XP-55 Ascender

The Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender is an American aircraft that appears in the Strikers 1945 series.

In the first game, it appeared as one of the enemy planes in the level where the XFB-1 is encountered. It also appeared in Strikers 1945 II, in the stage where Syumi Type-0 is fought. It later became playable in Strikers 1945 Plus as a secret plane, replacing the Shinden.

Background[]

The Curtiss XP-55 Ascender was an experimental fighter plane with a canard design, developed during World War II. This plane never went past the experimental phase; planes already in service outperformed the Ascender. Consequently, the Ascender never saw service. The name "Ascender" was meant as a crude joke by one of the Curtiss engineers. Only three prototypes were built, but one survived which is currently displayed at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan, while the remaining two had crashed.

Details[]

Sub weapon: Heat Missile
Super Shot: Search Boomerang
Bomb: B-36 Backup Bombing

Specifications[]

Max power: 1275 HP
Wingspan: 1240 cm
Length: 900 cm
Height: 300 cm
Weight: 2882 kg
Top speed: 628 km/h

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

To select the P-55 Ascender do the following on the plane select screen; Highlight the Random Select question mark and perform this joystick sequence: UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN-UP-UP-UP-UP-DOWN.
The XP-55 Ascender does not appear in the game's poster or demo.
The Ascender's color scheme in the game is brown, which is based on the one that had crashed.
- However, the crash had happened on November 15th, 1943, 56 years before Strikers 1945 Plus was released.
In the ending, it "accidentally" crashes into the White House for the pilot to shake hands with the unnamed U.S. President, who is injured from the crash.
- Somewhat the pilot's plane was intact after the pilot left (possibly flew to the moon to fight the remnants of CANY).
- It also doesn't have a two player ending.