The Plane That Almost Caused Jets To Never Happen

The XP-55 Ascender was a highly advanced aircraft featuring a 1,275 horsepower engine innovatively placed behind the cockpit, and designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability. Its canard wings provided additional lift and enhanced control at low speeds while its twin tails improved stability and control. These innovative features set it apart from anything else.

Another remarkable aspect of the XP-55 is the pilots’ safety features. During a bailout, pilots could jettison the pusher propeller, ensuring they could exit the aircraft safely. The design was so ambitious that it was intended to surpass contemporary American fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and the P-38 Lightning in every aspect.

Conception

Army Air Corps Major Edward M. Powers, the officer behind the request, wanted to have an aircraft with a high top speed, top-notch maneuverability, superior armament that could handle enemy fighters and bombers, and excellent visibility for the pilot to be aware of any threats around him.

The proposal also emphasized a low initial cost and easy, inexpensive maintenance. In June 1940, Curtiss-Wright was awarded an Army contract to create a wind tunnel model designated as the P-55, and the company decided to make a full-scale mockup for testing. In July 1942, the Army Air Corps issued a contract to produce three prototypes equipped with Allison V-1710 engines that could reach over 1,275 hp. The design was dubbed the XP-55 Ascender.

An Aircraft Ahead Of Its Time

Unlike more conventional American aircraft, the design mounted the engine behind the cockpit with the pilot driving an aft-mounted pusher propeller, a feature that set it apart from its contemporaries. Furthermore, it featured a canard design with small forewings on the fuselage, a feature that added to its impressive design.

Curtis considered the Ascender’s innovative configuration to offer more benefits than conventional airplane designs. First, the fighter would be more efficient because of the propeller’s position behind the fuselage. This enhances the plane’s overall efficiency decreasing the profile drag and making it more maneuverable. The reasoning behind this is simple- a pusher needed less stabilizing of the vertical tail area. The shorter fuselage would also result in a dramatic decrease in the fuselage wetted area and weight, turning it into a more agile and stable platform. Another characteristic was a jettison system for the propeller. If the pilot bailed out, he pulled a lever that completely detached the propeller from the aircraft, giving him a clear exit to jump out.

The Ascender also featured twin tails and swept wings, another innovation of its time. Lastly, the XP-55 pioneered a tricycle landing gear in American aeronautics before it became standard for all US aircraft.

Ultimate End

Persistent stability issues and the non-availability of the planned X-1800 engine hindered the aircraft’s performance. By 1944, with emerging jet technologies overshadowing propeller-driven designs, the XP-55 project was eventually abandoned.

The third prototype bewildered the public during an airshow in Wright Field, Ohio, on May 27, 1945. Tragedy struck when the aircraft swooped close to the ground and tore off 150 feet of fence. A fiery eruption followed, and the pilot and four civilians lost their lives. The second prototype was transferred to Park Ridge, where it remained dormant for half a century. It was not until 2001 that it was trucked to the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in Michigan for restoration, where it remains today.