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The Bell XP-77 development was initiated by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II to produce a simplified "lightweight" fighter aircraft using non-strategic materials. Despite being innovative, the diminutive prototype proved tricky to handle and the project was canceled when the XP-77 did not deliver its projected performance.
Design and development
The Tri-4 (Company designations, later changed to D-6 ) project with the Bell Aircraft Corporation was initiated in October 1941. Originally a design study to meet the USAAF specifications for a "very light" interceptor, the XP-77 was intended to be a small, light fighter much in the mold of the 1930s Thompson Trophy air racers.
On 16 May 1942, the USAAF recommended the construction and testing of 25 XP-77s.
While originally conceived using an air-cooled Ranger XV-770-9 12-cylinder engine with a supercharger, the prototypes were delivered with the non-supercharged XV-770-7 engine due to engine development delays. With the anticipated delivery time of the original engine delayed for one and a half years, Bell proposed that seven XP-77s be built using the seven XV-770-7 engines then available.
Operational history
Testing
The XP-77 project suffered continuing delays, many related to excess weight. A change in subcontractor for the wing assembly caused problems when the first subcontractor refused to release necessary parts. Concerns over structural integrity relating to the glue and its binding properties were difficult to resolve. Anticipating that contract costs would soon be exceeded, and with no hope that the supercharged engine would become available, the USAAF decided to continue the project only to evaluate wooden construction in combat aircraft. The first XP-77 flew 1 April 1944 at Wright Field, but the flight tests revealed vibration problems stemming from the engine being mounted directly to the airframe without any vibration isolation. The long nose and rear-mounted cockpit also inhibited visibility relative to operational aircraft of the time.
The XP-77 proved to be difficult to fly, and despite lacking guns and armor, it did not approach its expected performance, mainly because it was woefully underpowered. Further trials were conducted at the USAAF Proving Ground at Eglin Field with the second aircraft, which was destroyed on 2 October 1944 when it entered an inverted spin while attempting an Immelmann, and the pilot bailed out. All development was terminated in December 1944.
Post-cancellation
thumb|First XP-77 post-war with spurious markings and [[United States military aircraft national insignia|1947-style roundels.]]
After the program's cancellation, the first prototype was sent to Wilbur Wright Field, then to Eglin Field, then back to Wright. The aircraft was seen at various airshows before being sent to an unknown air base as a gate guard. The aircraft remained on display for several years before deteriorating, after which it was burned. and
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General characteristics
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|crew=1
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|length ft=22
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|span m=8.38
|span ft=27
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|height m=2.49
|height ft=8
|height in=2
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|wing area sqm=9.3
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|empty weight kg=1,295
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Powerplant
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|eng1 name=Ranger V-770-7
|eng1 type=inverted V12 engine
|eng1 kw=388
|eng1 hp=520
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Performance
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|max speed kmh=530
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|range km=890
|range miles=550
|range nmi=480
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|ceiling m=9,180
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|climb rate ms=18.3
|climb rate ftmin=3,600
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|wing loading kg/m2=196.5
|wing loading lb/sqft=40.28
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|power/mass= .13 hp/lb (213 W/kg)
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Armament
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|guns= <br>
- 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon, firing through the propeller.
- 2 × .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 machine guns with 200 rounds each.
|bombs= <br>
- 1 × 300 lb (136 kg) bomb or
- 1 × 325 lb (147 kg) depth charge
See also
References
Bibliography
- Bridgeman, Leonard, ed. "The Bell XP-77." Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Studio, 1946. .
- Green, William. War Planes of the Second World War, Volume Four: Fighters. London: MacDonald & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., 1961 (Sixth impression 1969). .
- Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. WW2 Aircraft Fact Files: US Army Air Force Fighters, Part 1. London: Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd., 1977, pp. 25–26. .
- O'Leary, Michael. USAAF Fighters of World War Two. Harrisburg, PA: Harrisburg Historical Times, 1986. .
- Schrader, Richard K. "Bell's Wooden Warrior." Air Classics, Volume 35, Number 4, May 1999.
- Townend, David R. Clipped Wings -- World War Two Edition. Markham: Aerofile Publications, 2010. .
- Winchester, Jim. The World's Worst Aircraft: From Pioneering Failures to Multimillion Dollar Disasters. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2005. .