Wedell-Williams XP-34

Last updated
XP-34
Wedell-Williams XP-34 artists concept.jpg
Artist's impression of the XP-34
General information
Type Fighter aircraft
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Wedell-Williams Air Service Corporation
History
Developed from Wedell-Williams Model 45

The Wedell-Williams XP-34 was a fighter aircraft design submitted to the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) before World War II by Marguerite Clark Williams, widow of millionaire Harry P. Williams, former owner and co-founder of the Wedell-Williams Air Service Corporation.

Contents

Design and development

Derived from an original proposal made in 1932, the XP-34 was based on a design by air racer Jimmy Wedell, who was considered, "one of the most noted race plane designers of its day". [1] The aircraft was a direct result of the development of Wedell's most successful designs, the Model 44 and Model 45. [2] The forward fuselage was intended to be metal, the after part and control surfaces covered in fabric. [1]

The interest expressed from the USAAC was based on the success of the private racing aircraft in the 1930s that were reaching 300 mph speeds in competition, a performance level not achieved by standard aircraft types in service in the U.S. military. [2]

On 1 October 1935, the USAAC ordered a full set of drawings and issued the XP-34 designation. It soon became apparent, however, with its original 700 hp (522 kW) Pratt & Whitney R1535 Twin Wasp engine, the anticipated performance of the XP-34 would be insufficient compared to designs already in production.

Wedell-Williams suggested substituting the 900 hp (671 kW) XR-1830 instead. Although the promise of high speed was still there, other considerations such as the complete redesign of the airframe to accommodate a heavier and more powerful engine were considered impractical with the new design subsequently rejected by the Air Corps before any aircraft were built. [2]

Specifications (proposed)

Data fromU.S. Fighters

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

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References

Notes
  1. 1 2 Jones 1975, p. 80.
  2. 1 2 3 Dorr and Donald 1990, p. 61.
Bibliography