Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet

The Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet was a unique prototype fighter interceptor and one of the most radical of the experimental aircraft built during World War II. Ultimately, it was unsuccessful and did not enter production.

General characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Length: 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
• Wingspan: 42 ft 6 in (12.96 m)
• Height: 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
• Wing area: 306 ft² (28.44 m²)
• Empty weight: 8,700 lb (3,955 kg)
• Loaded weight: 11,350 lb (5,159 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 12,145 lb (5,520 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-29 radial, 2,000 hp (1,492 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 465 mph at 25,000 ft (749 km/h)
• Range: 660 miles (1,063 km)
• Service ceiling: 33,000 ft (10,061 m)
• Rate of climb: 3,125 ft/min at 15,000 ft (953 m/min)
• Wing loading: 37 lb/ft² (181 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (0.96 kW/kg)

Armament

• 2 × 20 mm (.79 in) cannons
• 4 × .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns

Historical photos of the Northrop XP-56 can be found here.

Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet 1/72 Scale Model by Special Hobby