XP-61D & XP-61E ...

[Mark Allen M]

A program to improve performance by using turbosupercharged engines was begun in November 1943 with plans for a P-61C production model, preceded by two XP-61C prototypes prepared by Goodyear, an important Northrop sub-contractor. A P-61A-5 and an A-10 were flown to Akron in May 1944 for modification and, after a engine model change from the planned R-2800-77 altered their designation to XP-61D, flight tests began with 2,800 hp R-2800-57 Wasps and CH-5 turbos in November 1944.

The first P-61C-1 with R-2800-73s was accepted on July 14, 1945, just before V-J Day curtailed production, and only 41 were delivered, the last on January 28, 1946. Top speed had increased from 366 to 430 mph and speed brakes on the wings could prevent the P-61C from overshooting targets, but this model was too late for combat. NORTHROP P-61B-15
The XP-61E was a long-range day fighter with radar and turret removed to provide a smaller, more streamlined fuselage. Two crewmen sat under a bubble canopy ahead of a fuselage fuel tank, while four .50-caliber nose guns supplemented the usual four 20-mm belly guns. Converted from a P-61B-10 with R-2800-65 Wasps, the first prototype flew on January 3, 1945. A second prototype was wrecked in April, but the AAF had already decided on the P-82B Twin Mustang as its long-range fighter, and developed the Northrop as a photo-reconnaissance type.


XP-61D


XP-61E


XP-61D


XP-61E


XP-61D


XP-61D


XP-61E

[Snake45]

Pretty!

[quemerford]

Mark,

I just want to say many, many thanks for posting these images and all the others. I know you've had a lot of issues with a*holes in the past trying to claim government- or commercial-copyright photos as their own: I've had similar issues myself.

Please do keep posting these because I, for one, appreciate them a great deal.

[TAdan]

Oh that XP-61E / F-15 Reporter was one good looking aircraft.

[Michel Lemieux]

Superb Mark...as always.

430 mph!!!!! Weeee wonder if the base frame would have encountered the same failures as the super B-25 prototype
https://b-25history.org/hangar/25i.htm

[Mark Allen M]

I know you've had a lot of issues with a*holes

Do I look worried? lol

Seriously though! I've purchased more photos than I care to admit. I've "harvested" more photos off the internet than I care to admit and I've told more Idiots to go take a hike than I care to admit. lol
I've also been given more photos from vets and vets families that I'm proud to admit. Even the photos I've purchased don't really belong to me. They belong to ALL of us who care about them.

It always amazes me the appreciation I get from vets who seem so grateful for the exposure. They look not for accolades, but simply not to be forgotten. My personal views are very similar. Accolades are for people who need accolades.

But thanks kindly as always for the nice words and appreciation ....

M

[ffuries]

I always look forward to your posts and get excited when I see a new post. Being an Air Force Brat from the day I was born until the day I joined the Air Force I grew up around aircraft. My dad was a history and aviation and model nut, hence my "Sickness", but your posts show a lot of variants I've never seen or heard of. So it's interesting to see them.

One thing I've learned in life is, I know enough to know, that I don't know enough. Thanks for the many lessons and the lessons to come, I look forward to them. Plus I'll echo the comment above, in that we really appreciate all the hard work you put into these posts, and for sharing your passion and knowledge with us.

[menards]

Cant wait to see the MAAM P-61 back together and flying..