<article><hdr>Aerial shot of a P-61 Black Widow from above</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The P-61 Black Widow was developed to meet an Army requirement for a true nigh fighter aircraft, based on the experience of the RAF in combating German night attacks. The specification called for a twin engined, twin boomed aircraft capable of housing the new radar equipment, a second crewman, and a full load of armament. The P-61A was primarily stationed in the Pacific theatre, with the first examples reaching the area early in 1944. The P-61B was developed, which was capable of carrying four 1,600 lb bombs or 300 gallon drop tanks beneath the wings. </hi>
