Vultee XP-54 - Operational History

Operational History

Flight tests of the first prototype, 41-1210, began on 15 January 1943. Initial trials showed performance substantially below guarantees. At the same time, development of the XH-2470 engine was discontinued and, although it appeared possible to substitute the Allison V-3420 engine without substantial airframe changes, the projected delay and costs resulted in a decision not to consider production buys.

The prototypes continued to be used in an experimental program until problems with the Lycoming engines and lack of spare parts caused termination. The second prototype, 42-108994 (but mistakenly painted as 42-1211) equipped with an experimental GE supercharger, only made one flight before it was relegated to a "parts plane" in order to keep the first prototype in the air.

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