The Fisher P-75 Eagle was intended to fill the Army Air Forces' 1942 need for an interceptor. Its unique design featured two coaxial contra-rotating propellers connected by dual drive shafts running under the cockpit to a 24-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine located amidships. The original concept called for use of proven airframe components such as P-40 wing panels, A-24 tail, and F4U landing gear--to reduce the design and testing period.
The first of two XP-75s using component parts made its initial flight on Nov. 17, 1943. Flight tests revealed unsatisfactory performance. This, combined with a mission change from interceptor to long-range escort, caused major changes in the original design. Ultimately, the idea of using proven airframe components had to be abandoned. The AAF ordered six XP-75s of the revised configuration along with 2,500 P-75As. The improved version was still unsatisfactory and after three Eagles had crashed, the entire program was canceled on Nov. 8, 1944. Only eight XP-75s and six P-75As were built.
TECHNICAL NOTES (P-75A): Armament: 10 .50 cal. machine guns and two 500-lb. bombs Engine:Allison V-3420 of 2,885 hp Maximum speed: 404 mph Cruising speed: 250 mph Range: 2,600 mi. Service ceiling: 36,400 ft. Span: 49 ft. 4 in. Length: 40 ft. 5 in. Height: 15 ft. 6 in. Weight: 19,420 lbs. loaded Crew: One
