The
McDonnell XP-67, otherwise known as the “Bat” or “Moonbat”, was a
ambitious prototype for a twin-engine, long range, single-seat
interceptor for the USAAF. sourceIn
1940, the U.S. Army Air Corps issued Request for Proposal R-40C,
requesting designs for a high-speed, long-range, high-altitude
interceptor intended to destroy enemy bombers. The specifications were
very bold, encouraging manufacturers to produce radical aircraft that
would outperform any existing fighter in the world at the time.
The aerospace parts manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft, eager to begin
manufacturing its own aircraft, responded to the proposal with drawings
and specifications of the proposed Model I, which would be powered by an
unusual geared drivetrain with a single Allison V-3420 engine buried in
the fuselage powering twin wing-mounted pusher propellers in the wings.
