[Guest]

A pretty aeroplane, but that didn't fly very well, the major reason for it's abandonment.

Nope, it didn't. However, McDonnel proposed to replace its starnge engine configuration with two Merlins or Allisons and two 9.5" Westinghouse jets. Another design involved using Their estimates projected a sea level speed in excess of 500mph. It didn't sell because it was thought that with the P-51H, P-82, and P-47N coming about, there wasn't a need for another long range escort. So, one of the most beautiful planes in history died.