Boeing XP-4

In the article presented below, Boeing XP-4 will be addressed from different perspectives, with the aim of providing a comprehensive view on this topic. From its origin and history, through its relevance today, to possible future implications, this article aims to offer a complete look at Boeing XP-4. Its various facets will be analyzed, its different interpretations will be explored, and the controversies surrounding it will be discussed. In addition, the implications that Boeing XP-4 has in different contexts will be examined and reflections and opinions of experts in the field will be presented. Without a doubt, this article will seek to shed light on Boeing XP-4 and its impact on society.
XP-4
Boeing XP-4 during trials
General information
TypeFighter
National originUnited States
ManufacturerBoeing
Number built1
History
First flight1927[1]
Developed fromBoeing Model 15

The Boeing XP-4 was a prototype American biplane fighter of the 1920s. It was grounded permanently after just 4.5 hours of flight testing.[1]

Development and design

In 1926, the United States Army was very interested in the turbo-supercharger as a way of improving engine performance, and requested that one be added to the last of the PW-9s, and the engine upgraded to a 510 hp Packard 1A-1500. This machine was designated XP-4.[1]

In addition, the basic PW-9 armament of one .50 and one .30 cal. machine guns in the nose were supplemented by two added .30 cal. guns mounted under the lower wing, far enough out to be outside the propeller arc (thus not needing synchronization).[2]

All these modifications added weight, so the lower wing span was extended by 9.5 feet.

The airplane was delivered to Wright Field for testing on 27 July 1927, but it quickly became apparent that the Packard engine did not have sufficient power to compensate for the 800 lbs of extra weight, the craft performing more poorly than its predecessor, and the project was quickly abandoned.[1]

Specifications (XP-4)

Data from Fighters of the United States Air Force [3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Length: 23 ft 11 in (7.29 m)
  • Wingspan: 32 ft 1 in (9.78 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
  • Wing area: 245 sq ft (22.8 m2)
  • Empty weight: 2,783 lb (1,264 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 3,650 lb (1,655 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Packard 1A-1500 supercharged liquid-cooled piston engine, 510 hp (380 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 146 kn (168 mph, 270 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 104 kn (120 mph, 193 km/h)
  • Range: 326 nmi (375 mi, 604 km)
  • Service ceiling: 22,850 ft (6,965 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)

Armament

See also

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Angelucci 1987, pp. 71–72.
  2. ^ Jones 1975, pp. 20–22.
  3. ^ Dorr and Bishop 1990, pp. 33–34.

Bibliography

  • Angelucci, Enzo. The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books, 1987. ISBN 0-517-56588-9.
  • Dorr, Robert F. and David Donald. 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.. Fallbrook, California: Aero Publishers, Inc., 1975. ISBN 0-8168-9200-8.
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