Have been meaning to post this for a while, and now have some time to write the text. Various sources have blurred the distinctions between the two phases of Consolidated-Vultee's three jet-powered Model 112 attack bomber program. In fact, there were significant differences between the XA-44 and XB-53 designs. Although it's not clear if the forward-sweep studies conducted by the AAF's Materiel Comd in mid-1944 under project MX-423 (see my earlier post on MCD 391) actually influenced Consolidated-Vultee, it's apparent that the first iteration of Model 112--identified by the AAF as the XA-44 under project MX-716--was initiated well before captured German wind tunnel data had an opportunity to influence U.S. high-speed aircraft design.
The earliest graphics I've been able to find (see below) on the XA-44 show that the amount of forward sweep was initially limited to twelve degrees--slightly more than AMC's piston engine-powered MCD 391 design, but much less than the final iteration. The GALCIT wind tunnel staff evaluated the twelve-degree arrangement in a report dated 15 May 1945 (GALCIT Rpt 479), and the 3-view below was included in that document. Minor changes followed, resulting in the fuselage being slightly extended in length from 69'5" to 70'9.5". That iteration is shown in the aircraft sketch below; it's from what appears to be an AMC report dated 15 January 1946. More to follow.
The earliest graphics I've been able to find (see below) on the XA-44 show that the amount of forward sweep was initially limited to twelve degrees--slightly more than AMC's piston engine-powered MCD 391 design, but much less than the final iteration. The GALCIT wind tunnel staff evaluated the twelve-degree arrangement in a report dated 15 May 1945 (GALCIT Rpt 479), and the 3-view below was included in that document. Minor changes followed, resulting in the fuselage being slightly extended in length from 69'5" to 70'9.5". That iteration is shown in the aircraft sketch below; it's from what appears to be an AMC report dated 15 January 1946. More to follow.
