History

The General Motors XP-75 was first developed as a fast climbing interceptor using components from existing aeroplanes to expedite development. Later it was altered to become a long range fighter but it did not enter production.

In 1942 the United States Army Air Force required a fighter with a high rate of climb and General Motors proposed a fighter with a centrally mounted engine, North American Mustang (later Curtiss P-40) outer wing panels, Douglas Dauntless tail and Vought F4U undercarriage.

Before its first flight on 17 November 1943 the requirement was changed to a long range fighter and some changes were made including a new cockpit and tail.

However, the success of fighters like the P-47 and P-51 meant there was no need for the P-75 and it did not even finish test flying.

This model represents the prototype XP-75.

Valom 1/72 kit. Completed in February 2008.

Data

MODEL: General Motors (Fisher) XP-75

ROLE: Single-seat long range fighter

TIME PERIOD: 1943-44

ENGINES: one Allison V-3420-23 liquid cooled 24 cylinder double-vee engine of 2150kW

WING SPAN: 15.04m

LENGTH: 12.32m

MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 8,260

MAXIMUM SPEED: 697km/h

RANGE: 3,300km

CREW: 1

ARMAMENT: 10 12.7mm machine guns and two 227kg bombs

SCALE: 1/72

KIT:

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