The Convair XF-81 was a prototype American fighter aircraft designed with both a jet engine and a turboprop engine. The fuel-hungry jet engine was to be used for takeoff and combat, with the turboprop taking over the rest of the time. Disappointing performance ended the project. Originating as late WW II project, two XP-81-CO prototypes were built, serialled 44-91000/91001, but the YP-81-CO with an uprated TG-110 turboprop and wing moved aft was cancelled.
Specifications (XP-81)
General Characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Length: 44 ft 10 in (13.69 m)
- Wingspan: 50 ft 6 in (15.40 m)
- Height: 14 ft 0 in (4.27 m)
- Wing area: 425 ft² (39.5 m²)
- Empty: 12,755 lb (5,798 kg)
- Loaded: 19,500 lb (8,864 kg)
- Maximum takeoff: 24,650 lb (11,205 kg)
- Powerplant:
- 1x General Electric XT31 -GE-1 turboprop, 2,300 hp (1,716 kW)
- 1x Allison J33 -GE-5 turbojet, 3,750 lbf (16.7 kN) thrust
Performance (expected)
- Maximum speed: 507 mph (811 km/h)
- Range: 2,500 miles (4,000 km)
- Service ceiling: 35,500 ft (10,823 m)
- Rate of climb: 5,300 ft/min (12,165 m/min)
- Wing loading: 106 lb/ft² (1,616 kg/m²)
- Thrust-to-Weight:
Armament
- never fitted - expected to be 6x 20 mm machine guns or cannons and up to 2,000 lb (909 kg) of bombs
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Related content
Related development:
Comparable aircraft:
Designation sequence:
XP-78 -
XP-79 -
P-80 -
XP-81 -
P-82 -
XP-83 -
P-84