[Chaoic16]

I am writing this, as an idea/suggestion for any of modder out there that might like the idea of this project for 'what if' unique add-on to IL-2 1946. There is already so many of historical aircraft being worked on, so there should be plenty of 'what if' aircraft suggestions also. I am writing this as an idea and I hope this is something I at least, could do to contribute to AAA community with idea/suggestion. And to make modder life's bit more easier, I am adding many information and references, to reduce the modder time of needing to research and I am also asking for any of you whom would like to see XP-58 chain lighitng in Il-2, please also add information and references here.

XP-58 Chain lighting

http://www.daveswarbirds.com/usplanes/a ... ainlit.htm

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.

Type: Fighter -> attack aircraft -> bomber destroyer
Crew: 2, Pilot & Gunner
Armament: 4x 37mm cannon, 4x 12.7mm machine gun,
up to 4,000 lb bombs

Specifications:
Length: 49' 5.5" (15.0 m)
Height: 16' 0" (4.8 m)
Wingspan: 70' 0" (21.3 m)
Wing area: 600 sq. ft (55.7 sq. m)
Empty Weight: 31,624 lbs (14,341 kg)
Gross Weight: 39,192 lbs (17,774 kg)
Max Weight: 43,000 lbs (19,501 kg)

Propulsion:
No. of Engines: 2
Powerplant: Allison V-3420-11/13
Horsepower 2600 hp each

Performance:
Range: 1,250 miles (2,012 km)
Cruise Speed: 283 mph (455 km/hr)
Max Speed: 436 mph (702 km/hr)
Climb: 2,582 ft/min (786 m/min)
Ceiling: 38,200 ft (11,643 m)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsh ... sp?id=2262



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avp38.html
(history of P-38 website)

The XP-58 actually started life in the spring of 1940 as an advanced escort fighter version of the P-38, with the development at the request of the USAAF. Single-seat and two-seat versions were considered, with the two-seat version fitted with additional turret-mounted armament.

The single-seat version was quickly abandoned, and the two-seat version went through a number of radical design changes, particularly with regards to engine fit. With the outbreak of the Pacific War in December 1941, the project was more or less put on the "back burner", with most of the staff moved to higher-priority projects.

The USAAF then began to flip-flop on their requirements, redefining the XP-58 as a ground attack aircraft, then a bomber, then an interceptor, with a bewildering variety of equipment fits considered. The single XP-58 prototype finally flew on 6 June 1944.

The XP-58 was a substantially more radical departure from the original P-38 design than the XP-49. While the XP-58 had the general Lightning configuration, nobody could have mistaken it for a Lightning. It was a monster, more on the scale of the Northrop P-61 Black Widow night fighter, and powered by two 24-cylinder Allison V-3420-11 inline engines with 1,565 kW (2,100 HP) each.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/allies/us/xp58.htm







----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XP-58_Chain_Lightning
(keep in mind, wiki is not alway a good resouce which is why I posted another resources besides wiki)


Chaoic out...