Boeing XP-15

The Boeing XP-15 was an American prototype monoplane fighter.

XP-15 / XF5B-1
The sole XP-15
Role Fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight XP-15 - 30 January 1930[1]
XF5B-1 - February 1930[1]
Status XP-15 - Destroyed
Primary users United States Army Air Corps
United States Navy
Number built 2 (1 XP-15, 1 XF5B-1)

Design and development

This aircraft was essentially a monoplane version of the Boeing P-12, differing in having the lower wing omitted and in having all-metal construction as well as altered ailerons. The XP-15 had a split-axle undercarriage and a tail wheel.[1]

Boeing numbered the craft as its Model 202; while the United States Army accepted it for testing and designated it as XP-15, they never actually purchased it, and it retained its civil registration of X-270V.[1]

Operational history

The XP-15 first flew in January 1930, when it was discovered that the vertical stabilizer (a P-12C type) needed to be larger in order to compensate for the single wing. Initial testing showed a top speed to 178 mph, but with enlarged tail surfaces and a Townend cowling, it recorded 190 mph at 8,000 ft. The aircraft performed poorly, with a poor rate of climb and a high landing speed. The USAAC did not order the aircraft for production and on 7 February 1931, the prototype was destroyed when a propeller blade failed and the engine tore loose from its mounts.[1]

The Navy was offered the similar Model 205. It first flew in February 1930. One was bought by the US Navy as the XF5B-1, but by the time flight testing was complete in 1932, other aircraft were ordered instead.

Variants
XP-15
1 built
XF5B-1
1 built

Operators
The XF5B-1
 United States

Specifications (XP-15)

Data from Angelucci 1987, pp. 81–82.[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)
  • Wingspan: 30 ft 6 in (9.29 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 4.5 in (2.84 m)
  • Wing area: 157.3 sq ft (14.61 m2)
  • Empty weight: 2,052 lb (931 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,746 lb (1,246 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney SR-1340D Wasp , 525 hp (391 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 190.2 mph (306 km/h, 165.3 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 160 mph (257 km/h, 140 kn)
  • Range: 420 mi (676 km, 360 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 27,650 ft (8,428 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,800 ft/min (9.15 m/s)

Armament

  • 2 x .30 inch machine guns

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. Angelucci 1987, pp. 81-82.

Bibliography
  • Angelucci, Enzo. The American Fighter from 1917 to the present. New York: Orion Books, 1987.
  • Jones, Lloyd S. U.S. Fighters, Army-Air Force: 1925 to 1980s. Fallbrook, California: Aero Publishers Incorporated, 1975, pp. 48–49. ISBN 0-8168-9200-8.
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