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CURTISS-WRIGHT XP-55 ASCENDER
Type: Experimental Interceptor Fighter
Origin: Curtiss-Wright
Crew: One
Model: CW-24
First Flight:
    First Prototype: July 1943
    Second Prototype: January 9, 1944
    Third Prototype: April 22, 1944
Production: 3 Prototypes
Powerplant:
Model: Allison V-1710-95
Type: 12-Cylinder Vee aircooled engine
Number: Two       Horsepower: 1,275 hp
Dimensions:
Wing span: 40 ft. 7 in. (12.36m)
Length: 29 ft. 7 in. (9.02m)
Height: 11 ft. 7 in. (3.53m)
Lifting Surface Area: 209.0 sq. ft. (19.41m²)
   Weights:
Empty: 6,354 lb. (2882 kg)
Loaded: 7,330 lb.
Loaded: 7,929 lb. (2579 kg)

Performance: Estimated
Maximum Speed:
    390 mph (628 kph) at 19,300 ft.
    377.5 mph at 16,400 ft.
Cruising Speed: 296 mph (476 kph)
Climb to 20,000 ft.: 7 minutes 6 seconds
Service Ceiling: 34,600 ft. (10,545m)
Normal Range: 635 miles (1022 km) at 296 mph
Maximum Range: 1,440 miles

Armament:
Four .50 in. machine guns in nose.
   Ammunition: 200 rounds per gun.
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Sources:
 The Complete Encyclodepia of World Aircraft, 1997, Barnes & Nobles Books, ISBN: 0 7607 0592 5
Green, William - War Planes Of The Second World War - Fighters - Vol. 4, 1964, Doubleday And Company, Inc., New York
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