The P-59 "Airacomet", built by Bell, was America's first jet-propelled airplane. The project was
conducted in secret, with Bell building the airplane and
General Electric the engine. The first P-59 was completed in mid-1942 and on
October 1, 1942, it made its initial flight at Muroc Dry Lake (now Edwards Air
Force Base), California. One year later, the airplane was ordered into
production.
Bell produced 66 P-59's. Although the airplane's performance was not
spectacular and it never got into combat, the P-59 provided invaluable data for the development of higher
performance jet airplanes.
Source and Link:
U.S.A.F. Museum.
Fully assembled, Handcrafted Model Airplane with Removable
Desk Stand.
(Scale: 1/48, Length: 9.25", Wing Span: 11 1/8") TA.
Click on product image for more detail.
)
