P-59 Airacomet–First American Jet–Flies

The Bell P-59 Airacomet. Gift of Lena Hartlein in Memory of George Hartlein, 2005.069.003

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the first American jet-propelled aircraft, the Bell P-59 Airacomet, taking flight. Although revolutionary for the time, the P-59 was ultimately a disappointment and would play no combat role in World War II. Though other countries sucha s Germany and Great Britain had been working on jet aircraft for years, it was novel for the United States. As one Yank reporter put it, “The first time you see a jet-propelled plane in the air, it’s like seeing a man walking down the street with no head.” Though largely considered a failure, the P-59 remains a watershed in American aviation history. The first Airacomet is on view at the National Air and Space Museum

This post by Curator Meg Roussel