The Bell P-59 Airacomet, an aircraft developed and manufactured by Bell Aircraft during World War II, was a pioneering single-seat, twin jet-engine fighter.
It holds the distinction of being the first jet aircraft produced in the United States.
In 1941, the British, who were ahead in jet engine technology, generously provided an engine for the United States to replicate.
This engine, known as the General Electric J31, served as the foundation for the P-59’s propulsion system.
However, due to its lack of power, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) found the P-59’s performance underwhelming and reduced their initial order of 100 fighters by half.
Instead, these aircraft were repurposed as trainers.
The USAAF ultimately chose the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star as its first operational jet fighter, leaving the P-59 without any combat involvement.
Nevertheless, the P-59 played a crucial role in paving the way for future generations of turbojet-powered aircraft in the United States.
The YP-59As, which were part of the 13 service test aircraft, featured a more powerful engine compared to their predecessor, the General Electric J31.
However, the improvement in performance was minimal, with only a 5 mph increase in top speed and a decrease in the time they could be used before requiring an overhaul.
One of these planes, the third YP-59A, was given to the Royal Air Force and received the British serial RJ362/G.
In return, the RAF provided the first production Gloster Meteor I, designated as EE210/G.
British pilots discovered that the YP-59A aircraft did not compare favourably to the jets they were already flying.
Additionally, two YP-59A Airacomets were delivered to the U.S. Navy and evaluated as the “YF2L-1,” but they were deemed unsuitable for carrier operations.
Despite this, three P-59Bs were transferred to the Navy between 1945 and 1946, retaining their original designations.
The Navy utilised all five jets for training purposes and flight testing.
Variants
XP-59
The piston engine-powered pusher propeller design, unrelated to and developed from the Bell XP-52, was never constructed.
XP-59A
Prototype of the newly powered jet engine aircraft.
YP-59A
Series of test aircraft.
YF2L-1
Two YP-59A Airacomets were delivered to the U.S. Navy for carrier operation evaluations.
P-59A
The initial production model was redesignated as ZF-59A in June 1948.
XP-59B
Study materials for a single-engine P-59A.
P-59B
The improved P-59A saw an order for 80 aircraft, but only 30 were constructed, with the remaining 50 cancelled. In June 1948, it was redesignated as ZF-59B.
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
38 ft 10 in (11.84 m)
Wingspan
45 ft 6 in (13.87 m)
Height
12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
Wing area
386 sq ft (35.9 m2)
Airfoil
Root
NACA 66-014
Tip
NACA 66-212
Empty weight
8,165 lb (3,704 kg)
Gross weight
11,040 lb (5,008 kg)
Max take-off weight
13,700 lb (6,214 kg)
Fuel capacity
356 US gallons (1,350 l; 296 imp gal)
Powerplant
2 × General Electric J31-GE-5 centrifugal flow turbojet engines,
2,000 lbf (8.9 kN) thrust each
Performance
Maximum speed
413 mph (665 km/h, 359 kn) at 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Cruise speed
375 mph (604 km/h, 326 kn)
Range
375 mi (604 km, 326 nmi)
Ferry range
950 mi (1,530 km, 830 nmi)
Service ceiling
46,200 ft (14,100 m)
Time to altitude
30,000 ft (9,144 m) in 15 minutes, 30 seconds
Armament
Guns
1 × 37 mm M10 auto cannon with 44 rounds of ammunition
&
3 × .50 cal AN/M2 Browning heavy machine guns with 200 rounds per gun.
Sources
U.S. Experimental & Prototype Aircraft Projects: Fighters 1939-1945-B Norton.
The American Fighter from 1917 to the present-E Angelucci.
