The Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet was a unique prototype fighter interceptor built by the Northrop Corporation. It was one of the most radical of the experimental aircraft built during World War II. Ultimately, it was unsuccessful and did not enter production. The initial idea for the XP-56 was quite radical for 1939. It was to have no horizontal tail, only a small vertical tail, used an experimental engine, and be produced using a novel metal. The aircraft was to be a wing with a small central fuselage added to house the engine and pilot. It was hoped that this configuration would have less aerodynamic drag than a conventional airplane.
Specifications
General Characteristics
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- Wingspan 27.9ft (8.5m)
- Length 16.1ft (4.9m)
- Height 10.5ft (3.2m)
- Empty Weight 5,311lbs (2,409kg)
- Loaded Weight 7,499lbs (3,401kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 0.449
- Horse Power/Weight Ratio 0.133
- Wing Loading 51.0lbs/ft2 (248.8kg/m2)
- Wing Area 147.2ft2 (13.7m2)
- Drag Points 3089
Parts
- Number of Parts 70
- Control Surfaces 5
- Performance Cost 306
Wow this looks incredible. You also made something with such a weird aerodynamic design fly decently well. Nicely done!