Photograph. Head-on view of Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender. Official Caption: "(Series of three) Rome. 6/11/45. A head-on view of the plane resembles a weird-looking sea monster. The new low-wing, all-metal, 'tail-first' fighter plane is a fast and highly maneuverable pusher type plane which appears to fly backward. 6653-W." Additional text--"(Series of three) ROME, 6/11/45--New 'Back-flying' plane--here are three pictures on the new U.S. Ascender, a 'back-flying', fast-climbing plane.--FF Photos--Serviced by Rome OWI (A List out). Approved by appropriate military authority. -o- A close-up of the nose of the Ascender shows the location of the air scoops in relation to the pusher engine. The radio aerial protruding from the ship's belly beneath the pilot's compartment extends to the lower vertical fin. 6653-V." -o- A head-on view of the plane resembles a weird-looking sea monster. The new low-wing, all-metal, 'tail-first' fighter plane is a fast and highly maneuverable pusher type plane which appears to fly backward. 6653-W." -o- A flight view of the Ascender. The 'tail-first' plane has forward control surfaces and rudders near the wing tips while the engine is in its rear. 6653-X." United States. 11 June 1945