NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The
Northrop P-61 Black Widow was the first U.S. aircraft designed from the
start as a night fighter, and was the largest USAAF fighter plane of
World War Two.
On
the night of July 3, 1944, P-61 Black Widow aircraft were first
deployed as night fighter interceptors over Europe. On the night of July
6,1944 a Black Widow scored its first victory in the Pacific.
P-61
Black Widow aircraft pilot Earl Tigner recalls that the aircraft was
the only night fighter that was designed for its purpose from the start.
Tigner tells us that its guns were fixed in place. He believes that was
because bomber aircraft needed all the turrets available at the time.
He exclaims that the Black Widow didn't need tail guns because, "We were sneaking up on others, not them on us."
Northrop
received a contract to build the aircraft in January of 1941. The
prototype first flew in May of 1942 with delivery of production aircraft
in late 1943 and deployment in 1944.
Deployment
of the aircraft was delayed while the British radar was incorporated in
to the model. American pilots and crews were assigned to British
airplanes in order to become experienced with night fighter tactics.
A total of 742 Northrop P-61 Black Widow aircraft of all types were produced.
Specifications
US$ Cost:
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Horsepower:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Machine Guns:
Cannons:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First flight:
Year Deployed:
Year Retired:
$170,000
night fighter
2 or 3
Pratt and Whitney
2 x 2,800 hp. ea.
20,965 lbs.
34,200 lbs.
4- .50 cal.
4- 20 mm.
49' 7"
66' 0"
275 mph
366 mph
2,000 fpm
46,200 feet
3,000 miles
5/21/42
1944
1952
Pictured above is the P-61 Black Widow ARF for sale by Advance Scale Models (ASM. It has a 79.5" wingspan, and a length of 59 1/2".
Suggested power for are two 45 to 52 two cycle or two .52 to .61 four cycle engines.
There
was a P-61 Black Widow ARF for sale at Nitro Planes, but we are not
sure if they still carry the scale model radio control airplane.
Pictured first below is a 122"
wingspan giant scale P-61 Black Widow rc from Jan Hermkens Plans. The
picture is of the actual model built by Jan. His radio control airplane
is powered by 2 x Laser 2.40 engines.
Royal/Marutaka has plans for a 72" wingspan rc P-61 Black Widow. Suggested power are 2 x .40 engines. The plans are often found on eBay.
Nick Ziroli has plans for sale of a 114"
wingspan rc giant scale P-61 Black Widow. Power may be provided by 2 x
35 - 52 cc gas engines. All up weight is from 38 to 45 lbs.
You can find plans from Don Smith for a 1/8 scale rc P-61 Black Widow. Wingspan is 99" and length is 74". Suggested power is by a pair of .91 - 1.40 engines.
Pictured
second below is the rc P-61 Black widow for sale by VQ Warbirds. It is
available as almost ready to cover (ARC). Suggested power are 2 x .60 -
.75 engines. Wingspan is 89".
The last picture below is of a great looking rc giant scale P-61 Black Widow built by Frenz Schmidt.
If you have a favorite rc P-61 Black Widow please email us.
Northrop P-61 Black Widow
