The Curtiss XP-60B and XP-60C were experimental fighter aircraft developed by Curtiss-Wright Corporation during World War II.
Here is some information about these aircraft:
XP-60B
The XP-60B was the first of the two aircraft to be developed.
It was a low-wing monoplane fighter that was designed to be powered by an Allison V-1710 liquid-cooled engine.
The XP-60B was equipped with a 37mm cannon and four .50 calibre machine guns.
However, the XP-60B never made it past the prototype stage due to issues with its engine and development delays.
XP-60C
The XP-60C was an updated version of the XP-60B.
It featured a redesigned engine cowling and cockpit, as well as a new vertical tail.
The XP-60C was also powered by an Allison V-1710 engine, but it was equipped with a turbo-supercharger to improve its high-altitude performance.
The XP-60C was armed with four .50 calibre machine guns, but it was also intended to carry a 37mm cannon in the nose.
However, like the XP-60B, the XP-60C never entered production due to ongoing engine and development issues.
Overall, the XP-60B and XP-60C were both promising designs that ultimately failed to meet their performance goals.
The XP-60 project was eventually cancelled, and Curtiss-Wright went on to focus on other aircraft designs.
Full Specifications
Curtiss XP-60B
Powerplant
Allison V-1710-39 liquid-cooled V-12 engine, rated at 1,325 hp
Maximum speed
390 mph (627 km/h)
Range
1,025 miles (1,650 km)
Service ceiling
34,500 ft (10,515 m)
Wingspan
40 ft 4 in (12.29 m)
Length
30 ft 8 in (9.35 m)
Height
12 ft 2 in (3.71 m)
Empty weight
6,590 lb (2,990 kg)
Loaded weight.
9,000 lb (4,082 kg)
Armament
One 37mm cannon and four .50 calibre machine guns
Curtiss XP-60C
Powerplant
Allison V-1710-83 liquid-cooled V-12 engine with a General Electric turbo-supercharger, rated at 1,380 hp
Maximum speed
425 mph (684 km/h)
Range
1,300 miles (2,092 km)
Service ceiling
42,000 ft (12,802 m)
Wingspan
42 ft 0 in (12.80 m)
Length
32 ft 3 in (9.83 m)
Height
12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Empty weight
7,200 lb (3,266 kg)
Loaded weight.
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
Armament
Four .50 calibre machine guns and provision for one 37mm cannon
It’s worth noting that the specifications for the XP-60C were based on projected performance, as the aircraft never progressed beyond the prototype stage.
The XP-60B was also never produced in significant numbers.
