The Bell YFM-1 Airacuda was an American heavy fighter aircraft, developed during the mid-1930s.
It was the first military aircraft produced by Bell.
Originally designated the Bell Model 1, the Airacuda first flew on 1 September 1937.
The Airacuda was marked by bold design advances and considerable flaws that eventually grounded the aircraft.
The Airacuda was Bell Aircraft’s answer for a “bomber destroyer” aircraft.
Although it did see limited production, and one fully operational squadron was eventually formed, only one prototype and 12 production models were ultimately built, in three slightly different versions.
Variants
XFM-1
(Model 1)
Prototype powered by two 1,150 hp V-1710-13 engines, one (38-351) built.
YFM-1
(Model 7)
Development aircraft powered by two 1,150 hp V-1710-23 engines and fitted with 37 mm cannons in wing nacelles, eight built, two later converted to YFM-1B.
YFM-1A
(Model 8)
Development aircraft with tricycle landing gear, three built.
YFM-1B
YFM-1 re-engined with 1,090 hp V-1710-41 engines, two converted from YFM-1.
