The XP-53 was proposed by Curtiss as a replacement for the P-40. Two prototypes, designed for the Continental XIV-1430-3 inverted Vee engine, were ordered in October 1940 and looked similar to the P-40; however, soon after construction began, the Air Corps revised the requirement for a British V-1650-powered aircraft. Curtiss completed the second XP-53 with the Merlin engine, which was redesignated XP-60 by the AAF. The first XP-53 was used as a static testbed and was never flown.
Modification XP-53
Wing span, m 12.62
Length, m 10.74
Height, m 3.75
Wing area, m2 25.54
empty aircraft
normal takeoff 4810
Type of engine 1 PD Continental XIV-1430-3
Power, hp 1 X 1600
Maximum speed, km / h 692
Service ceiling, m
Crew 1
Armament: eight 12.7-mm machine guns
