Bell XP-77

History of Bell XP-77

The worsening war situation in Europe and the Far East during World War II forced American war planners to consider a possible direct war with one of the Axis powers. Wars are likely to require strategic warfare materials (oil, metals, etc.).

Therefore, the onus is on American aeronautical engineers to create a new "resource-conserving" fighter that would make "non-strategic" materials stronger for long-term wartime commitments that could potentially be used.

Bell Aircraft began working on such a proposal for the U.S. Army, outlining a compact single-seat, single-engine fighter jet, built mostly from wood, and built very quickly and cheaply.

The proposal was presented to Army authorities on October 30, 1941just two months before the United States officially entered World War II.

As the war progressed and the XP-77 continued to fall behind schedule (and its development costs rose), the U.S. Army re-reduced its original order of 25 to just six. With the product still having some life, Bell tried to reduce the increasing weight of his small aircraft, which led to the Nixing of the 20mm gun. The US Army called again and reduced their order to just two planes - a death knell for the machine.

It also lost interest in the Ranger V-770-9 series engine.

Although it was developed very early in the war, the completed XP-77 prototype did not make its maiden flight until April 1, 1944. The U.S. Army is so happy with its inventory of fighter jets that even Bell's interest in the product has shown waning as it tries to fulfill various military orders for its other proven aircraft. When it finally entered flight testing, the design proved to be flawedstability issues were apparent, and excessive vibration on the airframe was noted. The pilots noticed a cramped and noisy cockpit and further prevented them from making violent, aggressive maneuvers.

Additionally, the long nose and the cockpit location behind and above the wings obstructed the view from the pilot's seat.

Finally, two airworthy prototypes were completed and tested at Wright Field and Elgin Field. During the landing operation, the nose bone of the prototype collapsed. On another flight, the plane spun out of control, forcing the pilot to eject - the plane crashed.

This crash marked the complete end of the XP-77 program and was not pursued further. In any case, the military no longer needed the small plane, and the tide finally turned to the Allies. The surviving prototype was preserved as an outdoor display before time took its toll.

From there, his weathered body was taken away and burned.

Specification

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