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In this video, we talk about the Bell P-59 Airacomet, An early or Mid-World War 2 jet fighter designed by the United States. We first look at why America was comparatively behind the curve on jet aircraft and jet propulsion research as a whole. We then talk about how the United Kingdom contributed massively to America starting research and development into jet aircraft. We talk about early British jets like the Gloster E.28/39 and how it influenced American leadership.
We then look at the almost comedic beginnings of the P-59 Airacomet program, with its secrecy leading to some comedic problems. We talk about the initial testing of the P-59 and how it was, overall, a pretty bad plane. We look at attempted improvements to both the design and engine, and how the overall performance compared to more contemporary fighters like the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, and P-47 Thunderbolt. We talk about a brief technological exchange program with Britain that led to America receiving a Gloster Meteor jet fighter. We end by looking at the failure of the P-59 to be adopted and how its failure, in essence led to later successes, like with the P-80 Shooting Star.