FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
Was it? Only 2 were built and one crashed and the concept for a light weight fighter to be built from non strategic materials simply vanished as the war went on. Additionally during its development, the Army and Navy (yes they were interested in the aircraft as well) changed specifications which had the aircraft over weight and behind schedule. Although some say its performance was disappointing, to get 330 mph out of a 550 hp engine is nothing to scoff at.Now Mr. Allison may have a different idea of a light fighter than I do but the Bell XP-77 was a first class turkey.
Had the need been there and more time been available for development and the design specs not changed, the P-77 had some potential. It would not have been a major impact fighter like the P-51 or P-47, but it could have served well if time and money became a factor. Additionally the tricycle landing gear would have been a plus for green pilots.