10.08.2008, 16:56
The History
In the late 1930s, the US Navy issued BuAer SD112-14 soliciting a twin-engined fighter form the major aircraft manufactures. Lockheed, who was already deep into developing the XP-38 decided to enter the competition with a radial-engined folding wing version of the Lighting. Dubbed the XFV-1 Trident, it actually had a higher performance rating than it's USAAF counterpart due to it's lower weight. It was soon discovered that this aircraft could also carry a Mk. 13 torpedo under its port wing. The idea was that after launching the torpedo, the aircraft could easily fight its way back to its carrier or defend other aircraft in the area.
In the late 1930s, the US Navy issued BuAer SD112-14 soliciting a twin-engined fighter form the major aircraft manufactures. Lockheed, who was already deep into developing the XP-38 decided to enter the competition with a radial-engined folding wing version of the Lighting. Dubbed the XFV-1 Trident, it actually had a higher performance rating than it's USAAF counterpart due to it's lower weight. It was soon discovered that this aircraft could also carry a Mk. 13 torpedo under its port wing. The idea was that after launching the torpedo, the aircraft could easily fight its way back to its carrier or defend other aircraft in the area.