Brand: Fairchild
The Fairchild XP-4 was an experimental jet-powered fighter aircraft developed by Fairchild Aircraft in the late 1940s. It was designed to meet the U.S. Army Air Forces' requirements for a new jet fighter to replace the World War II-era North American P-51 Mustang.The XP-4 featured a slim, streamlined fuselage powered by a single Rolls-Royce Nene engine, which was positioned under the nose for better cockpit visibility. The aircraft had a retractable tricycle landing gear and a tailwheel for takeoff and landing.The XP-4 had a maximum speed of over 600 mph (965 kph) and a service ceiling of around 45,000 ft (13,700 m). However, the engine proved to be unreliable, and the aircraft suffered from numerous mechanical issues during flight tests.Despite these problems, the XP-4 was the first aircraft in the world to exceed the Mach 1 speed barrier, achieving a speed of Mach 1.02 in 1948. This milestone made the XP-4 an important proof-of-concept for the future of supersonic flight.Unfortunately, development of the XP-4 was discontinued in 1950 due to budget constraints and advances in other jet fighter designs. Only two prototypes were ever built, and both were retired from service. Nonetheless, the XP-4 remains a significant chapter in the history of aviation.