The Vultee XP-54 was an experimental fighter constructed in the United States during World War II. Despite its innovations it did not meet expectations so only two were constructed.

The Vultee XP-54 was a response to a US Army Air Force call for a fighter of ‘unusual configuration’ and was selected for production against two other proposals.

The design incorporated several novel features including a pressurised cockpit that the pilot entered on a seat that lowered from the cockpit and a pivoting nose.

The XP-54 made its first flight on 15 January 1943 but its performance was lower than expected so plans to mass produce it were abandoned.

A second one was made but flew only once and was then used for spares to keep the first one flying for an extended test program.

This model represents the first prototype in early 1943.

Planet 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in February 2017.