Curtiss XP-46

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Curtiss XP-46

The Curtiss XP-46 was an American prototype fighter aircraft development of the Curtiss-Wright Corporation during World War II.

Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Curtiss

Curtiss P-46 Aircraft Overview

The Curtiss XP-46 was a prototype fighter aircraft developed by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) in the late 1930s. It was designed as a high-altitude interceptor with advanced features, such as a pressurized cockpit and retractable landing gear.

The XP-46 was powered by an Allison V-1710-19 liquid-cooled V12 engine, which could generate up to 1,150 hp. The aircraft had a top speed of around 400 mph (644 km/h) and a range of 900 miles (1,448 km). Its armament consisted of six .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns mounted in the wings.

Despite its promising design, the XP-46 suffered from several technical problems during its development, which delayed its completion. By the time the prototype was ready for testing in 1941, it was already outdated compared to the latest generation of fighters. The XP-46 was ultimately cancelled in favor of other aircraft designs, and only a single prototype was ever built.

Curtiss P-46 Specifications

Crew: 1
Length: 30 ft 2 in (9.19 m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 3.75 in (10.4585 m)
Height: 10 ft 1 in (3.07 m)
Wing area: 208 sq ft (19.3 m²)
Airfoil: root: NACA 23016.5; tip: NACA 23009
Empty weight: 5,625 lb (2,551 kg)
Gross weight: 7,665 lb (3,477 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Allison V-1710-39 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,150 hp (860 kW)
Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed propeller

Curtiss P-46 Performance

Maximum speed: 355 mph (571 km/h, 308 kn) at 12,200 ft (3,700 m)
Range: 325 mi (523 km, 282 nmi)
Time to altitude: 12,300 ft (3,700 m) in 5 minutes.

Curtiss P-46 Armament

Guns:
- 2 × 0.50 in (13 mm) synchronized machine guns in the forward fuselage.
- Provision for 8 × 0.30 in (7.6 mm) wing-mounted guns.

Curtiss P-46 Image Gallery

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