www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org - U.S.A.A.F. Resource Center

Second Prototype (41-1211) on it's only test flight.

Type: High-altitude Interceptor
Origin: Vultee
Crew: One
Model: XP-54, Model 84
First Flight:
First Prototype: January 15, 1943
Second Prototype: May 24, 1944
Production: 2 Prototypes

Powerplant:
   Model: Lycoming XH-2470-1
   Type: Liquid-cooled engine
   Number: One       Horsepower: 2,300 hp

Dimensions:
   Wing span: 53 ft. 10 in.
   Length: 54 ft. 8.75 in.
   Height: 14 ft. 6 in.
   Lifting Surface Area: 455.5 sq. ft.

Weights:
   Empty: 15,262 lb.
   Loaded: 18,233 lb.
   Maximum: 19,337 lb.

Performance:
   Maximum Speed:
       381 mph at 28,300 ft.
       290 mph at sea level
   Initial Climb Rate: 2,300 ft./min.
   Service Ceiling: 37,000 ft.
   Time to 32,100 ft.: 27.7 minutes

Armament: Proposed
Two 37mm T-12/T-13 cannon
Ammunition: 60 rounds per gun.
Two .50 M2 machine guns
Ammunition: 500 rounds per gun.

First Prototype (41-1210).

Sources:
Green, William - War Planes Of The Second World War - Fighters - Vol. 4, 1964, Doubleday And Company, Inc., New York