Consolidated XP5Y-1 Tradewind
Consolidated Aircraft · United States · first flew 1950 · transport aircraft
The Consolidated XP5Y-1 Tradewind is a four-turboprop patrol flying boat prototype, representing the US Navy's attempt to combine turboprop efficiency with flying boat range for long-duration maritime patrol. It first flew on 18 April 1950.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 34.44 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Four-turboprop patrol flying boat prototype
- Largest turboprop flying boat attempted by the US Navy
- Elegant high-wing boat with cruciform-style conventional tail
A very large high-wing flying boat with four paired turboprop engines, a clean tapered wing of very large span, and conventional tail unit; its substantial size and turboprop fit distinguish it from piston-engine patrol boats.
Specifications
- The Consolidated XP5Y-1 Tradewind has a length of 34.44 m (113 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 47.42 m (156 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 644 km/h (400 mph).
- Typical crew: 10.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Consolidated designed the XP5Y-1 to meet a Navy requirement for a long-range turboprop patrol flying boat, with the Allison T40 turboprops offering substantially better efficiency than piston engines for extended patrol missions. Development was troubled by engine unreliability; the Navy ultimately ordered the P5M Marlin instead, and the XP5Y-1 programme was cancelled after evaluation.
Variants
Only two XP5Y-1 prototypes were built; a modified transport variant designated R3Y Tradewind was ordered into limited production for the Navy transport role.
Where you'll see it
The XP5Y-1 did not enter patrol service; the R3Y Tradewind transport variant served briefly with the US Navy from 1956 to 1958 before engine problems caused withdrawal.
Related aircraft
- Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina
- Consolidated P4Y-2K Privateer
- Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
- Consolidated XB-41 Liberator
- Beverley
- Chase XCG-20
- Convair R3Y Tradewind
- Fairchild XC-120 Packplane
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