The Bell XP-83, later redesignated XF-83, was an American prototype jet escort fighter designed by Bell Aircraft during World War II. The Army Air Forces asked for a fighter with longer endurance in March 1944 and ordered two prototypes that July. Bell kept the general layout of the P-59 Airacomet, with two General Electric J33 turbojets in the wing roots and a large fuselage holding about 1,150 gallons of fuel. Chief test pilot Jack Woolams flew the first prototype on 25 February 1945. It was underpowered, suffered directional instability and landed very fast, and apart from range it was inferior to the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, so the project was cancelled in 1947.
Facts
Engine Class Top Speed (km/h) Maximum Mass (kg) EngineTwo General Electric J33-GE-5 turbojets 1 Comparison
Body StyleAircraft (no road body style) 1 Connections
Of Make
Source Bell XP-83 (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Bell XP-83 (Wikipedia)
Testing, first flight
The first prototype was flown on 25 February 1945, by Bell's chief test pilot, Jack Woolams.
Specifications, empty weight
Empty weight: 14,105 lb (6,398 kg)
Specifications, maximum takeoff weight
Max takeoff weight: 27,500 lb (12,474 kg)
Specifications, maximum speed
Maximum speed: 522 mph (840 km/h, 454 kn) at 15,660 ft (4,770 m)
Design and development, contract
In March 1944, the United States Army Air Forces requested Bell to design a fighter with increased endurance and formally awarded a contract for two prototypes on 31 July 1944.
Design and development, engines
The two General Electric J33-GE-5 turbojet engines were located in each wing root which left the large and bulky fuselage free for fuel tanks and armament.
Design and development, engine type
The two General Electric J33-GE-5 turbojet engines were located in each wing root which left the large and bulky fuselage free for fuel tanks and armament.
Lead, aircraft description
The Bell XP-83 (later redesignated XF-83) was a United States prototype jet escort fighter designed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
Testing, cancellation
Apart from range, the XP-83 was inferior to the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, which led to the cancellation of the XP-83 project in 1947.
Lead, builder
The Bell XP-83 (later redesignated XF-83) was a United States prototype jet escort fighter designed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
Lead, country
The Bell XP-83 (later redesignated XF-83) was a United States prototype jet escort fighter designed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
Of Make: Bell Aircraft Corporation, Lead, Bell Aircraft
The Bell XP-83 (later redesignated XF-83) was a United States prototype jet escort fighter designed by Bell Aircraft during World War II.
In Group: Jet Fighters and Interceptors, Lead, role of the aircraft
The Bell XP-83 (later redesignated XF-83) was a United States prototype jet escort fighter
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