McDonnell XP67 Moonbat

In 1939, USAAF issued a specification "R-40" for a long-range twin-engine fighter. McDonnell submitted company's first design but was rejected. McDonnell modified the design and resubmitted to USAAF in 1941. This time it was accepted and received order for two prototypes, designated XP-67. The XP-67 was created an unusual looking that the fuselage and the engine nacelles were merged together in order to maintain maximum aerofoil sections throughout the entire airframe. Due to the engine delay, first flight was not happened until January 1944. Handling was judged well but the engine problem led to its performance being unsatisfactory. In September 1944, during its 43rd hour flight test, the troublesome engine got in-flight fire. Although the plane was landed safety, it was completely lost by fire burn. Afterward, McDonnell and the USAAF agreed to terminate the XP-67 project. The second prototype was never finished.