Information from Joe Baugher's web site
42-108994 Vultee XP-54 Swoose Goose Some databases list this number as being assigned to the cancelled Vultee XP-68 Tornado. Vultee Aircraft Corporation Model 84. Second prototype. Ordered March 17, 1942. Flight tests of the second prototype (mistakenly painted as 42-1211) began on May 24, 1944 from Downey to Ontario, California. Initial trials showed performance to be substantially below guarantees. At the same time, development of the XH-2470 engine was discontinued and, although it appeared possible to substitute the Allison V-3420 engine without substantial airframe changes, the projected delay and costs resulted in a decision not to consider production. The prototypes continued to be used in an experimental program until problems with the Lycoming engines and lack of spare parts caused termination. It flew nine more times, its last flight being on April 2, 1945. The engine/turbosupercharger combination was found to be unsatisfactory and they were returned to the manufacturer. Although another engine was fitted to the second XP-54, it was never flown again. The nose section was sent to Elgin AFB for armament tests; the rest of the airframe was scrapped.
Aeroplane Photo Supply No. 3422
