Front:
422650
OPJ-650
Back:
BELL P-59B "Airacomet" Fighter
Engines: Two General Electric J31's of 2000 lbs. thrust each.
Top Speed: 413 mph
Span: 45 ft. 6 in.
Range: 950 mi.
Ceiling: 43,200 ft.
Length: 38 ft. 10 in.
Height: 12 ft. 4 in.
The XP-59A, the United States' first jet airplane, made its
initial flight on 2 October 1942. Because of its limited per-
formance, the P-59, was never used in combat. The P-59B
is on exhibit at the Air Force Museum, W-P AFB, Ohio.
F-23
Photo. by Joseph F. Morsello, 405 Paper Mill Rd., Phila., Pa. 19118
PHOTOGRAPHING
THE NATION
S-49268-1
