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I'd say push the P-38M into service instead. Much better performance, can roll off the same assembly lines as the -38L with minor modification and a bunch of USAAF pilots already had experience with the type.
The P-61 was not the worst option but considering all the development that went into Northrop's bird there was no excuse for a dedicated night fighter introduced late in the war to lag behind the Ju88 and Mosquito. It might've made a decent medium all-weather bomber/maritime strike/ground attack aircraft right up to the Korea era with a slightly different development track though.
The P-38M was a later development than the P-61, it used a smaller, less capable radar and had a very compromised position for the radar operator. I would say not the best option.
The Mosquito was better just as the Spitfire was superior to our P-40. But we cannot stoop to license production of aircraft designed by Europeans.
Yes but it was also much cheaper
with 1 less crewmember per plane (the P-61 could fly without a gunner but that would leave it at a tactical disadvantage).
Not a bad trade for a night fighter that can clear 400 mph pretty easily with good armament and range.
The P-61 was already pretty late war as is, the C variant didn't make it in time for WWII. P-38L's were available by June '44 and it wouldn't have taken much to prioritize a night fighter version. Alternatively you could use the -J (introduced in August '43) and build it even earlier.
The ETO squadrons P-61A and B both used a crew of 2 and had the upper turret removed, the radar op sat right above and behind the pilot. The 61 in my opinion was superior to both the Mossie and the Ju 88G in the ground attack intruder role
The 61 in my opinion was superior to both the Mossie and the Ju 88G in the ground attack intruder role
How much cheaper?
The P-38 wasn't exactly a cheap aircraft.
Why would not having the gunner leave the P-61 at a "tactical disadvantage"? It would have the same guns as the Mosquito NF.
I also suggested that the P-61 ditch the turret and gunner.
The P-61E was a heavy day fighter version. It ditched the radar, turret and gunner and added 4 0.50" mgs in the nose to compliment the cannon in the belly. I suggest that would be a better night fighter than the P-61A/B, but obviously still carrying the SCR-720 radar in the nose, and without the additional mgs (so, back to 4 x 20mm).
Could the P-38M with radar pod below the nose and the humpback "easily clear 400mph"?
What about the radar? Was it ready and available by June 1944, or earlier? By making -Ms, are you sacrificing -Ls (or -Js) for the cause?
Don't think the P-61 was setup for bombs.The ETO squadrons P-61A and B both used a crew of 2 and had the upper turret removed, the radar op sat right above and behind the pilot. The 61 in my opinion was superior to both the Mossie and the Ju 88G in the ground attack intruder role