XP-46

[BlackBat242]

This is what I have - note the different belly radiator location for the XP-46A vs XP-46:

 

[drgondog]

This is what I have - note the different belly radiator location for the XP-46A vs XP-46:

View attachment 708946


View attachment 708947

Jon A - thank you for the side views.
The XP-46A is a very interesting reveal. Burdette Wright later claimed that NAA had copied the XP-46 design for the P-51/Mustang I.
Look at the side elevation of the P-509 circa February 1940. This is what was accompanied by the NA 1592 Specifications and the 1593 Performance Estimates.
In April 1940, Algier prepared a marketing poster - note the relocation of the forward scoop near the flap line.
In September 1940, the modified P-509 to X-73, about 10% greater dimension and GW, emerges with dumy Allison V-1710.

The net is that the XP-46 emerged with same or similar intake scoop a couple of feet forward of the flap line, under the pilot (same as P-509) and FLEW in that configuration four months after X-73. Then after disappointing flight tests, in Feb/March 1941,a trip to NACA wind tunnel, The XP-46A moved the intake position to the flying examples of 73X and Mustang I.

Who copied whom - and still didn't get it right. Between October 1940 testingof X-73 and first production Mustang I flight in April 1942, the upper lip of forward scoop had been lowered another inch from bottm of wing.. which neither XP-46 or XP-46A ever figured out.