Curtiss developed the aircraft under the "Model 91" product name and submitted its streamlined proposal in April of 1940. This was approved the following month and covered the prototype XP-62 and a production-quality XP-62A - the first to be readied by late 1942. As Curtiss engineers set to work but it was soon discovered that the troublesome engine would not be ready in time.
Despite this, a mock-up was available for review during December of 1941. By this time, the product's weight had ballooned and it was ordered that she be lightened (this led to a 4 x 20mm cannon armament as the agreed upon standard). The Army handed Curtiss an official production contract in May of 1942 to produce the finalized P-62A. However, this contract was rescinded as soon as July when the Boeing B-29 project required the selected Wright engine stock. Army authorities were also concerned about disrupting the Curtiss commitment to producing its P-40 and the Republic P-47 "Thunderbolt" fighters.
The XP-62 prototype continued in a reduced state as it no longer was given the sense of urgency it once had. First flight was finally recorded on July 21st, 1943 but this model was still stripped of its vital components and not representative of anything close to a production fighter aircraft. Within a few short months, the XP-62 program was cancelled in full (this occurring on September 21st, 1943) as better alternatives were available to the Army heading into the final years of the war. Curtiss attempted to convince the Army of the merits of converting the new aircraft to a low-altitude ground attack platform but there was already plenty of competition in this field from existing effective types as well as in-development models.
In the end, the XP-62 marked one of the final Curtiss products to emerge during the war years. Its P-40 design was its only truly classic fighter contribution and was never bettered before the end of the conflict. Only a sole prototype of the XP-62 was realized and its flying time only short-lived. If completed, the XP-62 would have showcased a maximum speed of up to 450 miles per hour (the original spec was closer to 470mph), a range out to 1,500 miles, and a service ceiling of 35,700 feet (hence its cockpit pressurization system - which also proved problematic). Dimensions included a length of 39.5 feet, a wingspan of 54 feet, and a height of 16.25 feet.
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