1/72 Convair XP-81

Anigrand Craftswork - 1/72 Convair XP-81
In 1943, Usaaf issued a specification for a long-range jet powered fighter which could be flight across the Pacific to escort bombers to Japan. Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (Convair) responded with the new design which was powered by a combination of the turboprop and jet engine units, while Navy was also working on the same theory with the Curtiss XF15C-1 and the Ryan FR-1. The configuration was a nose mounted turboprop engine used for cruising flight to solve high fuel consumption problem, and a tail mounted jet engine used for high speed combat. In 1944, two prototypes were ordered and designated XP-81. First flight was on February 1945, the performance from the under-powered turboprop engine was disappointing. After Guam and Saipan islands were captured, the need for a long-range fighter had eliminated. The XP-81 development was slowing down and the entire program was terminated in 1947.