The Fafnir P-101.A1 is a flight-capable technological demonstrator for a larger turbojet flying wing bomber design.
Development
In 1942 a design competition was initiated by the General Headquarters - Material Division for an advanced bomber capable of intercontinental range (a BLR in common sense) that is powered by either turbojets or propellers.
The Fafnir design was chosen alongside other designs from 35 entries and the demonstrator was designated the P-101.A1 (P-101.A2 for the actual bomber), a flying wing design powered by turbojet engines mounted on top of pylons.
The aircraft tend to act like a taildragger aircraft while parking due to the relativity of the center of mass and the rear landing gear position and is capable of speeds up or beyond to about 410 km/h TAS.
Testing
The Fafnir demonstrator was sent to the Army Air Force mid-1943 and was tested regularly. Flight tests concluded that the aircraft was suffering from high takeoff speeds (flaps were not an option for demonstrators) and high roll rate, but is stable at flight.
The aircraft was put into storage for museum exhibition.
Specifications
Crew: 1-2
Maximum speed: >410 km/h TAS
Cruise speed: >320 km/h TAS
Specifications
General Characteristics
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- Wingspan 40.7ft (12.4m)
- Length 15.4ft (4.7m)
- Height 7.5ft (2.3m)
- Empty Weight 396lbs (179kg)
- Loaded Weight 3,039lbs (1,378kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 1.109
- Wing Loading 20.3lbs/ft2 (98.9kg/m2)
- Wing Area 150.0ft2 (13.9m2)
- Drag Points 1601
Parts
- Number of Parts 101
- Control Surfaces 5
- Performance Cost 454
Some teaser here: The actual Fafnir flying wing bomber (P.101-A2.1) is larger than the Northrop YB-35 and has two engine options: The P.101-A2.2 turbojet and the P.101-A2.3 piston