Consolidated-Vultee XP-81

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The XP-81 was developed by Consolidated-Vultee for a 1944 USAAF specification for a long-range bomber escort. The aircraft had a conventional layout, but was unconventional in that it had a turbojet engine in the rear fuselage in addition to a turboprop in the nose. Work on the type continued through 1945, but the turboprop used only performed to 60% of expectations, and with the end of the war all production plans were cancelled.

For more data on this aircraft, click here for Joe Baugher's webpage.
USAF archives on this aircraft (Convair XF-81), click here.
Additional information on this aircraft can be found at Wikipedia here.
(updated February 2009)
 

Consolidated-Vultee XP-81

Type:           long range escort fighter
Crew:           1
Armament:       six .50 cal machine guns
                or six 20mm cannon

Specifications:
        Length:         44' 10" (13.67 m)
        Height:         14' 0" (4.27 m)
        Wingspan:       50' 6" (15.39 m)
        Wing area:      425 sq. ft (39.48 sq. m)
        Empty Weight:   12,755 lb (5786 kg)
        Max Weight:     24,650 lb (11,181 kg) max at takeoff

Propulsion:
        No. of Engines: 2
        Powerplant #1:  General Electric XT31-GE-1 turboprop
        Powerplant #2:  Allison J-33-GE-5 turbojet
        Horsepower #1:  2300 hp
        Horsepower #2:  3750 lb. thrust

Performance (estimated):
        Range:          2500 miles (4023 km)
        Cruise Speed:   275 mph ( 443 km/h)
        Max Speed:      478 mph ( 769 km/h) at sea level
        Ceiling:        35,500 ft (10,820 m)

(go to Consolidated page)