Bell XP-77
The Bell XP 77 was a lightweight fighter aircraft that used non-strategic materials. The project was, however, cancelled early.
Bell XP-77 - American Aircraft & Warplanes - Fighters

Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft, Prototypes and Experimental
Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft

Bell Aircraft Logo

Bell XP-77 Aircraft Overview

The Bell XP-77 was a prototype fighter aircraft developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation during World War II. It was intended to be a lightweight fighter with a small size, low cost, and a simple design, but ultimately proved to be unsuccessful, and only one prototype was built.

The XP-77 was a single-engine, single-seat aircraft with a small, streamlined design. It was powered by a Continental O-143 air-cooled engine and was armed with two .50 caliber machine guns. The aircraft also featured a bubble canopy for improved visibility and a tricycle landing gear.

One of the unique features of the XP-77 was its construction, which used a combination of wood and metal materials to reduce weight and cost. However, this approach proved to be problematic, as the aircraft suffered from structural issues and the wooden components were vulnerable to moisture and rot.

In addition, the XP-77’s performance was underwhelming, with a top speed of only about 300 mph (480 km/h) and poor maneuverability. As a result, the project was canceled after the construction of only one prototype.

The sole XP-77 prototype was used for a variety of purposes, including as a testbed for new engines and as a gunnery target. It was eventually scrapped in 1949.

Bell XP-77 Specifications

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 22 ft 10 in (6.96 m)
  • Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m)
  • Wing area: 100 sq ft (9.3 m2)
  • Empty weight: 2,855 lb (1,295 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 4,028 lb (1,827 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Ranger V-770-7 inverted V12 engine, 520 hp (388 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed

Bell XP-77 Performance

  • Maximum speed: 330 mph (530 km/h, 290 kn)
  • Range: 550 mi (890 km, 480 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 30,100 ft (9,180 m)
  • Rate of climb: 3,600 ft/min (18.3 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 40.28 lb/sq ft (196.5 kg/m2)
  • Power/mass: .13 hp/lb (213 W/kg)

Bell XP-77 Armament

  • Guns:
    • 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon, firing through the propeller.
    • 2 × .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 machine guns with 200 rounds each.
  • Bombs:
    • 1 × 300 lb (136 kg) bomb or
    • 1 × 325 lb (147 kg) depth charge.

Bell XP-77 Image Gallery

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