McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful, finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any military aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual real life version.

There are many types of military propeller aircraft, but the basic types are bombers, fighters, fighter bombers, spotter planes, transporters, patrol aircraft, trainers, and reconnaissance and observation aircraft. All these types of aircraft are used for different types of missions. If you're a fan of historic or present-day military aviation, our model aircraft will bring the excitement and character of these aircraft right into your own home. You can order a wood airplane model of a North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber, a B17 - Flying Fortress, or a P-51 Mustang Nervous Energy V not forgetting the Bf 109, Spitfire, FW 190, A6M Zero, P-38 and F4U. These classic, propeller airplane models are of the highest quality. Each is individually crafted by our expert craftsmen. They produce handmade scale mahogany airplane models of the finest aircraft from World War I and II to present day biplanes and triplanes.

If you require, we can also make the McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat model in any other military, government or even private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary, in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimps, dirigibles, blimps, boats, and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat: The Pursuit of Aerodynamic Perfection

During the tumultuous years of World War II, aviation development was a relentless race toward higher speeds, greater firepower, and technological innovation. Amid this surge of ideas and experimentation, one of the most distinctive and ambitious designs to emerge was the McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat—a sleek, futuristic fighter that looked like something out of science fiction.

Origins of the Moonbat

The XP-67 was McDonnell Aircraft Corporation’s first fighter design, developed in response to a 1940 U.S. Army Air Corps specification calling for a high-altitude, twin-engine interceptor capable of 450 mph speeds and armed with heavy cannons. The McDonnell team, led by chief designer Herman D. Barkey, envisioned a radically clean airframe that would minimize drag and maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

Dubbed the “Moonbat,” the XP-67’s design philosophy was groundbreaking: the fuselage and engine nacelles were carefully blended into the wing structure to create an unbroken “blended” profile. This concept, now commonplace in modern stealth aircraft, was far ahead of its time.

Distinctive Design

At first glance, the XP-67 was unlike any other fighter of its era:

• Blended Wing and Fuselage: The entire airframe was smoothed and faired to reduce turbulence and drag, producing its unique organic silhouette.

• Twin Engine Configuration: It was powered by two experimental Continental XI-1430 inverted V-12 liquid-cooled engines, designed to deliver high performance at altitude.

• Heavy Armament: Plans called for six 37 mm cannons or an alternative arrangement of four 20 mm cannons—unusually powerful for a fighter.

The blended configuration earned the Moonbat an immediate reputation as a radical design, and aviation publications of the time eagerly heralded its futuristic look.

Flight Testing and Challenges

The prototype first took to the air on January 6, 1944, piloted by Ed E. Elliot. Unfortunately, flight testing quickly revealed serious issues:

• The Continental engines were plagued by reliability problems and failed to produce their expected power.

• Cooling was inadequate, often leading to overheating.

• Top speeds fell well short of the contract requirements—just over 400 mph, compared to the targeted 450 mph.

• Flight handling was disappointing, with sluggish roll rates and poor acceleration.

Despite exhaustive troubleshooting and modifications, the Moonbat never overcame its fundamental shortcomings. When a fire during testing severely damaged the prototype in September 1944, the Army Air Forces decided to cancel further development.

The Moonbat’s Legacy

Although the XP-67 was ultimately a failed experiment, it left an important mark on aviation history:

• Aerodynamic Vision: The blended configuration influenced later generations of aircraft designers.

• Materials and Techniques: The program explored advanced construction methods to achieve its smooth surfaces.

• Lessons Learned: The Moonbat underscored the hazards of coupling radical airframe ideas with unproven engines and technologies.

For McDonnell Aircraft, however, this project was just the beginning. The experience gained through the XP-67 helped lay the groundwork for the company’s later successes, including the FH-1 Phantom, F2H Banshee, and eventually the legendary F-4 Phantom II.

Conclusion

The McDonnell XP-67 Moonbat stands as a testament to wartime innovation—an audacious attempt to redefine what a fighter could be. Though it never reached operational status, it remains one of the most striking and fascinating prototypes of the World War II era, a reminder that bold ideas often chart the course of aviation’s future, even when they fail in their own time.