Difference between revisions of "XP-55"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=xp-55
 
|code=xp-55
−
|cockpit=334227/1110005
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_xp-55.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
Researching new designs for better fighter and interceptor performances, the United States encouraged companies to develop radical new designs away from conventional fighter aircraft. Among the different designs submitted, Curtis-Wright's CW-24B design won out and their aircraft became designated as the '''XP-55 ''Ascender'''''. With its front horizontal stabilizer (canard) contributing significantly to lift, it effectively acts as part of the wing, allowing the main wing area to be reduced, and also reducing the aircraft's drag. Three prototypes  were created, but the flight characteristics were deemed not sufficient enough upgrade compared to conventional designs, and incoming jet age caused the US to refocus priority into new jet designs, leading to the cancellation of the XP-55.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]] and costs 3,900 GE.
 
  
−
The XP-55 Ascender is unlike anything you will fly in the U.S. Tech Tree. Flying this aircraft effectively requires a dedication to Energy Fighting. The XP-55 excels greatly in the ability to climb and dive and this is your greatest advantage. The Ascender has decent maneuverability and best used in a Boom & Zoom function. All four of this aircraft's armament are packed tightly in the nose for devastating results.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.31]], the XP-55 Ascender is unlike anything most players would see in the U.S. tech tree. Flying this aircraft effectively requires a dedication to Energy Fighting. The XP-55 excels significantly in the ability to climb and dive, and this is your most significant advantage. The Ascender has decent manoeuvrability and best used in a Boom & Zoom function. All four of this aircraft's armament are packed tightly in the nose for devastating results.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The XP-55's level speed is decent compared to other planes at a similar tier, climb rate is quite good, although the acceleration is mediocre. Turn rate at very low speed is not satisfying, but it gets better once the plane reaches higher speed (~400 km/h) and once it gets there it turns very well, even near the structural limit speed which is very high. Stalling characteristics is very different compared to other planes, especially during the flight after reducing the power, it tends to stall without dropping on one wing and with no lean to any side, it can be very dangerous during the landing on the airfield at low speed.
 +
 
 +
The engine can start overheating after a few minutes flying on War Emergency Power, especially on hot maps and when the player is using automatic engine controls, but it cools down fast once the power is reduced or after switching to manual engine controls and open the radiator. Also, when the XP-55 reaches a higher and colder altitude (above 4,000 m), the plane is noticeably faster to accelerate and the engine is less prone to overheating.
 +
 
 +
Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of the XP-55 is its impressive energy retention. The plane has earned the nickname "the UFO" from the community due to its ability to dive into an enemy at an insane speed and quickly climb back to high altitude (up to 2,000 m) as well as remaining highly agile. This allows the XP-55 to tackle any target provided that it has an altitude advantage and pull off from them untouched.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 601 || 589 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.3 || 30.8 || 13.3 || 15.3 || 232
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
|605||589|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||30.0||30.8||15.3||15.3|| rowspan="2" | 232
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 656 || 628 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.8 || 29.2 || 26.2 || 18.6 || 232
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 652 || 628 || 28.8 || 29.2 || 22.9 || 18.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 550 || ~14 || ~8
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 523 || 488 || 310 || ~10 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 463 || < 460 || < 520 || > 250
+
| < 463 || < 460 || < 520 || > 315
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 112: Line 87:
 
| 4,724 m || 1,125 hp || 1,277 hp
 
| 4,724 m || 1,125 hp || 1,277 hp
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!-- ! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armor plate behind pilot's headrest
+
 
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the control panel
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind pilot's headrest
 +
* 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield
 +
 
 +
While not a fully developed fighter aircraft, the XP-55 prototype initially only sported a 9.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot's headrest. Without any other protection, the XP-55 was susceptible to machine gun and cannon fire from all directions. While the headrest armour and the engine protected the pilot from the rear, there were not many stopping bullets from the front, sides, bottom, or top. Taking this fighter in a head-on with another aircraft is a mixed bag as the XP-55 has the perfect weapon configuration for it. However, the pilot is in an extremely vulnerable to inbound bullets. The aircraft's manoeuvrability can enable it to get some shots off and then manoeuvre out of the way.
 +
 
 +
When attacking an XP-55, the rear end of the aircraft is the best place to target, as that is where the engine is and is extremely exposed from behind. If you can manage to hit the wing-tips, you can take out one of the two rudders throwing off the balance of the aircraft, causing it to spin out of control. Of course, without much armour protection, the pilot can be a target of choice as even small calibre machine gun fire can be enough to take him out. If needed, try to get the XP-55 to bleed its speed or get into a turn-fight where it will be more difficult for them to manoeuvre out of the way or take back the advantage.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
* 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
 
* 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
 +
 
 +
Although the unconventional XP-55 has its engine and propeller installed at the rear of the aircraft, one bonus of this is that it leaves the entire nose section free to install guns and their associated ammunition. This is precisely what the Curtiss-Wright engineers did by mounting two 20 mm cannons and two 12.7 mm M2 machine guns.  While provisions were made for an additional two guns, they were never added. The XP-55 pilot will need to be satisfied with the four guns which are installed and should have no problem wreaking havoc with them.
 +
 
 +
All four guns are centre-mounted, which eliminates the need to calculate for convergence, and while the punching power of the bullets drops off after a while, there should be no issues when firing as close as 100 m or as far as +800 m if you are sniping aircraft. Even though the 12.7 mm and 20 mm rounds have slightly different velocities, it should not affect landing the lead on the target in the gun sight.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
'''Against fighters'''
 +
 
 +
Quite high climb speed allows the plane to gets high fast after the start of the battle, which makes possible at what this plane excels: boom & zoom capability. It can dive at really high speed and easily get back to the previous altitude. Its armament that is located in the nose of the plane, high pitch and yaw responsiveness makes head-on encounters not so hard, but the plane can be set on fire very easily when the player is not cautious. Overall, it can deal with encounters at a similar altitude and in most situations, only one attack and a few hits will be needed to destroy the enemy plane. The small profile of wings makes it harder to hit, which the player can used during evasive manoeuvres. The plane itself can also take some damage and still fly.
 +
 
 +
Its high level speed allows it to get away from most of the Japanese fighters, but it should not be overestimated since the XP-55's acceleration is not great. Japanese planes like the J2M series are fast and can catch the Ascender at low altitude, and they can also easily outclimb it.
 +
 
 +
Compared to German planes it is not so fast, a player needs to be prepared for facing them at similar or higher altitude, their Bf 109 series have better climb rate, and the Fw 190 series is as fast, although with worse climb rate. The latter family of German fighters should be avoided in head-on situation, because of their exceptionally powerful armament.
 +
 
 +
Against Italian fighters, similar tactics should be used to that one against the Japanese fighters: their planes are slower, with similar climb rate but an exceptionally good offensive armament.
 +
 
 +
'''Bomber hunting'''
 +
 
 +
While the XP-55 features mediocre protection for the pilot, it can be used as a bomber hunter to great effect. There are two main tactics for the XP-55 for bomber hunting:
 +
* Boom-and-zoom: start by climbing to an optimal altitude (above 4000 m), target any bomber below you in your proximity: dive and unleash hell upon them, then pull up back into altitude. Usually, a single pass is enough to destroy or cripple the enemy bomber, though you can perform a second pass in case they survived.
 +
* Tailing: occasionally, you may have to engage enemy bombers without altitude advantage. You can approach them from a paralell flight path and target their engines, tail, or wings, all while performing weaving manoeuvres to avoid defensive fire from rear gunners. Against most bombers, the XP-55's airframe and armour are enough to withstand a fair amount of rounds that many of the front-engine fighters cannot as the engine is located in the rear and thus spared from defensive fire, allowing it to pursue them.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 12 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Outstanding maneuverability, outclassing the [[Bf 109 F-4]] and [[Spitfire Mk IIb]] in every aspect
+
* Good high-speed manoeuvrability
−
* Good climb rate
+
* Excellent climb rate
−
* Insanely high red line & rip speed
+
* Insanely high dive speed, can reach Mach 0.75
 
* Insane acceleration in a dive
 
* Insane acceleration in a dive
−
* Has some quite good, nose-mounted armament
+
* Centre-lined, nose-mounted armament, cluster fire without the need for convergence
−
* Ridiculous energy retention when performing a long and deep boom and zoom attack run
+
* Engine performance increase at higher altitude (4000 m)
−
* A lot of cannon ammo - you'll often find that the MG ammo runs out faster than the cannons do
+
* Outstanding energy retention in level flight, after a dive
 +
* Fantastic Boom & Zoom fighter
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
* Cannot snap-roll at all unless you want a stall spin
 
* Cannot snap-roll at all unless you want a stall spin
−
* Elevators are mounted in the front on the canards, and thus prone to damage in head-ons
 
 
* Roll rate is somewhat lacking compared to most contemporaries
 
* Roll rate is somewhat lacking compared to most contemporaries
 +
* Will abruptly and heavily compress when diving at a speed higher than Mach 0.75
 +
* Mediocre protection for pilot, head-ons are not advised
 +
* Engine in the rear of aircraft, susceptible to gunfire if being chased
 +
* Fighter only, no options for suspended ordnance
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The U.S. Army sponsored three prototypes for a new pusher power-plant propelled fighter in 1941. Out of this was born the Vultee XP-54, Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet, and the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender. Four airframes were built for testing the Ascender. The first aircraft was delivered on July 13, 1943. During its testing they discovered it required a long take off run for the nose-mounted elevator to become effective. Before the issue could be addressed the aircraft was lost on November 15th. The second and third XP-55 flew in the spring of 1944. The second aircraft was used a test bed for armament. On May 27, 1945 the third XP-55 took flight for public display over a crowd of 100,000 people. When the XP-55 crossed the airfield the pilot began to roll the aircraft. With out warning, the aircraft dove straight into the ground while being inverted. The pilot was thrown from the wreckage and suffered severe injuries. A nearby bystander was killed.  After testing, the Acender was judged to have poor performance and handling. The design was ultimately deemed to ineffective for a fighter. Although XP-55 program was plagued with issues, it made numerous contributions to aircraft design. The second XP-55 is still on display today at the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
+
 
 +
The U.S. Army sponsored three prototypes for a new pusher power-plant propelled fighter in 1941. Out of this was born the Vultee XP-54, Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet, and the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender. Four airframes were built for testing the Ascender. The first aircraft was delivered on July 13, 1943. During its testing, they discovered it required a long take-off run for the nose-mounted elevator to become effective. Before the issue could be addressed, the aircraft was lost on November 15th. The second and third XP-55 flew in the spring of 1944. The second aircraft was used as a testbed for armament.
 +
 
 +
On May 27, 1945, the third XP-55 took flight for public display over a crowd of 100,000 people. When the XP-55 crossed the airfield, the pilot began to roll the aircraft. Without warning, the plane dove straight into the ground while being inverted. The pilot was thrown from the wreckage and suffered severe injuries. A nearby bystander was killed.  After testing, the Ascender was judged to have poor performance and handling. The design was ultimately deemed too ineffective for a fighter. Although the XP-55 program was plagued with issues, it made numerous contributions to aircraft design. The second XP-55 is still on display today at the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender single-engine army interceptor fighter prototype
 +
 
 +
The Curtiss-Wright XP-55 (company designation CW-24) prototype interceptor fighter was developed to meet the requirements of Proposal R-40C, issued by the United States Army Air Corps on November 27, 1939. It called for the creation of a fighter outperforming all existing models in speed, rate of climb, manoeuvrability, armament, and pilot visibility. In addition, it required that the new fighter would have small production and maintenance costs. The R-40C requirements specifically mentioned that the aircraft to be created should have an unconventional aerodynamic configuration.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft created by the Curtiss-Wright designers had a canard configuration with swept wings and a pusher propeller. The swept wings had ailerons and flaps, and small fins with rudders were fitted at the wing tips. The horizontal empennage was under the wings. The CW-24 had a tricycle landing gear with a nosewheel.
 +
 
 +
The Curtiss Company also proposed using the new, yet untested Pratt & Whitney X-1800 liquid-cooled engine, mounted behind the pilot and driving the pusher propeller.
 +
 
 +
On 10 July 1942, the US Army Air Corps ordered three prototype aircraft, which received the army designation of ХР-55.
 +
 
 +
Since there was much difficulty with the further development of the Pratt & Whitney X-1800 engine, the company's specialists decided to use an Allison V-1710-95 twelve-cylinder, V-type, liquid-cooled engine, which produced a takeoff power of 1,275 hp.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft's armament consisted of four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning AN-M2.5 machine guns with 200 rounds each. Two 20 mm Bendix-Hispano AN-M2C cannons, with 200 rounds each, were planned to be mounted on this series, as well.
 +
 
 +
The ХР-55 prototype (Ser No. 42-78845) performed its first flight on July 19, 1943, at Scott Field Air Force Base, not far from the Curtiss-Wright factory in St. Louis. The tests showed that the ХР-55 had satisfactory controllability when flying horizontally or gaining altitude, but the pilots experienced some inconveniences when landing or flying at low speeds, as they could not feel any load on the elevator. There were also some cooling problems with the Allison V-1710-95 engine, which was located in the rear section of the airframe.
 +
 
 +
The ХР-55's characteristics were not particularly outstanding, and even inferior to those of fighters of classic conventional configuration already in service. Besides, it became quite evident by early 1944 that further fighter development would employ not piston but turbojet engines.
 +
 
 +
As a result, no order for full-scale production followed, and all work on the ХР-55 was discontinued.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=xp-55 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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 +
;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:20 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|vHgwQ_wWl7g|'''{{PAGENAME}} The Ascender''' - Donny3|CEYcQMxCx8w|'''{{PAGENAME}} - War Thunder Video Tutorials''' - War Thunder. Official channel.|HkhitvfXohw|'''Premium Review: {{PAGENAME}}''' - Jengar}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 226: Line 220:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
*[http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A19600289000 Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum Curtiss XP-55-CS Ascender]
+
 
 +
;Aircraft with similar configuration
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* [[J7W1]]
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* [[J21A-2]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Curtiss}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 +
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 03:15, 15 January 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
XP-55
xp-55.png
GarageImage XP-55.jpg
ArtImage XP-55.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/a/a2/Cockpit_xp-55.jpg
XP-55
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 4.3 3.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:3 900 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

Researching new designs for better fighter and interceptor performances, the United States encouraged companies to develop radical new designs away from conventional fighter aircraft. Among the different designs submitted, Curtis-Wright's CW-24B design won out and their aircraft became designated as the XP-55 Ascender. With its front horizontal stabilizer (canard) contributing significantly to lift, it effectively acts as part of the wing, allowing the main wing area to be reduced, and also reducing the aircraft's drag. Three prototypes were created, but the flight characteristics were deemed not sufficient enough upgrade compared to conventional designs, and incoming jet age caused the US to refocus priority into new jet designs, leading to the cancellation of the XP-55.

Introduced in Update 1.31, the XP-55 Ascender is unlike anything most players would see in the U.S. tech tree. Flying this aircraft effectively requires a dedication to Energy Fighting. The XP-55 excels significantly in the ability to climb and dive, and this is your most significant advantage. The Ascender has decent manoeuvrability and best used in a Boom & Zoom function. All four of this aircraft's armament are packed tightly in the nose for devastating results.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 000 m628 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineAllison V-1710-95
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight16 t

The XP-55's level speed is decent compared to other planes at a similar tier, climb rate is quite good, although the acceleration is mediocre. Turn rate at very low speed is not satisfying, but it gets better once the plane reaches higher speed (~400 km/h) and once it gets there it turns very well, even near the structural limit speed which is very high. Stalling characteristics is very different compared to other planes, especially during the flight after reducing the power, it tends to stall without dropping on one wing and with no lean to any side, it can be very dangerous during the landing on the airfield at low speed.

The engine can start overheating after a few minutes flying on War Emergency Power, especially on hot maps and when the player is using automatic engine controls, but it cools down fast once the power is reduced or after switching to manual engine controls and open the radiator. Also, when the XP-55 reaches a higher and colder altitude (above 4,000 m), the plane is noticeably faster to accelerate and the engine is less prone to overheating.

Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of the XP-55 is its impressive energy retention. The plane has earned the nickname "the UFO" from the community due to its ability to dive into an enemy at an insane speed and quickly climb back to high altitude (up to 2,000 m) as well as remaining highly agile. This allows the XP-55 to tackle any target provided that it has an altitude advantage and pull off from them untouched.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 605 589 10500 30.0 30.8 15.3 15.3 232
Upgraded 652 628 28.8 29.2 22.9 18.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
900 350 523 488 310 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 463 < 460 < 520 > 315
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,724 m 1,125 hp 1,277 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural900 km/h
Gear350 km/h
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the control panel
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Armour plate behind pilot's headrest
  • 40 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

While not a fully developed fighter aircraft, the XP-55 prototype initially only sported a 9.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot's headrest. Without any other protection, the XP-55 was susceptible to machine gun and cannon fire from all directions. While the headrest armour and the engine protected the pilot from the rear, there were not many stopping bullets from the front, sides, bottom, or top. Taking this fighter in a head-on with another aircraft is a mixed bag as the XP-55 has the perfect weapon configuration for it. However, the pilot is in an extremely vulnerable to inbound bullets. The aircraft's manoeuvrability can enable it to get some shots off and then manoeuvre out of the way.

When attacking an XP-55, the rear end of the aircraft is the best place to target, as that is where the engine is and is extremely exposed from behind. If you can manage to hit the wing-tips, you can take out one of the two rudders throwing off the balance of the aircraft, causing it to spin out of control. Of course, without much armour protection, the pilot can be a target of choice as even small calibre machine gun fire can be enough to take him out. If needed, try to get the XP-55 to bleed its speed or get into a turn-fight where it will be more difficult for them to manoeuvre out of the way or take back the advantage.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB792 Sl icon.png
RB2 093 Sl icon.png
SB1 603 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts67 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 60 / 140 / 280 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
anm2_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
anm2_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main articles: AN/M2 (20 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The XP-55 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Although the unconventional XP-55 has its engine and propeller installed at the rear of the aircraft, one bonus of this is that it leaves the entire nose section free to install guns and their associated ammunition. This is precisely what the Curtiss-Wright engineers did by mounting two 20 mm cannons and two 12.7 mm M2 machine guns. While provisions were made for an additional two guns, they were never added. The XP-55 pilot will need to be satisfied with the four guns which are installed and should have no problem wreaking havoc with them.

All four guns are centre-mounted, which eliminates the need to calculate for convergence, and while the punching power of the bullets drops off after a while, there should be no issues when firing as close as 100 m or as far as +800 m if you are sniping aircraft. Even though the 12.7 mm and 20 mm rounds have slightly different velocities, it should not affect landing the lead on the target in the gun sight.

Usage in battles

Against fighters

Quite high climb speed allows the plane to gets high fast after the start of the battle, which makes possible at what this plane excels: boom & zoom capability. It can dive at really high speed and easily get back to the previous altitude. Its armament that is located in the nose of the plane, high pitch and yaw responsiveness makes head-on encounters not so hard, but the plane can be set on fire very easily when the player is not cautious. Overall, it can deal with encounters at a similar altitude and in most situations, only one attack and a few hits will be needed to destroy the enemy plane. The small profile of wings makes it harder to hit, which the player can used during evasive manoeuvres. The plane itself can also take some damage and still fly.

Its high level speed allows it to get away from most of the Japanese fighters, but it should not be overestimated since the XP-55's acceleration is not great. Japanese planes like the J2M series are fast and can catch the Ascender at low altitude, and they can also easily outclimb it.

Compared to German planes it is not so fast, a player needs to be prepared for facing them at similar or higher altitude, their Bf 109 series have better climb rate, and the Fw 190 series is as fast, although with worse climb rate. The latter family of German fighters should be avoided in head-on situation, because of their exceptionally powerful armament.

Against Italian fighters, similar tactics should be used to that one against the Japanese fighters: their planes are slower, with similar climb rate but an exceptionally good offensive armament.

Bomber hunting

While the XP-55 features mediocre protection for the pilot, it can be used as a bomber hunter to great effect. There are two main tactics for the XP-55 for bomber hunting:

  • Boom-and-zoom: start by climbing to an optimal altitude (above 4000 m), target any bomber below you in your proximity: dive and unleash hell upon them, then pull up back into altitude. Usually, a single pass is enough to destroy or cripple the enemy bomber, though you can perform a second pass in case they survived.
  • Tailing: occasionally, you may have to engage enemy bombers without altitude advantage. You can approach them from a paralell flight path and target their engines, tail, or wings, all while performing weaving manoeuvres to avoid defensive fire from rear gunners. Against most bombers, the XP-55's airframe and armour are enough to withstand a fair amount of rounds that many of the front-engine fighters cannot as the engine is located in the rear and thus spared from defensive fire, allowing it to pursue them.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good high-speed manoeuvrability
  • Excellent climb rate
  • Insanely high dive speed, can reach Mach 0.75
  • Insane acceleration in a dive
  • Centre-lined, nose-mounted armament, cluster fire without the need for convergence
  • Engine performance increase at higher altitude (4000 m)
  • Outstanding energy retention in level flight, after a dive
  • Fantastic Boom & Zoom fighter

Cons:

  • Cannot snap-roll at all unless you want a stall spin
  • Roll rate is somewhat lacking compared to most contemporaries
  • Will abruptly and heavily compress when diving at a speed higher than Mach 0.75
  • Mediocre protection for pilot, head-ons are not advised
  • Engine in the rear of aircraft, susceptible to gunfire if being chased
  • Fighter only, no options for suspended ordnance

History

The U.S. Army sponsored three prototypes for a new pusher power-plant propelled fighter in 1941. Out of this was born the Vultee XP-54, Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet, and the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender. Four airframes were built for testing the Ascender. The first aircraft was delivered on July 13, 1943. During its testing, they discovered it required a long take-off run for the nose-mounted elevator to become effective. Before the issue could be addressed, the aircraft was lost on November 15th. The second and third XP-55 flew in the spring of 1944. The second aircraft was used as a testbed for armament.

On May 27, 1945, the third XP-55 took flight for public display over a crowd of 100,000 people. When the XP-55 crossed the airfield, the pilot began to roll the aircraft. Without warning, the plane dove straight into the ground while being inverted. The pilot was thrown from the wreckage and suffered severe injuries. A nearby bystander was killed. After testing, the Ascender was judged to have poor performance and handling. The design was ultimately deemed too ineffective for a fighter. Although the XP-55 program was plagued with issues, it made numerous contributions to aircraft design. The second XP-55 is still on display today at the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.


Archive of the in-game description

Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender single-engine army interceptor fighter prototype

The Curtiss-Wright XP-55 (company designation CW-24) prototype interceptor fighter was developed to meet the requirements of Proposal R-40C, issued by the United States Army Air Corps on November 27, 1939. It called for the creation of a fighter outperforming all existing models in speed, rate of climb, manoeuvrability, armament, and pilot visibility. In addition, it required that the new fighter would have small production and maintenance costs. The R-40C requirements specifically mentioned that the aircraft to be created should have an unconventional aerodynamic configuration.

The aircraft created by the Curtiss-Wright designers had a canard configuration with swept wings and a pusher propeller. The swept wings had ailerons and flaps, and small fins with rudders were fitted at the wing tips. The horizontal empennage was under the wings. The CW-24 had a tricycle landing gear with a nosewheel.

The Curtiss Company also proposed using the new, yet untested Pratt & Whitney X-1800 liquid-cooled engine, mounted behind the pilot and driving the pusher propeller.

On 10 July 1942, the US Army Air Corps ordered three prototype aircraft, which received the army designation of ХР-55.

Since there was much difficulty with the further development of the Pratt & Whitney X-1800 engine, the company's specialists decided to use an Allison V-1710-95 twelve-cylinder, V-type, liquid-cooled engine, which produced a takeoff power of 1,275 hp.

The aircraft's armament consisted of four 12.7 mm Colt-Browning AN-M2.5 machine guns with 200 rounds each. Two 20 mm Bendix-Hispano AN-M2C cannons, with 200 rounds each, were planned to be mounted on this series, as well.

The ХР-55 prototype (Ser No. 42-78845) performed its first flight on July 19, 1943, at Scott Field Air Force Base, not far from the Curtiss-Wright factory in St. Louis. The tests showed that the ХР-55 had satisfactory controllability when flying horizontally or gaining altitude, but the pilots experienced some inconveniences when landing or flying at low speeds, as they could not feel any load on the elevator. There were also some cooling problems with the Allison V-1710-95 engine, which was located in the rear section of the airframe.

The ХР-55's characteristics were not particularly outstanding, and even inferior to those of fighters of classic conventional configuration already in service. Besides, it became quite evident by early 1944 that further fighter development would employ not piston but turbojet engines.

As a result, no order for full-scale production followed, and all work on the ХР-55 was discontinued.


Media

Skins
Videos
Most unusual aircraft discusses the XP-55 at 4:20 - War Thunder Official Channel
XP-55 The Ascender - Donny3
XP-55 - War Thunder Video Tutorials - War Thunder. Official channel.
Premium Review: XP-55 - Jengar

See also

Aircraft with similar configuration

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Fighters  BF2C-1
  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · P-36G
  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40F-10
Bombers  SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Floatplanes  SOC-1
Experimental  XP-55
Export  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · H-81A-2 · ▂P-40E-1 · ␗P-40E-1 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · CW-21 · Hawk III
  ▄SB2C-5
Captured  ▀Hawk H-75A-2

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D

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