Vultee XP-54 Swoose Goose in flight. It was the second aircraft's only flight; Note the incorrect serial number on the vertical stabilizer. It should be 2108994. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The XP-54 Swoose Goose, Vultee Model 70, was designed as a fast interceptor using the Pratt & Whitney X-1800-4AG engine. When the engine program was canceled, the aircraft was redesigned for the Lycoming XH-2470 and redesignated Vultee Model 84. The first of two XP-54s built made its initial flight on Jan. 15, 1943, and flew 86 times before it was grounded by engine problems. The second aircraft flew only once.
The XP-54 nose section had a very unusual design. It tilted slightly upward when firing its 37mm cannon to increase the firing range while the .50-cal. machine guns were tilted down at the same time.
Type
Number built/
converted
Remarks
XP-54
2
Pusher aircraft (S/N 41-1210 and 42-108994)
TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: Two 37mm cannon and two .50-cal. machine guns Engine: Lycoming XH-2470 of 2,200 hp Maximum speed: 381 mph at 28,500 ft. Service ceiling: 37,000 ft. Range: 500 miles Span: 53 ft. 10 in. Length: 54 ft. 9 in. Height: 13 ft. 0 in. Weight: 15,262 lbs. empty/18,233 lbs. gross
