Chu X-P0

The Chu X-PO, also known as the Chu (AFAMF) X-PO, was a Chinese fighter prototype in the Second World War.

Chu X-PO
Role Fighter
National origin Republic of China
Manufacturer AFAMF—Air Force Aircraft Manufacturing Factory
Designer Maj. Gen. Chu Chia-Jen
First flight 1943
Number built 1

Development

Designed by the Chief of the Air Force Technical Bureau, Major General Chu Chia-Jen, in 1941, the X-PO was a single-seat fighter monoplane, the single prototype of which was produced by AFAMF in 1943. Based largely on the Curtiss Hawk 75, it was of mixed construction with wooden three-spar wings, welded steel tube fuselage and plywood skinning. It could carry up to four 20 mm cannons underwing, and had capacity to carry bombs via a centreline bomb rack, allowing it to function as a dive bomber.

Operational history

It was anticipated that the X-PO would be produced in series at AFAMF No. 1 factory at Kunming, however the prototype was flown for the first time in 1943, at Yangling. After circling the airfield, the X-PO landed too fast, ground-looped and was written off. In the meantime, the American entry into World War II meant that American fighters were available to the Chinese, removing the need for China to manufacture indigenous fighter aircraft. As such no further production was carried out. No data except armament, construction and engine have survived.

Operators
 China

Specifications (Chu X-PO)

Data from [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 8.8 m (28 ft 10.5 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.4 m (37 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 3.7 m (12 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 22 m2 (236.8 sq ft)
  • Gross weight: 2,990 kg (6,592 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S1C3-G Twin Wasp radial engine , 894 kW (1,200 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 504 km/h (313 mph, 272 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 450 km/h (280 mph, 240 kn)
  • Range: 1,400 km (870 mi, 760 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 9,850 m (32,320 ft)

Armament

  • Guns: 4 × 20 mm Hispano-Suiza underwing cannon
  • Bombs: 2 × bombs or torpedoes

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. "Chu-X-Po" (in Russian). Moscow: airwar.ru. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
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