29.07.2009, 09:16
Let me clarify a few points on the would be P-67A-1MD.
First off, the original engine failed. There was a plan to replace the engines with either a Packard V-1650 or an Allison V-1710 engine with two-stage supercharger in front of each engine nacelle and an GE I-20 turbojet or a Westinghouse 9.5" turbojet in the rear of the nacelle. Doing so would have allowed the Bat to go into instant production and have a Sea Level speed well in excess of 500mph according to estimates. With the maneuverability changes made after the first test flight and with those that would have been made assuming this project got going, it should have been able to match the P-51H on equal terms. Then, it would have served as a long-range and high-speed escort fighter instead of an interceptor or ground attack fighter. In such a case, the gun selection would have been narrowed to 6 or 8x.50cal machine guns. With all that, it would have been able to escort B-17's or B-29's all the way to their targets and take down any Me 262's or J7W2's along the way.
First off, the original engine failed. There was a plan to replace the engines with either a Packard V-1650 or an Allison V-1710 engine with two-stage supercharger in front of each engine nacelle and an GE I-20 turbojet or a Westinghouse 9.5" turbojet in the rear of the nacelle. Doing so would have allowed the Bat to go into instant production and have a Sea Level speed well in excess of 500mph according to estimates. With the maneuverability changes made after the first test flight and with those that would have been made assuming this project got going, it should have been able to match the P-51H on equal terms. Then, it would have served as a long-range and high-speed escort fighter instead of an interceptor or ground attack fighter. In such a case, the gun selection would have been narrowed to 6 or 8x.50cal machine guns. With all that, it would have been able to escort B-17's or B-29's all the way to their targets and take down any Me 262's or J7W2's along the way.