Bell XP-59 Airacomet

	Bell XP-59 Airacomet - USA
		Full Text

	Although the powerplant was British, the airframe was American, and the Bell XP-59A became the first USA jet fighter aircraft, built during World War II. The performance was not spectacular, but it did establish a new unofficial altitude record of 47,600 feet. Unsuitable as a fighter, it was relegated to the training role and paved the way for another design generation of US turbojet-powered aircraft, which appeared as the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. Unlike previous jet fighters, the Bell XP-59A was the first turbojet fighter to have its turbojet engine and inlet nacelles integrated within the main fuselage. More ...

Specifications:
Bell XP-59A Airacomet
Dimensions:
Wing span:	45 ft 6 in (13.87 m)
Length:	38 ft 2 in (11.63 m)
Height:	12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
Weights:
Empty:	7,320 lb (3,320 kg)
Max T/O Weight:	12,562 lb (5,698 kg)
Performance:
Maximum Speed:	404 mph (650 km/h) @ 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Service Ceiling:	45,756 ft (13,946 m)
Max Fuel:	870 U.S. gal (3,293 l)
Range:	400 miles (643 km) @ 375 mph (603 km/h)
Powerplant:
Two General Electric I-A 1,250 lb (567 kg) thrust, centrifugal turbo jet engines.
Armament:
Two 37 mm cannons.