                      The Republic P-72

     Pratt and Whitney's 3,500 hp Wasp Major was the most
powerful piston engine to reach production during World War
II, so it was a natural choice for an upgrade of the P-47
Thunderbolt.   The first XP-72 flew on February 2, 1944, it
looked almost identical to the P-47, with a little bit of a
slimmer nose due to the air intake for the supercharger being
moved back.  It had compressibility-recovery flaps (ie, speed
brakes) to slow the fighter rapidly as it approached the
speed of sound in a dive.  The second XP-72 had 13 and 1/2
foot contra-rotating props, but the "outstanding performance
characteristics" were similar to the good results with the
normal prop.  One role seen was that of a buzz-bomb
interceptor, due to the rapid acceleration to 490 mph at
25,000 feet.
     The XP-72 test models had 6 .50 cal machineguns, but
production models were to carry 4 x 37mm cannon.  Two 1,000
pound bombs under the wings were to be optional.
     Cancelled before the production run could commence, the
P-72 certainly would have been one of the most dangerous
propeller driven aircraft ever made.  Although there weren't
any A or B versions to the P-72 as it was never mass-
produced, I have chosen to call the A version the one armed
with 6 x .50 cal machineguns, and the B version as the one
armed with the 4 x 37mm cannon.
SPECS: Top speed 490 mph at 25,000 feet, ceiling 42,000 feet,
range 1,200 miles on 370 gallons.
TO USE THIS PLANE:  Press "B" to activate/retract the speed
brakes.  All other functions are normal.
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