Northrop XP-79

[wuzak]

 

[Gnomey]

Good one!

 

[Capt. Vick]

Graeme said I should have strong aviation opinions, so here goes: The XP-79 was NEVER designed to ram enemy aircraft.

 

[unkated]

Joe Baugher agrees, saying that the ram tactic was a rumor started due to its magnesium frame.

I cannot see the USAAC risking not one but 2 expensive jet engines (much less a pilot) on a risky ram attack.

Uncle Ted

 

[Capt. Vick]

Thanks Uncle Ted

 

[Zipper730]

Joe Baugher agrees, saying that the ram tactic was a rumor started due to its magnesium frame.

I cannot see the USAAC risking not one but 2 expensive jet engines (much less a pilot) on a risky ram attack.

Originally, the airframe was to use a rocket, which is actually why it had angled-armor in the forward fuselage (the propellant/oxidizer was hypergolic), but ramming attacks would still be dangerous because of the fact that, in the event that the concussive forces bust the rest of the tanks, you'll explode. Even if that is avoided, the yaw control was through decelerons that were operated by valves that were airflow actuated (they'd likely rendered inoperative by metal debris).

Once you have jet-engines, they'd get fodded as you describe by the airframe you flew through!