Silhouette challenge
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Turning base leg
Age: 65
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Clearly you've got too much time on your hands mate!!!
The XFL "Airabonita" was a Bell Aircraft Company product developed in parallel with the P-39 Airacobra, a land-based USAAF design that eventually achieved operational status. In essence, the Airabonita was a "navalised" version of the Airacobra with some navy-induced modifications for operations aboard carriers. Despite the attempt, the Airabonita was plagued by engine and undercarriage issues throughout its development and proved wholly underpowered to most other fighter aircraft of the time. The United States Navy eventually decided on other pursuits and the single $125,000 XFL prototype was inevitably laid to rest.
Over to you!!!!!
The XFL "Airabonita" was a Bell Aircraft Company product developed in parallel with the P-39 Airacobra, a land-based USAAF design that eventually achieved operational status. In essence, the Airabonita was a "navalised" version of the Airacobra with some navy-induced modifications for operations aboard carriers. Despite the attempt, the Airabonita was plagued by engine and undercarriage issues throughout its development and proved wholly underpowered to most other fighter aircraft of the time. The United States Navy eventually decided on other pursuits and the single $125,000 XFL prototype was inevitably laid to rest.
Over to you!!!!!
Bugger... I was just about to....... ah well.....
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Nottingham UK
Age: 85
Posts: 5,575
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David. It was the way the tail-wheel retracted up into the rear fairing. I just could not place that on any wartime or prewar US aircraft so a quick look in Rene J Francillon's book Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War clinched it.
Mel
Mel
