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Boeing XP-15 & XF5B-1

The Boeing XP-15 was an American prototype monoplane fighter.

The XP-15 first flew in January 1930, when it was discovered that the vertical stabilizer (a P-12C type) needed to be larger in order to compensate for the single wing.

Initial testing showed a top speed to 178 mph, but with enlarged tail surfaces and a Townsend cowling, it recorded 190 mph at 8,000 ft.

The aircraft performed poorly, with a poor rate of climb and a high landing speed.

The USAAC did not order the aircraft for production and on 7 February 1931, the prototype was destroyed when a propeller blade failed and the engine tore loose from its mounts.

The Navy was offered the similar Model 205.

It first flew in February 1930.

One was bought by the US Navy as the XF5B-1, but by the time flight testing was complete in 1932, other aircraft were ordered instead.

Variants

XP-15

1 built

XF5B-1

1 built

Specifications

Crew

One

Length

21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)

Wingspan

30 ft 6 in (9.29 m)

Height

9 ft 4.5 in (2.84 m)

Wing area

157.3 sq ft (14.61 m2)

Empty weight

2,052 lb (931 kg)

Gross weight

2,746 lb (1,246 kg)

Powerplant

1 × Pratt & Whitney SR-1340D Wasp,

525 hp (391 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed

190.2 mph (306 km/h, 165.3 kn)

Cruise speed

160 mph (257 km/h, 140 kn)

Range

420 mi (676 km, 360 nmi)

Service ceiling

27,650 ft (8,428 m)

Rate of climb

1,800 ft/min (9.15 m/s)

Armament

2 x .30 inch machine guns.

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