American Secret Pusher Fighters of World War II
XP-54, XP-55 and XP-66

by Gerald H. Balzer

Specialty Press

Reviewed by Al Bowie

Pusher Fighters of WWII is available online from Squadron.com

WWII, in common with any war, spurred many technology advances much as the current conflicts are doing today. The US developed many sound and brilliant aeronautical designs and have been world leaders ever since. Some of the most radical concepts of the war were radical were not confined to the Luftwaffe, with many unique and bizarre designs originating in the US. This book gives a detailed overview and history of three such designs.

This title, like others from Specialty Press, is impressive and thorough with many never before published pictures of the XP 54, 55 and 56 designs. The Author is a former Northrop Engineer who had unprecedented access to the company’s records relating to the XP 56 and has undertaken extensive primary research on the XP- 54 and 55. Most of the information presented is seen in public for the first time. The research is supported by hundreds of excellent photographs in both B&W and colour; again many are seen publically for the first time.

The book is organised into four chapters plus preamble and Appendices:

Foreword  &  Acknowledgements,

1. Request for Data R40-C: Origins of the Pusher Fighters

2. Vultee XP-54; The “Swoose Goose”

3. Curtiss Wright XP 55 – Ascender

4. Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

Appendix A -  Notes and References

Appendix B – Index

This is a very specific title and covers some fairly unique and rare subjects. I found this an engrossing title and one I recommend for anyone with an interest in WWII Aviation and aviation technology in general.

I highly recommend this title, particularly at the price which is well below what I would expect to pay for such a high quality title. The book may be ordered calling Speciality Press at 1-800-895-4585 or at their website Speciality Press

Thanks to Specilaty Press for the sample