Curtiss XP-17 3/4 front view. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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The XP-17 was a modification of the first P-1 built, serial number 25-410. It was used strictly as a flying test-bed for the Wright V-1460-3 inverted engine and was never intended to be a pre-production prototype. As a result, the engine cowling was a simple sheet metal shell designed to cover the engine without much concern for aerodynamics. The aircraft was scrapped in March 1932 after testing was completed.
Type Number built/
converted Remarks
XP-17 1 (cv) Modified P-1 with inverted engine
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engine: Wright V-1460-3 inverted "vee" of 480 hp
Maximum speed: 165 mph
Cruising speed: 130 mph
Service ceiling: 21,400 ft.
Length: 22 ft. 10 in.
Span: 31 ft. 6 in.
Height: 8 ft. 7 in.
Maximum weight: 2,994 lbs.
