Hello everybody. I’d like to introduce and suggest the Curtiss XP-62 as a potential addition to U.S. aviation in War Thunder. The XP-62 was the final fighter design by Curtiss for the US Army Air Forces, created in hopes of securing a wartime production contract during World War II. This unique aircraft, built only as a single prototype, stands as the largest interceptor developed for the Army. Unfortunately, by the time it made its first flight, the Army had deemed the XP-62 unnecessary, leading to the program’s cancellation in 1943.
Key Characteristics
Army interceptor
Air-conditioned pressurized cockpit
A 2,300 hp 18-cylinder Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engine with a turbo-supercharger
4 x 20-mm cannon guns
Conclusion | Why it should be in the game
The Curtiss XP-62 represents one of Curtiss’s final relentless efforts to innovate during wartime despite ultimately not entering production. Adding the XP-62 to USA Aviation in War Thunder could offer a powerful interceptor option since it was equipped with four 20 mm cannons instead of the typical M2 Brownings. As the last Army fighter-interceptor designed by Curtiss, the XP-62 would serve as a fitting tribute to Curtiss’ contributions to WWII-era aircraft design, marking its final attempt to move beyond the pre-war P-40 Warhawk. In terms of gameplay, the XP-62’s performance, size, and weight would closely mirror the Dornier Do-335, making it a compelling and unique addition to the game.
Sources
Literature
Curtiss Aircraft, 1907-1947 (1979)
The American Fighter: The Definitive Guide to American Fighter Aircraft from 1917 to the Present (1987)
US Experimental & Prototype Aircraft Projects - Fighters 1939-1945 (2008)
I think this would make for a very good premium. Was there really no suspended armament? Additionally it looks like there are 4 cannons per wing for 8 total.
Nope, as far as my research goes, no suspended armament was seriously considered or discussed for the aircraft. XP-62 was intentionally to serve as a dedicated interceptor for the Army. That’s it. There isn’t sufficient technical documentation available online to say otherwise. Indeed, that’s not the case for P-38 Lightning being the pure interceptor at first…
In reality, the XP-62 was planned to have four cannons as a final decision during the review in January 1942. The Army wanted to reduce the armament from 8 to 4 to cut off the excessive weight, from 15,568 lbs (7,070 kg) to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg). It was reached that decision even before the construction of XP-62 was finished.
Not always. In fact, turboprops can have a single 3-blade or 4-blade propeller to drive them like this aircraft, for example. However, this XP-62 was powered by a huge radial engine. Having contra-rotating propellers doesn’t necessitate the turboprop engine as long as the piston engine produces enough power.
Are turboprops not allowed to be radial also the engine being used is the upgrade engine for the B-29 so don’t know how they stuffed it to the curtiss. But it’s american so proably found a way
