Author Topic: Whats this?  (Read 297 times)

Offline FTJR

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Whats this?
« on: March 23, 2003, 02:00:15 AM »
I found this one, never heard of or seen it before
Bring the Beaufighter to Aces High
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B.O.S.S. "Beaufighter Operator Support Services" 
Storms and Aeroplanes dont mix

Offline Dr Zhivago

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Whats this?
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2003, 03:26:10 AM »
Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning

The XP-58 was supposed to be the successor to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. In April of 1940 an agreement was reached with the USAAC that would enable Lockheed to sell an export version of the Lightning to England and France, provided that Lockheed would design a more advanced version of the P-38 for U.S. needs. The concept aircraft was envisaged as coming in two versions: a single-seat and and a two-seat version (which had rear-firing guns in each of the tail booms). The project soon received a change of direction (one of many to come, and probably the main reason for the overly-long development and ultimate death of the project), in that the single-seat version was dropped, and the rear-facing guns were replaced with a dorsal turret. A number of engine changes later (and with the addition of a ventral turret as well), the XP-58 project was re-designated to be a ground attack aircraft. After several new armament configurations were designed, the purpose of the aircraft changed yet again into that of a "bomber destroyer". Still more changes to the aircraft were mandated, but by the time the single prototype took its maiden flight (after an extended four year development cycle), there was no need for any "bomber destroyers". The project was terminated in 1945, with only a single XP-58 being built.

Offline FTJR

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Whats this?
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2003, 07:09:07 AM »
Interesting.. thanks:eek:
Bring the Beaufighter to Aces High
Raw Prawns      

B.O.S.S. "Beaufighter Operator Support Services" 
Storms and Aeroplanes dont mix

Offline john9001

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Whats this?
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2003, 09:49:42 AM »
secret weapons of the USAAC