[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)

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



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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.

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







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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...

[caldrail]

I don't mind these also-ran's being modelled, it allows all sorts of 'what if?' scenarios and adds some interest. After all, 1946 is an official update. There are plenty of them I'd like to see. Trouble is, there are plenty of types that did see combat and to be honest, I'm just as keen to see them if not keener.

[Guest]

WOW, Looks like a P61 mixed with a P38 hock:

[Th!rdeye]

Well, the 3d converter has been released so get to modelling.

[Chaoic16]

WOW, Looks like a P61 mixed with a P38 hock:

I agree with you wholeheartly... P-38 and P-61, especially XP-58 alway have been incredible beauitful fighter with awesome firepower and engine power!




Chaoic out...

[Chaoic16]

I have FINALLY found an excellent quality of sources and blueprints for this aircraft after spending a long time hunting down for great quality of sources and blueprints for this aircraft. It is one of my great dream aircraft to fly in IL-2 1946, along with XP-67 Bat.

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/i ... xp-58.html



*blueprint*







*engine*



*Armament*





*notes*



8)


Chaoic out...

[Guest]

Why the Chain Lightning?

[Chaoic16]

Why the Chain Lightning?

This will answer your question:

(Why expimental and 'what if' aircraft is worth it!)
viewtopic.php?t=18228

And secondly, I am providing as much of information as possible for any modder that may want to work on this aircraft one day.


Chaoic out...

[Guest]

No, no, no. That's all fine and good, but not what I was asking. Why do you want the XP-58 in particular? Do you want if for escort or ground attack? If you're interested in ground attack with this plane, then why not the XA-38 Grizzly. If you're interested in super long range escort, then why not the P-82 Twin Mustang. If you're looking for both, then why not the XP-67 Bat with Merlins or Allisons and jets. My point is that the XP-58 isn't necessairly the best choice for either of these tasks. It's not great for performance and wouldn't really excell. It's design is interesting, but not beautiful. I'm asking what you see in this bird that makes you want it.

[Chaoic16]

Ahh, I can see where this is going... The reason why I really want this specific aircraft is because, you see.. I am very fond of twin engine aircraft with tails similar to P-38 and P-61. And its also because, when I saw this aircraft for the first time, I was awed by this aircraft, especially how she was designed with specific armament. She would be great as multi-purpose attack aircraft IMO, she have a 'beast' looking on her and she even have beast armament. I would like to have AI or other players (whom would fly with me in cooperation mission in this aircraft) to man the turret gun for me where they would cover my six when I would performance defensive tactic against any enemy fighters that would jump on me while trying to find a perfect way to performance an attack tactic against them in a great challenging way like I always do in my P-38L Lighting in Il-2 1946! And of course, her perfomance may not be so great, but remember its the pilot that make the difference, not the machine. I would like to find a best way to use her, given the perfomance that she had, besides many differnet aircraft have their own flaws and it didnt stop pilots from flying them still.

For the long time I have been dreaming of flying her virtually, along with XP-67 Bat (Moonbat), and I just knew that both of these aircraft would be extremely interesting aircraft to fly, if that answers your question. I apologize if I misunderstood or misread your question.

I hope there is no hard feeling.




Chaoic out...

[Guest]

No, no hard feelings. I understand now. I would personally perfer a XP-67 refitted Merlins or Allisons and jets. It's talked at these places.

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p67.html
http://books.google.com/books?id=i984H9S...t&resnum=1

It says that the estimated SL speed should have been in excess of 500mph. That means it could have probably kept with or shot past Me 262's in flight and by the time it got to the P-67A, it should have been able to match it's maneuverability with that of the P-51 after having made the changes from original flight tests which would have probably included adding a yaw damper and having better engines installed. It would have also had a range that would have allowed it to escort B-17's and B-29's deep into Germany or Japan. Plus, it would have had a more realistic selection of guns in the production model like 6 or 8x.50cal machine guns as opposed to the suggested 6x37mm cannons, 12x.50cal machine guns, or 8x.60cal machine guns suggested for ground attack. Oh yeah, it would look awesome too.



Anyways, back to the Chain Lightning...

[Chaoic16]

MustangNF,

I have a good news for you then. I have a few very high quality of blueprints on her. I will be starting a new thread her where we can discuss about this aircraft as well.




Chaoic out...

[Guest]

Excellent!

[Chaoic16]

I am letting everyone know that I have updated XP-58 with these latest information at allied expimental and 'what if' aircraft request library at viewtopic.php?t=7790 and if any of you have more information on this aircraft, let me know.




Chaoic out...