I've always been interested in WW2 lightweight fighter designs and not sure why none ever made an impact. Seems like they'd be quicker to build, use less materials and be harder to see and hit in combat. Performance seemed nearly on par or better than many contemporary heavier fighters, at least until mid war. Americans had the Bell XP-77, the Italians the S.A.I 207/403 but the latter were much heavier than the French Roussel 30.
Weighing only 2300 pounds empty and with 690 hp, speed was similar to the Hurricane but ROC was much better than anything at that time- 3700 fpm. It was being fitted with an uprated 800hp engine just as France fell. It would have been formidable with the increased power.
Size wise about the same as a Radial Rocket but with double the power. I think designers missed the boat here when numbers of these could have made a big difference.
Weighing only 2300 pounds empty and with 690 hp, speed was similar to the Hurricane but ROC was much better than anything at that time- 3700 fpm. It was being fitted with an uprated 800hp engine just as France fell. It would have been formidable with the increased power.
Size wise about the same as a Radial Rocket but with double the power. I think designers missed the boat here when numbers of these could have made a big difference.
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