Originally posted by Westy
He said "prop fighter."
I choose you P-72!
I would too! Projected max speed of 505 mph at 25k (only tested to 490.4 mph without WEP), 480 mph on the deck (actual flight data), climbed to 20k in under 5 minutes!!!!
This light-weight, 3,600 hp development of the P-47 would would have dominated all comers. Simply the highest performing prop fighter ever built. It was only months away from production when the War Department cancelled it in favor of full P-80 production.
An order for 100 was on the books, to be armed with 4 of the new high velocity M9 37mm cannons. Republic had already started on tooling and jigs when the order was cancelled.
My regards,
Widewing