engine installation. Faced with an early 1945 test program, the AAF balked at the redesign, but consented after reconsideration. Just three weeks later, one of the miserable Continentals caught fire. Even though the aircraft was landed safely, the damage was extensive and the AAF cancelled the program. Performance estimates for the twin Merlins were in the 470+ mph region (roughly that expected had the Continentals performed to expectations). The Merlin powered prototype was never completed.
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/p67.htm My regards,
Widewing
