Curtiss XF-87
The XF-87 was the last aircraft built by Curtiss Aircraft.
The specification originally called for a twin-engine,
single-place fighter which evolved into an attack aircraft
(XA-43) and finally to a quad-jet, twin-place all-weather
high-altitude fighter. Two prototype XF-87s were built (S/N
45-59600 and 46-522), the second of which was modified
to the sole XF-87A.
The XF-87 was designed for an innovative nose turret capable of swiveling in
a wide arc around the
axis of flight; however, the turret was never actually installed on the
XF-87.
The very large fighter was severely underpowered by four J34 turbojets and
was redesigned for two
J47 turbojets (XF-87A). A production order for 58 XF-87As and 30 RF-87s was
canceled before
any aircraft were constructed.
TYPE Number built/Converted Remarks
XF-87 2
XF-87A 1 (cv)
F-87A 0 58 canceled
RF-87A 0 30 canceled
Remarks:
Last Curtiss aircraft
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 60 ft. 0 in.
Length: 62 ft. 0 in.
Height: 20 ft. 4 in.
Weight: 37,350 lbs. loaded
Engines: 4 Westinghouse J34-WE-7 turbojets of 3,000 lbs. thrust each
Armament: Four 20mm cannon and 2 .50-cal. machine guns
Crew: Two
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 520 mph
Cruising speed: 450 mph.
Range: 1,000 miles
Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft
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* Origin: Volunteer BBS (423) 694-0791 V34+/VFC (1:218/1001.1)
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