| vf_node_pictures_all | title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | g_geofield | field_t_coordinates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Consolidated Vultee XP-81 | USAAS/USAAC/USAAF/USAF fighter designations 1924-1962, and Tri-Service post-1962 systems - Jagdflugzeuge (Fighter) der U.S. Air Force bis 1962, Convair and General Dynamics aircraft - Liste der Flugzeugtypen des Herstellers Convair - Самолёты Convair и General Dynamics |
The Consolidated Vultee XP-81 was a single-seat, long-range escort fighter designed to be powered by both turbojet-and turboprop engines. Two protypes were ordered in February 1944 and equipped with a General Electric TG-100 turboprop – meant to be used for cruise flight – and a General Electric J33 turbojet, to be used for high-speed flight. Both examples suffered due to development problems, causing their reengining with a V-1650- 7 engine of the P-51D. Although showing good handling characteristics, and the USAAF having requested 13 pre-production aircraft, the order was cancelled when Japan capitulated on 2 September 1945. Flight testing was continued until 1947, when both XP-81s were reduced to targets on a bombing range. (Artwork by Goran Sudar)