Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

First flying on 30 September 1943, the Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet was a fighter prototype developed for the United States Army Air Forces. A radical, tailless pusher design made of magnesium, it was anticipated to offer less drag than conventional designs.

After several flights, the first prototype was destroyed during a taxi-run when a tyre blew out. The second prototype which incorporated a larger fin first flew in December 1944. Flight testing revealed instability and only moderate speeds, resulting in the projects cancellation.

Photographs of models of the XP-56 can be found here.

First Northrop XP-56 Prototype 41-786

Second Prototype 42-38353

Video of the Second Prototype