Black Widows improved

[pampa14]

I share with you some pictures of rare versions of the first US operational night fighter. Does anyone know if the equipment and weapons tested were used in combat? The collection of photos can be viewed by visiting the link below:


Aviação em Floripa: P-61 Black Widow em testes especiais


Best Regards!

 

[fubar57]

The 2nd and 6th photos are F-15s

 

[pinehilljoe]

An old issue of Wings/Airpower had an article on the P61 with pilot interviews. They loved the plane, but all said it could have been faster.

 

[Thorlifter]

One of my favorites!

 

[fahrens]

Photos 1, 4, and 5 are test aircraft of the Ram Jet engine under development by General Electric in 1944 - 1950. These aircraft, just two, were bailed out to GE for the engine testing. This was part of the engine development for early air launched missile programs. Photos 2 and 6 are of an F-15 bailed out to Northrup for their missile program for the US Army, 1950s era. Photos 3, 7 and 8 are P-61Cs with US Army modified air-to-ground missiles, Rayon developed adaptation of the Loon (V-1) with larger GE developed engines. These are from the test range at Eglin Field, late 1950s.