PRIMARY FUNCTION: Night Fighter
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FIRST KILL: July 6, 1944 (Pacific)
TOTAL PRODUCED: 706 (all variants)
ENGINES: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-65 Double Wasp 18-Cylinder engines rated at 2,250 hp
WING SPAN: 66 Feet
Who made the p61 Black Widow?
Northrop Corporation
What color was the P-61 Black Widow?
The P-61A was the first production model and rolled off the production line in October 1943. Unlike the XP-61 and YP-61, which were painted flat black, the early P-61As were olive drab.
Why was the P-61 called the Black Widow?
The Northrop P-61 Black Widow, named for the North American spider, was the first operational U.S. warplane designed as a night fighter, and the first aircraft designed to use radar. It replaced earlier British-designed night-fighter aircraft that had been updated to incorporate radar when it became available.
Are there any P-61 black widows still flying?
There are only four P-61 'Black Widow' night fighters in existence, worldwide. All but one of these survivors are on permanent static display in national museums. All three are incapable of flight. of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.
How many planes did the p61 shoot down?
Unlike the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang, it did not have an impressive number of kills. It downed only about 127 aircraft (18 were V-1 Buzz Bombs). Its overall impact on the war was minimal and its victories were sporadic. In comparison, the Junkers Ju-88 had more night victories than all Allied fighters combined.
Are there any flying P-61?
There are only four P-61 'Black Widow' night fighters in existence, worldwide. All but one of these survivors are on permanent static display in national museums. All three are incapable of flight.