XP-55 Ascender

   

A highly unusual design for its time, the Curtiss XP-55 Ascender was of the canard configuration, with a pusher prop and two vertical tails. Designed in response to an Army Air Corps request for "unconventional" designs, it had to be redesigned when the intended engine was cancelled. The first of four prototypes flew July 13, 1943, and were found to have acceptable performance, although they were somewhat unstable. The Ascender's performance never significantly exceeded that of conventional designs, was underpowered in terms of armament, and was subsequently cancelled without ever reaching production.

General characteristics

  • Wingspan: 40 ft 7 in (12.4 m)
  • Length: 29 ft 7 in (9.0 m)
  • Height: 10 ft 0 in (3.0 m)
  • Weight: 6,354 lb (2,882 kg) empty, 7,710 lb (3,497 kg) gross
  • Engine: Allison V-1710-95 of 1,275 hp (951 kW)
  • Maximum speed: 390 mph (628 km/h) at 19,300 ft (5,900 m)
  • Service ceiling: 34,600 ft (10,500 m)
  • Armament: Four .50-cal (12.7 mm) machine guns
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Related Content

Similar Aircraft: Kyushu J7W - Henschel P.75

Designation Series: XP-52 - XP-53 - XP-54 - XP-55 - XP-56 - XP-57 - XP-58

Related Lists: List of military aircraft of the United States - List of fighter aircraft


List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers
Airlines | Air Forces | Aircraft Weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation


References

US Air Force Museum (http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/p55.htm)


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