Wedell-Williams XP-34
| XP-34 | |
|---|---|
 Artist's impression of the XP-34 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fighter aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Wedell-Williams Air Service Corporation |
| History | |
| Developed from | Wedell-Williams Model 45 |
The Wedell-Williams XP-34 was a fighter aircraft design submitted to the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) before World War II by Marguerite Clark Williams, widow of millionaire Harry P. Williams, former owner and co-founder of the Wedell-Williams Air Service Corporation.
Design and development
[edit]Derived from an original proposal made in 1932, the XP-34 was based on a design by air racer Jimmy Wedell, who was considered, "one of the most noted race plane designers of its day".[1] The aircraft was a direct result of the development of Wedell's most successful designs, the Model 44 and Model 45.[2] The forward fuselage was intended to be metal, the after part and control surfaces covered in fabric.[1]
The interest expressed from the USAAC was based on the success of the private racing aircraft in the 1930s that were reaching 300 mph speeds in competition, a performance level not achieved by standard aircraft types in service in the U.S. military.[2]
On 1 October 1935, the USAAC ordered a full set of drawings and issued the XP-34 designation. It soon became apparent, however, with its original 700 hp (522 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-1535 Twin Wasp Junior engine, the anticipated performance of the XP-34 would be insufficient compared to designs already in production.
Wedell-Williams suggested substituting the 900 hp (671 kW) Pratt & Whitney XR-1830 instead. Although the promise of high speed was still there, other considerations such as the complete redesign of the airframe to accommodate a heavier and more powerful engine were considered impractical with the new design subsequently rejected by the Air Corps before any aircraft were built.[2]
Specifications (proposed)
[edit]Data from U.S. Fighters
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 23 ft 6 in (7.2 m)
- Wingspan: 27 ft 8.5 in (8.45 m)
- Height: 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m)
- Gross weight: 4,250 lb (1,928 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney XR1830-C air-cooled radial , 900 hp (671 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 308 mph (496 km/h, 268 kn)
See also
[edit]Related development
Related lists
References
[edit]
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Dorr, Robert F. and Donald, David. Fighters of the United States Air Force. London: Temple, 1990. ISBN 0-600-55094-X.
- Jones, Lloyd S. U.S. Fighters, Army-Air Force: 1925 to 1980s. Los Angeles: Aero Publishers Incorporated, 1975. ISBN 0-8168-9200-8.