Brewster XA-32

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The XA-32 was a Brewster-designed attack aircraft, a mid-wing type with an internal bomb bay. The prototype had the R-2800 engine, but it could take the R-4360. It did not enter production. The problems in experimental aircraft were sometimes the result of problems inherent in the manufacturing company. Brewster had startled the world when its pudgy Buffalo beat out Grumman's entry in the first Navy monoplane fighter competition. After that, it scarcely did anything right; and the XA-32, despite a sound layout, became a compendium of management-induced faults. A husky brute of an attack plane, the XA-32 was terribly overweight at almost 20,000 pounds. The drag induced by its rotund shape was amplified by careless detail design, which left it festooned with bumps and lumps. It was underpowered by the Pratt and Whitney R-2800. The real problem, however, was that the XA-32 suffered from the terminally bad Brewster management system. First flight was not until 22 May 1943, two years after the design was proposed; and almost every aspect of performance fell short of the specifications. The firm was in such management shambles that it drew the wrath of Congress and actually went out of the aircraft manufacturing business. Only two examples built. (information source: "American WWII aircraft")

USAF archives on this aircraft, click here.
 Additional information on this aircraft can be found at Wikipedia here.
 (updated February 2009)
 

Brewster XA-32

Type:		Attack dive-bomber
Crew:		2: Pilot, gunner
Armament: 	Four 20mm cannons
		Six 50-caliber machine guns in wings
		3000 lb. bombload that could include a torpedo

Specifications:
	Length:        	40' 7"
	Height:        	N/A
	Wingspan:      	45' 1"
	Wing area:	544 sq. feet
	Empty Weight:  	N/A
	Max Weight: 	N/A

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	1
	Powerplant:    	Pratt & Whitney R-2800
	Horsepower:	2100 to 2500 hp

Performance:
	Range:		500 miles with full load
	Cruise Speed:   N/A
	Max Speed:      311 mph
	Ceiling:       	N/A

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