Eighty years ago today, the U.S. military made history with its first-ever jet-powered flight. On October 1, 1942, the Bell XP-59 took its first flight from Muroc Dry Lake, California (now Edwards Air Force Base) over the Mojave Desert. The “Airacomet” became the first American jet aircraft developed during World War II in response to the advancements in jet propulsion made by the Germans and the British. As the conflict intensified between the nations, there was an urgent need for faster and more advanced technology for aerial combat. The British, recognizing the strategic advantage of sharing technological developments with their allies, initiated a Tizard Mission in 1940. This mission was a delegation from the U.K. to share secret research and development work with the U.S., given it had military applications. The Tizard Mission became the inspiration for the U.S. military to pursue a jet-powered flight amidst the ongoing conflict during World War II.
Jet-Set-Go
The designing and manufacturing of “Airacomet” began with secrecy under a hoax designation as XP-59A. The project was kept hidden to mislead intelligence, as the designation had been previously assigned to a canceled helicopter project. The XP-59 was designed by Bell Aircraft Corporation, with General Electric manufacturing I-A turbojet engines based on British Whittle design. The Bell team developed a series of prototypes, with their first prototype being developed by the summer of 1942. The prototypes went under extensive ground testing to ensure the airframe could withstand the stress caused by jet propulsion. “Airacomet” faced various obstacles before its first successful flight, especially with the jet engines, as it was new territory for the U.S. military. The jet engines would overheat during test runs, making cooling of the engine a problem. Additionally, the straight-wing design of the XP-59 caused drag issues, which limited its performance and speed.
Propelled to a New Start
Despite facing all these challenges, “Airacomet” took its first flight on October 1, 1942, with Bell’s chief test pilot, Robert Stanley. After its first flight, the XP-59 underwent further testing and refinement with the primary focus on engine reliability and flight stability. However, the XP-59 was never considered for mass production due to its underwhelming performance compared to other jet-powered fighters being developed at the time. Although XP-59 never saw combat, its design and technology didn’t go in vain. The aircraft was used for training purposes for first-generation jet U.S. pilots and engineers. The XP-59’s legacy lies in its role in introducing jet propulsion to the U.S. military, flooring the way for more advanced designs. It was utilized for accumulating valuable data for future jet programmers thereby influencing the design of the first operational U.S. jet fighter, the P-80 shooting star.
Grounding the Bell
Despite being the U.S.’s first jet-powered fighter, the XP-59 was significantly slower and less maneuverable compared to other jet fighters. Its top speed of 413 mph was below expectations for a jet-powered aircraft, unlike the German Messerschmitt Me 262 and the British Gloster Meteor. Additionally, the engine limitations, such as overheating, reliability issues, and insufficient thrust compared to other jets, contributed heavily to the decision not to carry the XP-59 production forward as a front-line fighter. Testing of the XP-59 continued into 1943 and 1944, but by 1945, it was clear that the aircraft wouldn’t play a significant role in combat. After the war, jet technology advanced rapidly, with several more effective models like the P-80 and F-86 Sabre taking the lead in U.S. jet development. Thus, the XP-59 was left behind as a research aircraft. Finally, the aircraft was officially retired from testing as well as research activities by the end of the war in 1946.
The Bell Legacy still Rings
While no longer operational, the XP-59 remains a remarkable aircraft of its time, being the head starter of jet technology in the U.S. military. Several of these aircraft are preserved in museums across the nation, including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, displaying one of the original Airacomets in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Additionally, the Edwards Air Force Base Museum honors the Airacomet’s contribution to aviation history as the location of its first flight. The Planes of Fame Air Museum, one of the world’s oldest and largest collections of vintage aircraft, has been making steady progress on a rare piece of history to add to its already impressive stable of airworthy airframes. The type in question is Bell YP-59A Airacomet 42-108777, one of just six remaining examples of America’s first jet-powered aircraft of the 66 built. It is also a uniquely surviving pre-production variant. We have covered this restoration HERE. These preserved aircraft remain to serve as an educational tool and as an inspiration to how far technology has taken aviation and how there will always be more to learn, more to dream.
Today in Aviation History is a series highlighting the achievements, innovations, and milestones that have shaped the skies. All the previous anniversaries are available HERE.
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"Haritima Maurya, pen name, ""Another Stardust,"" has been passionate about writing since her school days and later began sharing her work online in 2019. She was drawn to writing because of her love for reading, being starstruck by the art of expression and how someone can make you see and feel things exclusive to their experience. She wanted to be able to do that herself and share her mind with world cause she believes while we co exist in this beautiful world least we can do is share our little worlds within.
As a commercial pilot, Haritima balances her passion for aviation with her love for storytelling. She believes that, much like flying, writing offers a perspective beyond the ordinary, offering a bridge between individual experiences and collective understanding.
Through her work, ""Another Stardust"" aims to capture the nuances of life, giving voice to moments that resonate universally. "
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