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| Bell YFM-1 Airacuda | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Role | Bomber destroyer | |
| Crew | 5 | |
| First Flight | 1 September, 1937 | |
| Manufacturer | Bell | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 44ft 10in | 13.67m |
| Wingspan | 69ft 10in | 21.29m |
| Height | 13ft 7in | 4.14m |
| Wing area | ft² | m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | lb | kg |
| Loaded | lb | kg |
| Maximum takeoff | lb | 8650kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 2 Allison V-1710 inline | |
| Power | 1,150hp | kW |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 277mph | 446km/h |
| Combat range | miles | km |
| Ferry range | miles | km |
| Service ceiling | 30,500 ft | 9,300m |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
| Wing loading | lb/ft² | kg/m² |
| Power/Mass | hp/lb | kW/kg |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 2 37mm cannon 2 .50 and 2 .30 machine guns | |
| Bombs | 146kg | |
| Rockets | ||
Development
The Airacuda was Bell Corporation's answer for a "Bomber Destroyer" type aircraft. Although the aircraft did see limited production, and one fully operational squadron was eventually formed, only one prototype and thirteen production models were ultimately produced in three slightly different versions.
Design
Created to intercept enemy bombers at distances beyond the range of single seat fighter interceptors, the YFM-1 was a unique design incorporating many features never before seen in a military aircraft, as well as several never seen again.
A single forward firing M4 37 mm cannon with an accompanying gunner was mounted in a forward compartment on each of the engine nacelles. Although capable of aiming the cannons, the gunner's primary purpose was simply to load them with the 110 rounds of ammunition stored in each nacelle.
Versions
The prototype, known as the YFM-1, incorporated a tail wheel, side "blister" ports, and a smooth, rounded canopy. This is the best known, and most produced version. An updated version of the YFM-1 eliminated the side blisters and added externally mounted radiators and turbo-superchargers. Produced in 1940, the final version designated YFM-1A, was slightly larger, had more powerful Allison engines, and incorporated a tricycle landing gear. The canopy was redesigned, with a flat forward windshield. A rearward facing belly gunner's position was also added. The resulting aircraft was roughly the size of a B-18 bomber. Three YFM-1A were produced in 1939.
Design Flaws
The Airacuda was plagued with problems from the start. The 37 mm cannons had a tendency to fill the gun nacelles with smoke whenever fired. Additionally, fears persisted as to how the gunners would escape in an emergency, with the propellers directly behind them.
The Allison V-1710-13 engines, though relatively trouble free in other types, had no additional cooling systems. Like many pusher designs they were prone to overheating. On the ground the aircraft had to be towed to and from the runway, and could only be started when it was able to takeoff immediately. Even in the air it was not uncommon to experience overheating problems. Towards the end of its operational life the aircraft were flown primarily for photo opportunities, and always accompanied by a chase plane for safety.
Flight testing proved the plane virtually impossible to control on a single engine, as the aircraft would go into an immediate spin. Pitch problems were also encountered, and had to be corrected by reducing power.
The Airacuda was the only aircraft ever built to rely on an independent auxiliary power unit (APU) to power both engine fuel pumps, as well as all aircraft electrical systems. Systems usually powered by an aircraft's engines were instead powered by the single generator. The generator, with its own supercharger, was located in the belly of the aircraft. In the event of a failure the crew was instructed to begin immediate emergency restart procedures as the aircraft basically shut down.
Production
Despite these problems one fully operational Airacuda squadron was eventually assembled, and operated from 1938 until 1940. In late 1940 the aircraft were stricken from inventory. All 13 Airacuda were flown to a training facility located outside Chicago where they were used for ground crew instruction. All Airacudas were scrapped before the end of WWII.
References
See also
External links
Big guns
External links
"Bell YFM-1 Airacuda"