McDonnell XP-67 "Moonbat"

The XP-67 Moonbat was a futuristic World War II prototype interceptor from the USAAF. This book provides the first history of the aircraft, featuring never-before-seen photos, plans, and digital artwork. The XP-67 was a clean sheet design by McDonnell Aircraft Company, but development was halted by an engine fire before performance demonstration flights could begin. The authors have uncovered new sources of information and photographs that document the XP-67 and its predecessors, as well as alternative configurations for unbuilt variants.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The XP-67 Moonbat, a groundbreaking prototype interceptor developed by the United States Air Force during World War II, is the subject of a new history that delves into its never-before-seen photos, plans, and meticulous digital artwork. This comprehensive volume offers a detailed account of the X-planes that emerged from the US Army's Request for Data R40C, with a focus on high-altitude, high-speed, long-range bomber interceptors. Among these aircraft, the XP-67 stands out as the first clean sheet design by the McDonnell Aircraft Company. With its futuristic lines, it promised exceptional performance, but unfortunately, it was unable to deliver on those promises.

Just before the Army was set to conduct performance demonstration flights with the XP-67, a devastating engine fire destroyed the sole prototype, leaving a host of unanswered questions about what could have been. This tragic event sparked decades of fascination among aviation buffs and aircraft modelers, who continue to be captivated by the XP-67's potential and the mysteries surrounding its development.

In their quest to uncover new sources of information and a wealth of photographs and line drawings, the authors of this book have uncovered a treasure trove of material that documents not only the XP-67 but also its immediate precursors within the McDonnell Aircraft design community. They have also explored alternative configurations for unbuilt variants aimed at different missions, providing a comprehensive view of the aircraft's development and evolution.

The book is packed with unpublished photos of all stages of construction, including key airframe changes made after initial flight tests. These photos provide a detailed insight into how the final configuration was evolved, shedding light on the design decisions and modifications that shaped the XP-67.

Furthermore, the authors have meticulously curated a wealth of photographs and line drawings that document the XP-67's immediate predecessors within the McDonnell Aircraft design community. This includes rare images of other X-planes, such as the X-15 and X-20 Dyna-Soar, as well as early concepts and designs that laid the foundation for the XP-67.

The volume concludes with a clear focus on the XP-67's story, which has long been shrouded in mystery. It sheds light on the challenges faced by the McDonnell Aircraft Company during the development of the aircraft, as well as the contributions of the engineers and designers who worked tirelessly to bring the XP-67 to fruition.

In conclusion, this new history of the XP-67 Moonbat is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation, military history, or the evolution of aircraft design. Packed with unpublished photos, plans, and meticulous digital artwork, it provides a comprehensive and detailed account of a groundbreaking prototype interceptor that promised much but ultimately fell short. The book's authors have uncovered new sources of information and a wealth of photographs and line drawings that document not just the XP-67 but also its immediate precursors and alternative configurations. This volume finally sheds light on a story that has long been shrouded in mystery, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the aircraft's significance and the legacy it has left behind.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 185 x 247 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472853035