P-59 Airacomet Stars & Stripes Rocks Glass

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The P-59 Airacomet was the first American jet aircraft to fly, marking a significant milestone in U.S. aviation history. Developed in secrecy during World War II, the XP-59A made its maiden flight on October 1, 1942, at Muroc Dry Lake (now Edwards Air Force Base). Designed by Bell Aircraft and powered by two General Electric turbojets derived from Britain’s Whittle engine, the P-59 was intended to usher the United States into the jet age.

Despite its groundbreaking nature, the Airacomet’s performance was underwhelming. With a top speed of just over 400 mph, it was slower and less agile than the best piston-engine fighters of the time, such as the P-51 Mustang. It suffered from sluggish handling, limited high-altitude performance, and frequent mechanical issues — all common challenges in early jet development. To maintain secrecy during testing, engineers even installed a dummy propeller on the nose to disguise its jet nature from distant observers.

The P-59 never saw combat and was instead used for training and transition purposes, helping U.S. pilots and engineers gain experience with jet operations. A total of 66 aircraft were built, including prototypes and limited production models. Though not a battlefield performer, the P-59 Airacomet played a vital role in bridging the gap between piston and jet propulsion, laying the foundation for more advanced aircraft like the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star.