| XA-21 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Stearman XA-21 with streamlined cockpit | |
| Role | Ground attack |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Stearman Aircraft |
| First flight | 1938 |
| Status | Prototype |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Corps |
| Number built | 1 |
The Stearman XA-21 (Model X-100) was a competitor in a United States Army Air Corps competition for a twin-engined attack aircraft which (after redesigns) led to the Douglas A-20 Havoc, Martin A-22 Maryland and North American B-25 Mitchell.
The X-100, designated XA-21 following purchase by the Army Air Corps, was a twin-engined high-winged monoplane of all-metal construction.[1] Its initial design featured an unusual "stepless cockpit" arrangement, much like those on most German World War II bombers designed during the war years from the He 111P onwards, with a streamlined, well-framed greenhouse canopy enclosing both the pilot and bombardier stations.[2]
The XA-21 was first tested with the streamlined cockpit but this configuration was found to restrict the pilot's forward vision, and the aircraft was rebuilt with a conventional (stepped) nose and cockpit structure.[3] Although this change in the cockpit did not significantly affect performance, the XA-21 was not ordered into production.'[4]
The sole XA-21 had serial number 40-191.[5]
Data from Museum of the United States Air Force[4]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
