XP-59 Airacomet - observer cockpit
Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:55 am
In an NASM communication today, they mentioned the XP-59A in their collection and it included these 2 paragraphs which were news to me:
"America's first XP-59A, AAF serial number 42-108784, is preserved at the National Air and Space Museum. Shortly the jet's first flight, the Army recognized the need to have an observer on board to record flight test data. They converted the gun bays forward of the pilot to accommodate the observer, cutting a 20-inch hole in the upper skin and mounting a seat, small windscreen, and instrument panel in this rather cramped, open cavity. Flight tests resumed on October 30, 1942, and for the remainder of its AAF career, the aircraft flew in that configuration.
In February 1944, an AAF engineer assigned to the Airacomet project originated the idea of saving America's first jet aircraft for museum display. In August, the Army Air Forces notified Bell that they planned to store the airframe at Muroc and the original engines at Wright Field, Ohio, until they could determine final disposition. The airplane had amassed only 59 hours and 55 minutes of flying time. On April 18, 1945, the Smithsonian asked for the aircraft. Before opening the new National Air and Space Museum in 1976, the staff restored the plane to its original configuration and removed the observer's open cockpit. Befitting its history, the first Airacomet now hangs in the Milestones of Flight gallery."
Couldn't find pictures of that configuration. Would sincerely appreciate suggestions on where to look for pictures of the a/c showing that 2nd cockpit.
thanks,
John
"America's first XP-59A, AAF serial number 42-108784, is preserved at the National Air and Space Museum. Shortly the jet's first flight, the Army recognized the need to have an observer on board to record flight test data. They converted the gun bays forward of the pilot to accommodate the observer, cutting a 20-inch hole in the upper skin and mounting a seat, small windscreen, and instrument panel in this rather cramped, open cavity. Flight tests resumed on October 30, 1942, and for the remainder of its AAF career, the aircraft flew in that configuration.
In February 1944, an AAF engineer assigned to the Airacomet project originated the idea of saving America's first jet aircraft for museum display. In August, the Army Air Forces notified Bell that they planned to store the airframe at Muroc and the original engines at Wright Field, Ohio, until they could determine final disposition. The airplane had amassed only 59 hours and 55 minutes of flying time. On April 18, 1945, the Smithsonian asked for the aircraft. Before opening the new National Air and Space Museum in 1976, the staff restored the plane to its original configuration and removed the observer's open cockpit. Befitting its history, the first Airacomet now hangs in the Milestones of Flight gallery."
Couldn't find pictures of that configuration. Would sincerely appreciate suggestions on where to look for pictures of the a/c showing that 2nd cockpit.
thanks,
John
Re: XP-59 Airacomet - observer cockpit
Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:08 am
I believe the P-59 being restored by POF had a similar setup at one time. It's also being rebuilt to (single seat) stock configuration.
SN
SN
Re: XP-59 Airacomet - observer cockpit
Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:23 am
Re: XP-59 Airacomet - observer cockpit
Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:28 am
Re: XP-59 Airacomet - observer cockpit
Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:43 am
Dan K - Exactly what I was looking for. MANY thanks for the link...and SO quick!
And BDK - thanks for pix of the other 2nd cockpit version.
I love WIX.
John
And BDK - thanks for pix of the other 2nd cockpit version.
I love WIX.
John