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Home > Fact Sheets > Lockheed XP-58
LOCKHEED XP-58
The XP-58 was the largest version of the series of aircraft based on the P-38 and continued with the XP-49. The "Chain Lightning" was initially designed as a long-range bomber escort, but was redesigned as a low-altitude ground attack aircraft and finally retro-designed back to a bomber escort/attack aircraft. Besides the many role changes, the XP-58 was plagued by engine, armament and crew changes. In the final configuration, the aircraft had two crewmen -- a pilot and a rear-gunner operating two power turrets although the turrets and the forward firing armament were never actually installed. Engine and supercharger problems caused the project to be canceled after one aircraft was built.
| Type |
Number built/
converted |
Remarks |
| XP-58 |
1 |
Larger version of P-38 |
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Designed for one 75mm cannon and two .50-cal. machine guns OR four 37mm cannons; two rear-firing power turrets with two .50-cal. machine guns each
Engines: Two turbo-supercharged Allison V-3420-11/13 engines of 2,600 hp each
Maximum speed: 430 mph at 25,000 ft.
Cruising speed: 274 mph
Service ceiling: 38,400 ft.
Span: 70 ft. 0 in.
Length: 49 ft. 3 in.
Height: 16 ft. 0 in.
Weight: 31,306 lbs. empty/38,874 lbs. gross
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