Vultee V-85 First prototype

 

The Vultee A-31 Vengeance dive-bomber was designed led by Richard Palmer to meet French air force requirements.

The RA-31 (Model V-72) export model (as prototype V-85) first flew on 30 March 1941 piloted by Vance Breese. There was a second prototype with twin tails, but pilot Vance Breese refused to fly after finding dangerous tendencies during taxi tests, and it was quickly modified with a single tail. It first flew (as Vengeance I) on 30 November 1941, piloted by Moye Stephens.

 

400 went to the RAF as Vengeance I/IA, subcontracted to Northrop Corp for production during 1941-42, of which 99 went to the RAAF, plus 300 to the USAAF as RA-31 in a special Restricted classification (41-30848 – 41-31047, and 41-31048 – 41-31147), the last batch of 100 built by Northrop; 300 to RAF as Vengeance II, plus 243 to USAAF with type re-designation as model 85 in 1942; 100 as Vengeance III, becoming Army A-31C, with subsequent production as A-35.

 

Vultee RA-31

 

The XA-31A Model 85 of 1942 (42-35824) was a test-bed for the 3000hp P&W XR-4360 engine. It was re-designated XA-31B Model 86 for flight tests.

 

The A-31C of 1942 was t first production of the Vengeance III. One hundred were built; 41-30148 – 41-31147.

 

The XA-31C of 1942 was a test-bed for the 2200hp Wright R-3350 engine.

 

Five YA-31C were built in 1942 and went to Wright Field for testing of four-bladed props in the B-29 development program.

The A-35 Vengeance (Model 88) were A-31 for the USAAF, with similar data, but improved armament.

 

Vultee A-35A 41-31166

 

The 1942 A-35A were the second production of Vengeance III. Ninety-nine were built; 41-31148 – 42-31246.

781 A-35B of 1942 were built; 41-31247 – 41-31447, 42-94149 – 42-94548, and 42-101236 – 42-101465. Contradicting factory records show 831 A-35Bs built, with 562 going to the RAF and RAAF as Vengeance IV, and 29 to Brazil AF. (67 A-35A and -35B were supplied to the Free French, but it is unclear whether these were culled or a separate production.)

 

Vultee A-35B

 

All models were powered by Wright R-2600 Cyclone engine.

 

 

V-72 A-31 Vengeance

Engine: 1600hp Wright GR-2600A

Wingspan: 48'0"

Length: 39'9"

Useful load: 3215 lb

Max speed: 275 mph

Cruise: 235 mph

Stall: 80 mph

Range: 500 mi

Ceiling: 22,300 ft

Seats: 2

 

A-35B / Vengeance IV

Engine: 1700hp R-2600
Wingspan: 48'0"

Length: 39'9"

Max speed: 279 mph

Cruise: 230 mph

Stall: 84 mph