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The XP-58 concept was born in a time when many air forces still believed in the "heavy fighter" school of thought.
Unfortunately, the sheer size ofthe XP-58 (wingspan bigger than a P-61 or even a Ju88) negates it's role as a "fighter" in spite of it's speed and range.
They went into WWII still thinking that the Battleship was king of the seas. The Price of Wales and the Repulse proved a torpedo bomber was a match for the battlewagons. Both strategic and tactical thinking was considerably different in 1944 than it was in 1940, and was even more changed in aviation than in the world's navies.
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There were many programs like this that had funding available long after the need for such an aircraft went away. Many times money was allocated in block years and all the program money had to be spent before a program was cancelled.I was amazed the project wasnt cancelled until 1944.
There were many programs like this that had funding available long after the need for such an aircraft went away. Many times money was allocated in block years and all the program money had to be spent before a program was cancelled.
I suppose just figuring out what doesnt work is as valid as what does. I am sure some things learned were used on other planes that did make it into production.
I agree greg but by 1940 both the LW and the RAF had gone over to night bombing, I was amazed the project wasnt cancelled until 1944.