Boeing XP-9
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The Boeing XP-9 was Boeing's first monoplane fighter, even though biplane designs were still commonplace at the time of its development. First flown on November 18, 1930, it had impressive stats on the specification sheet, but it quickly became apparent that its large (6 ft across) wing, which was placed atop the fuselage directly in front of the pilot, obstructed downward visibility so badly that simple landing maneuvers were hazardous. The US Army chose not to order it into production and Boeing scrapped the only prototype.
Its primary contribution to aircraft design was its semi-monocoque construction, which would become a standard for future aircraft.
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[edit] Specifications (Boeing XP-9)
[edit] General characteristics
- Length: 25 ft. 8 in.
- Span: 36 ft. 7 in.
- Height: 7 ft. 9 in.
- Gross weight: 3600 lb
- Engine: Curtiss V-1570
- Armament: 2 machine guns, one .30 caliber and one .50 caliber.
[edit] Performance
- Range: 425 miles
- Maximum speed: 181 mph
- Cruising speed: 144 mph
- Service Ceiling: 25,300 ft.
[edit] References
- Yenne, Bill (1990). World's Worst Aircraft. Greenwich, CT: Dorset press. ISBN 0-88029-490-6
- United States Air Force Museum: Boeing XP-9
