Convair XP-81

Convair · United States · first flew 1945 · fighter

The Convair XP-81 was an experimental American long-range escort fighter combining a turboprop engine in the nose and a turbojet in the fuselage tail for extended range with high performance. It was designed to escort B-29 bombers on raids against the Japanese home islands.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × turboprop, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	13.61 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Mixed-propulsion fighter: nose turboprop and tail-mounted turbojet
Single GE TG-100 turboprop in the nose plus GE J31 turbojet in the tail
Long-range escort fighter designed to accompany B-29s to Japan

Distinctive mixed-propulsion layout with a large propeller spinner at the nose from the turboprop, conventional fighter fuselage shape, and the absence of any visible wing-mounted engine — the turbojet exhausted under the tail.

Specifications

The Convair XP-81 has a length of 13.61 m (45 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.39 m (50 ft).
Its maximum speed is 769 km/h (478 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed from 1943, the XP-81 first flew in February 1945, initially using a Merlin piston engine because the intended General Electric TG-100 turboprop was delayed. WWII ended before the aircraft could enter service, and with the threat gone the programme was cancelled in 1947. Two prototypes were built.

Variants

Two prototypes only; no production variants were ordered.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service. Both prototypes were used for test flying only.

Related aircraft

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