United States Army Air Force

Northrop P-61 Black Widow
The Black Widow was the first aircraft totally designed as a night fighter. Its innovative slotted flaps and spoiler ailerons allowed operation from short airstrips and improved handling; the radar carried in its nose made it the dominant force in the night skies.

A takeoff roll of 1,000 feet and landing speeds of 70 to 80 mph. It featured slotted wing flaps and "spoiler" type ailerons for better control at all speeds. P-61's performed well in all theaters of World War II and one was credited with the last kill of the conflict.

From July 6, 1944, when it claimed its first victory, to war's end, the P-61 distinguished itself as one of America's most unique fighting machines. Only four P-61 aircraft are known to exist today.

P-61 Black Widow
Role  

 Night Fighter

Crew  

 2 Pilot / Radio & Radar Operator

Engines  

 Two Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Radials 

Span  

 66 feet

Length  

 49 feet

Height  

 14 feet

Max. Speed  

 350+ mph

Range  

1,200 miles

Armament  

(nose) 4x 20mm
(turret) 4 x .50 cal

Bombload 
6,400 lbs
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