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Bell XP-59 Airacomet-Americas first jet fighter was a
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Bell XP-59 Airacomet-Americas first jet fighter was a
Bell XP-59 Airacomet-Americas first jet fighter was a conservative design that proved to be heavy and unpowered
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Media ID 14221640
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Bell Conservative Fighters Heavy Proved Secondflight
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This historic photograph captures the Bell XP-59 Airacomet, the first jet fighter produced for the United States Army Air Force during World War II. Despite its groundbreaking status as the country's first jet fighter, the XP-59 was a conservative design that proved to be heavier and unpowered than expected. The XP-59 was developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation as a response to the increasing threat of advanced German jet fighters during the late stages of World War II. The XP-59 made its second flight on October 1, 1942, and although it did not enter combat, it paved the way for the development of more advanced jet fighters that would see action in the war. The XP-59 was powered by a single General Electric I-A engine, which was later replaced by the more powerful I-16 engine in the Bell P-80 Shooting Star, the first jet fighter to enter production and see combat with the US Army Air Force. This photograph is a testament to the pioneering spirit of aviation during World War II and the relentless pursuit of technological advancements in military aircraft.
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