How the U.S. Built Its First Jet Fighter in WWII

In the early days of jet technology, the United States faced the challenge of developing its first jet fighter. This story is about how America took its first steps into the world of jet aviation, overcoming challenges and learning from others. 

You’ll see how a combination of innovation, foreign support, and determination led to the creation of an aircraft that would help shape the future of the nation’s military aviation.

How WWII & British Engineering Helped Launch the U.S. into the Jet Age

The Bell P-59 Airacomet, America’s first jet fighter, was a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft designed by Bell Aircraft during WWII. 

Although the British were ahead in jet technology, they shared an engine with the U.S. in 1941, which inspired the development of the General Electric J31 used in the P-59. Major General Henry “Hap” Arnold, after seeing a British jet demonstration, arranged to bring back the Whittle W.1X engine, along with blueprints and engineers, to speed up U.S. jet production. 

He quickly secured contracts for both General Electric to build the engine and Bell Aircraft to create the fighter. The P-59 project began in 1942, with its designation set to mislead others into thinking it was an extension of a previously canceled project.

How America’s First Jet Fighter Took Shape

The P-59A featured a streamlined, all-metal fuselage with a single pressurized cockpit. Its mid-mounted straight wing had internal spars, and it was equipped with tricycle landing gear.

Two General Electric J31 turbojets were mounted under the wing roots, while armament included either two 37mm autocannons or a mix of one autocannon and three .50-caliber machine guns in later models. Fuel was stored in four self-sealing tanks within the wings, with optional drop tanks for extended range.

The first P-59 prototype (AAF serial number 42-108784) was built on the second floor of an old factory. Shipped to Muroc Air Field (now Edwards AFB) in California for testing, it first flew on October 1, 1942. 

Initially disguised with a dummy propeller to hide its identity, the aircraft was later moved for security reasons due to flooding at its test site. On October 30, 1942, flight testing resumed, and the aircraft continued to fly in the same configuration for the rest of its time in the AAF (Army Air Force).

The P-59’s Struggles in Early Jet Testing

Testing of the P-59 prototypes uncovered major issues, including unreliable engines, poor stability over 290 mph, and limited thrust, which made it a poor platform for gunnery. In 1944, trials against propeller-driven P-38 and P-47 fighters showed the P-59 was outmatched.

As a result, the Army Air Force designated it a training aircraft to help pilots adapt to jet technology.

As YP-59A deliveries began in July 1943, the USAAF placed an initial order for 100 P-59A Airacomets, named by Bell employees. This order was confirmed on March 11, 1944, but later reduced to 50 on October 10 after further evaluation.

Bell completed the 50 Airacomets—20 P-59As and 30 P-59Bs—with P-59A deliveries starting in fall 1944. The P-59Bs were given to the 412th Fighter Group to train AAF pilots on jet aircraft handling and performance. (ref)

Preserving America’s First Jet Fighter

In 1944, an AAF engineer suggested preserving the P-59 for museum display. With only 60 hours of flight time, the airframe was stored at Muroc and the engines at Wright Field. 

In 1945, the Smithsonian requested the aircraft, and it was later restored to its original configuration for display in the National Air and Space Museum’s gallery. (ref)

While not a high performer, the P-59 gave U.S. forces essential early jet experience.