A-Model 72145 Bell P-59A/B Airacomet US Jet Fighter

In September 1941, Bell Aircraft was commissioned to develop a turbine-jet fighter project. The works were carried out at a very fast pace and a month later the first prototype of the aircraft was ready. The machine was designated "XP-59" and made its first flight on October 5, 1942. This aircraft, later named Airacomet, was the first American jet-powered aircraft. The propulsion was two General Electric IA motors. Airacomet had a metal structure, a classic tail and a landing gear retractable in flight with a front wheel. The first flight tests were troublesome as the engines were very unstable. For example, they could go out in flight and could not be restarted. The second prototype, equipped with more powerful General Electric J31 engines, was flown on February 15, 1943, and the first test series machines appeared in August 1943. Two aircraft from this series were transferred to the US Navy for the purpose of checking Airacomet's suitability as an on-board machine. Comparative tests of the "P-59" with the "P-47 Thunderbolt" and "P-38 Lightning" fighter planes were also carried out. It turned out that "Airacomet" was faster than its competitors, but less maneuverable. Both planes also surpassed him with hunting qualities. Therefore, a decision was made to reduce the order for "P-59" from the initially planned 100 units to only 20. The machines produced were intended for training. Technical data: length: 11.84 m, wingspan: 13.87 m, height: 3.76 m, maximum speed: 665 km / h, maximum range: 604 km, practical ceiling: 14000 m, armament: fixed - 3 machine guns cal. 12, 7mm and 1 37mm cannon, sling - up to 908 kg of bombs.