<article><hdr>Airborne shot of Bell XP-59</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The XP-59 Airacomet was the first U.S. jet fighter aircraft. The prototype was so secret the manufacturer allocated the designation XP-59A, although the XP-59 was radial-engined twin boom pusher aircraft. The first flight was performed at Muroc Field (later Edwards AFB) in October 1942. Production orders were placed for small quantities as trainers designated P-59A and P-59B, although the majority were cancelled when the Lockheed P-80 proved to be more successful. The P-59 served with the 412th Fighter Group for operational evaluation.</hi>
