Bell Airacuda

[cardboard_killer]

"[80 years ago today, t]he Bell YFM-1 Airacuda enters operational service in a role variously described as “convoy defense fighter”, “bomber escort”, and “bomber destroyer”. Having first flown in 1937, it has been continuously modified for additional roles including fighter bomber, resulting in it doing none of them well. Equipped with two 37mm cannons firing from the pusher engine nacelles, two .30 cal and two .50 cal machine guns, it is slow and maneuvers poorly. Original intent had been to field two Groups, but the YFM-1 will only equip a single squadron, remaining mostly unused until retirement in 1942."

 

 

Oh yeah! Aira-cuda

 

 

Edited February 23, 2020 by cardboard_killer