Northrop P-61 Black Widow: The First Night Flyer

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[@megaprojects9649]

Thank you Squarespace for sponsoring this video. Check out Squarespace: squarespace.com/megaprojects for 10% off on your first purchase.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

that is NOT a P61 black widow in the thumbnail i think its a british northhampton day bomber EDIT now that ive looked at it. its a Martin Maryland.

[@Wyomingchief]

Yeah do better guys

[@scott2100]

You really need to change the thumbnail

[@cornwal9983]

Simon you should do a war thunder ad but we're you get your own decal or title or smt like that I would use it on my tanks all the time

[@Hoopaball]

​@@Wyomingchiefsquare space must love this type of advertising. "Hi, if you're unintelligent, like us, you will love square space..." It's a good look. Keep it up.

[@PaulMcElligott]

Um, that’s not a Black Widow in the thumbnail.

[@Blinkerd00d]

Lol 😆 indeed.

[@jonathangehman4005]

Beat me to it

[@citynomad13]

Nope it's a Martin Model 167 Maryland: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH6aaYaEhqxnobcsi=eH4MMgLr075sK7Xh

[@Andrew-fr3bp]

First thing I thought . Major fail.

[@laurenelizabeth8948]

Indeed 🤨 - Teal’c, SG-1

[@jasonsteele9812]

One of the most recognizable aircraft of the war with its twin tail, quad 20mm's above the canopy and a matte black paint job: Editor puts what looks to be a Martin Baltimore in the thumbnail

[@garycollard1981]

I believe that turret was fitted with 0.5inch machine guns and the cannon you mention were fixed items mounted in the belly of the fuselage.

[@jameshall1300]

​@@garycollard1981yup. This is correct. The early and late widows were missing this turret because of supply issues. The canbons in the belly were for offensive use, the turret was just for defense, which wasn't nearly as important for its role.

[@andrewcomerford264]

@@jameshall1300 The turret (as fitted to the B-29) was used for both self-defence and attack, as it could be fixed to fire forward if required.

[@alexhurlbut]

@@jameshall1300 it wasn't *just* because of supply issue, it was because of buffeting issues as well

[@mybadluckcharm]

*gloss black. Experiments showed that matte black lights up quite a bit when hit with a searchlight beam at night. Gloss black did not.

[@garycollard1981]

Note to creators of aircraft videos. Make sure aircraft in the thumbnail is the same one you are talking about in the video....unless you want a hundred comments pointing out your error, ha ha.

[@deadaimcarlos]

Good work as usual, however… The Thumbnail is definitely not a P-61 Black Widow, and the title might be better representing the material as a “Night Fighter”

[@mastathrash5609]

It is not, but I'm glad that the p-61 is at least getting a little bit more play these days, my personal fav.

[@1DwtEaUn]

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum is / was working on getting a P-61 into flyable condition.

[@andrewcomerford264]

The P-61 wasn't the first Night-fighter, as many existing heavy fighters or medium bombers were adapted for the role (the stunning success of the Bristol Beaufighter, De Havilland Mosquito, Bf 110 or the legendary Ju 88 stand as examples), but it was the first to be purpose-built. Even the He 219 was developed for multiple roles (as a Ju 88 successor) but only saw service as a night-fighter.

[@Wyomingchief]

Apparently you don't understand the meaning of the title, this was the first purposely built night fighter. In other words and aircraft built specifically to be a night radar interceptor.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

That's fine, but a day late . . . . existing aircraft had been modified specifically to be night radar interceptors, later intruders . . . In late 1940, the useless Boulton-Paul Defiant was used for (somewhat ineffective) night fighting over the UK. @@Wyomingchief

[@smgdfcmfah]

Look up the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2. It was designed to be a night fighter but it was re-tasked to be one in WW1

[@smgdfcmfah]

@@Wyomingchief "Northrop P-61 Black Widow: The First Night Flyer". I see no reference to "purposely built night fighter" or "specifically... night radar interceptor". It's not about understanding the title, it's that the title is incorrect. Period. Not sure why you feel the need to defend the error as we all know what it "should" be.

[@towgod7985]

@@smgdfcmfah Well and accurately said!

[@TheExpatpom]

Difficult to fairly compare the Mosquito and Black Widow as night fighters. One was mean to be a high speed light bomber that turned out to be reasonably good at a lot of other jobs, including night fighter. But the other was intended to be a night fighter and designed for that role from the very beginning. It’s not that surprising that the Black Widow was better at the job it was designed for than the Mozzie. We should really be surprised that the Mozzie turned out to be good enough at everything else it was asked to do.

[@jetsons101]

Being made mostly of wood, it would seem that the Mosquito was invisible to radar.

[@ajalvarez3111]

Not difficult at all to fairly compare the two planes as to which would be better at a particular niche role. It was done IN REALITY IN WW2 to pick the best plane for that job in a life and death situation. Try to control your fan boy butt hurt for a moment. Everyone who knows anything about WW2 knows the Mosquito was an amazing plane…one of the best. That doesn’t mean it was the best at every single role. This video was about night fighters. Because it was so versatile, the Mosquito threw its hat in the ring and said I’ll give it a go. The BW was found better at this particular role. I’m sure the Mosquito still was used often as a night fighter and did well. “Not fair! Reeeeeeeeeeee” C’mon man.

[@jetsons101]

As an American, please don't say, "C'mon man." That "guy" makes me sick. LOL @@ajalvarez3111

[@wbertie2604]

The P-61A wasn't ideal in its role as it was a bit slow for a night fighter by that time. The P-61C corrected the speed issue. The P-61 could carry a pretty good bomb load and ironically, got used as a night intruder with bombs quite a bit. The ability to carry the additional load was from the original, if informal, British requirement which stressed a very long loiter time, so originally it was expected to be extra fuel tankage. The RAF also wanted a turret. Something similar was designed for the RAF by Boulton-Paul but was not built. By the time Northrop had worked on the initial, informal 1940 remit the UK had the Mosquito so had no interest, but the USA wanted something better than the P-70s (A-20s) and Beaufighters it was using, hence the P-61.

[@castlerock58]

The Mosquito had far more kills which is what night fighters are supposed to do. The Black Widow had hardly any. The Mosquito was about 40 mph faster and had a better rate of climb and excellent firepower.

[@lord_scrubington]

when Northrop makes a plane, its always one hell of a plane

[@jonathanmatthews4774]

One of my favorite planes. Not well known outside of enthusiasts, but an absolute beast.

[@DenienN]

flying pig for Pacific theater ye

[@brianholden2609]

My father was stationed PNG during the war, he watched them fly over fairly often, He really liked them not only for their physical presence, but also if they saw them taking off from the American air base near by he knew there would be a very good chance that there would be no air raids that night.

[@aragos32727]

My favorite plane. I had so many model kits of this when I was a kid. It's a shame there's not a whole lot more on it and not many examples still around

[@mrkihn]

I still have one

[@philiphumphrey1548]

The Bristol Beaufighter was the first truly effective night fighter, equipped with onboard radar and 4 x 20mm cannons, it was introduced end of 1940 and took a steady toll of German bombers through the rest of the blitz. It was replaced by the Mosquito from 1942 onwards.

[@ellisvener5337]

I have a suggestion for a Megaprojects video: the USSR’s Gulag system. It was a large scale system of slave labor camps Stalin used to build a 20th century empire while punishing all possible real and perceived political opposition and entire ethnic groups. The Gulag system was quite possibly the largest and longest lived industrial organization in the modern era.

[@mikepatton8691]

I'd definitely watch a video on that.

[@davidbell1250]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oF7Kon2agK-DiJI Already a megaproject!

[@user-xh3lz9xt4l]

The initial picture isn't a P61. Never forget the Boulton Paul Defiant or the other British night fighters that were in combat well before the P61 Black Widow.

[@brianholden2609]

The Boulton was not specifically designed to be a night fighter, it was relegated to the roll after significant daytime losses.

[@a.t._hall827]

So cool to see you made a video on the P-61 I suggested. I live not far from the USAF museum that is in Dayton, Ohio, and have gone there many times over the years. The P-61 is one of my favorite aircraft up there. It's a surprising big aircraft in person. Thanks so much for the video Simon!

[@fpmacko]

The Smithsonian out by Dulles airport has one on display. I'm told there's one in a museum in Bejing. Also, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, PA is restoring one to flying condition. I saw it a few years ago and it looked wonderful.

[@keithgunvordahl]

Historical videos should be historical; like featuring an actual P-61. At least an actual 'airplane' was used; I suppose I should be grateful for that.

[@ARGONUAT]

The coolest Monogram model I ever built!

[@WAL_DC-6B]

That Monogram P-61 kit always seems to be available at Michael's where you can purchase it with a discount coupon.

[@darklordofsword]

Show of hands; who else thinks twin-boom aircraft are just inherently cool?

[@joeyjoe-joejr.shabadoo536]

And planes with gun turrets

[@darklordofsword]

@@joeyjoe-joejr.shabadoo536 eh, I like single-seat fighters, so fixed guns are my bag.

[@josephbenson6301]

If you are an airplane enthusiast I can only encourage you to the utmost to visit the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson in Dayton. Smithsonian's Air & Space is great and all... and has some of the big names, but Wright-Pat, taken as a whole, can't be beat. It has it all - including Bockscar, the remaining Valkyrie, an SR-71 and so damn many others. I am not an airplane enthusiast and it continues to take my breath away. (While I find it less interesting, the museum also houses some former Air Force Ones.) Is it a reason to travel all the way to Dayton, OH in the US. Absolutely. Without question.

[@hokep61]

Agree 100%! My Dad was a crew chief on a P-61. I grew up hearing all about a 61, but figured I'd never see one. The trip to Wright Patterson changed that. I could spend a few days in the museum and not get bored!

[@-C.S.R]

My grandpa flew the *P-61 black widow* in the Pacific. Couldn't click on this video fast enough, my grandpa would've been proud, thank you!

[@Ghatbkk]

When I was a kid, one of our neighbors had been a gunner/flight engineer on a P61 in the Pacific. He considered it the best aircraft the USAAF ever fielded.

[@ThunderHunter2019]

The American Nightfury Simon, Finally, a video on this! ❤🎉❤🎉

[@bravotroopergaming9122]

This is the greatest analogy for my favorite plane ever!!!!!!!!

[@russellfitzpatrick503]

I wouldn't call this a Megaproject ..., it came too late for its intended role and had to perform a pretty much daytime role as a fighter-bomber; it was eclipsed by most of the more mundane, but more effective, fighters

[@whyjnot420]

I have an understanding with the spiders in my house. They stay out of arms length and they get to keep their lives. Granted I live in an area where the worst thing is a wolf spider. So I don't need to worry about ones that can do any real damage to me. Personally I see them as quite helpful. A nice free way to help keep a bunch of more annoying things very dead. Ecologically friendly even.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

If you wish to live and thrive, let a spider run alive. So said my sainted mother, seventy years ago . . .

[@slartybarfastb3648]

My rule is 'If you let me see you, you're evicted.' When I do see one scurrying across the floor, "Well, you know the rules". I then use a trusty clear Tupperware and slap it down to trap the spider. A firm piece of poster board under, and the spider U-Haul is loaded. They either remain unseen roommates, or they experience the less comfortable outdoors. Wolf spiders are comical the way they hop slightly straight up when startled.

[@whyjnot420]

@@EllieMaes-Grandad "Spiders are bros." ~A buddy from Finland, a couple of years ago.

[@josephbenson6301]

In grad school, I lived in the basement of a shoddy house in the old coal bin. I took had an understanding with the spiders about not wanting to see them within the confines of the coal bin. ALSO mostly wolf spiders. However... There was one particularly large one who pulled a Reagan at Checkpoint Charlie on me, resulting in a nigh-deadly chase which he eventually escaped from between the boards of the coal-bin when he realized I wasn't playing. Funny things... and rather pretty actually.

[@jouletube5605]

Thanks for covering the P61. My great uncle was the eagle for it with great stories in history.

[@jayabramson6702]

My father was an armorer for the P61. I can’t begin to tell you how many models of it I built. I have a small die-cast version in my curio case right now. I guess my favorite WWII aircraft. I’m a big Northrop fan. Worked for them for almost a year, and then the bottom fell out of aerospace tech……

[@edwardmelvin9184]

The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum has a P-61 they have been painstakingly rebuilding for many years. The goal is to have it rebuilt as accurately as possible, and restored to flying quality. There are only 4 Black Widows left. The other 3 are on static display and are incapable of flying.

[@AdmRose]

Ironically enough the MAAM is located at Carl Spaatz Field.

[@garycollard1981]

Wow, did not know that. Would be amazing to see one in the air.

[@mypl510]

One of those birds is in Beijing China that was captured by the Commie Chinese when they kicked us out of the country. They just took over our stuff.

[@jayabramson6702]

A few years ago (quite a few!) NAAM was using pieces of skin from the P61 they were restoring to generate funds for the project. It was about $100-150 as I recall. I contacted them, and asked just how big a piece you got for the $$, mostly curious. They guy said, “How big a piece do you want?” That caught me off guard so I said, about credit card size. He said no problem. Bought it in honor of my dad who was an armorer for the Widow in the Pacific. He kept it until he passed. Now I have it.

[@hokep61]

My Dad was the crew chief on a 61 with the 427th NFS. The 427th along with the 426th squadrons served in the CBI (China. Burma, India) campaign. As to the removal of the top turrent.....Dad said their pilots wanted it removed as it gave the 10-15 mph more airspeed. Besides, it wasn really necessary. The belly 20mm could handle most anything. Add to that his plane, as well as others, were fitted with rocket pods for ground attack.

[@pohldriver]

In 1989 the MAAM in Reading, PA acquired one. I was 7, but my mom volunteered the first year or two. All I knew was that they had a Black Widow that needed extensive restoration. Until a few years ago. I stumbled across a documentary in progress on this P-61 that was discovered in the jungles of South America. I thought, cool, like the one in Reading. Because of all the fanfare associated with the one in Reading, I had to watch the rest of it. They went on how it crashed on this mountain, but the canopy cradled it and it fell slowly to the ground. It's soft crash prevented too much damage, and made it feasible to restore. They had to dismantle, crate, and move it to a makeshift landing pad they built out of logs. It all needed to be completed before the monsoons started, which they did, but just. At the end they said, "currently undergoing restoration at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania." It wasn't LIKE the one in Reading, it IS the one in Reading!

[@politicsuncensored5617]

The first model kit that I put together back in the 1960's was the P-61 Black Widow. Beautiful deadly aircraft. Shalom

[@Condorito380]

I built the model for this as a kid before I even knew how to make models correctly. I'm typing this while slacking off at a major aerospace company.

[@fpmacko]

Interesting fact. As mentioned earlier my dad flew P-39s and P-40s before transitioning to P-61 radar observer. He told me that as they were returning to San Diego at sunrise after a long session of nighttime training the Navy Corsairs coming out of San Diego would jump them for fun. Yes, the P-61 was maneuverable and could roll into a tight turn to evade. Unfortunately, the main gear uplocks weren't very strong and would allow the gear to drop in the turn. Doh!

[@jimm3093]

The thumbnail artist totally screwed up rendering a P61.

[@SMDoktorPepper]

One of my favorite WW2 planes...loved building the model when I was a kid.

[@kineuhansen8629]

i would love to see a p61 blackwidow fly again

[@whyjnot420]

The quad .50 turret on this plane raises some interesting questions in regard to the much maligned concept of turret fighters. Simply put the turret fighters that were used in ww2, were not all that good. The turret on this plane and similar turrets on others (e.g. those of the B-29) were far better designs that were also far more accurate. It makes one posit some 'what if' scenarios about how the concept of the turret fighter would have played out with similar turrets. addendum: I remember a dumb but fun arcade flight action game called Heroes Over Europe from around 15 years ago. You could get a P-61 in it and just fly around letting the turret do its thing automatically and it would utterly slaughter anything you came near. edit: said quad 20mm turret, corrected to .50

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

Wasn’t it a 50 cal turret?

[@whyjnot420]

@@alpacaofthemountain8760 You are correct. My brain reversed them. Thanks, correcting now.

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

no problem@@whyjnot420

[@christopherjordan5423]

That is a A-26 invader in the thumbnail. Also a P-61 was packing 4 .50 caliber as well as 4 20mm cannons.

[@phillyfanist]

Simon, that’s not a p61 in the thumbnail. Please fix it man. The p61 is a twin engine, twin boom all black night fighter with a dorsal gun turret, a solid radome on the nose, a radar operator/ gunner cockpit, pilots cockpit above and behind that and a glass rear fuselage where the radio operator/ navigator sat. You can do better Simon.

[@festusthecat]

That picture of the Alamo Scouts for the Cabantuan Raid, front center is Lt. Bill Nellist. He used to buy me candy bars on the weekends when I was a kid. He never talked about the war. I never knew until I read books about the Alamo Scouts and read about his exploits.

[@R1ckj333]

Ooooooh, Cant wait to finish this one! :D

[@dannyb3663]

Amazing really, that it was so huge, yet still a very capable fighter.

[@mrkihn]

That was my Dad's favorite aircraft when he was stationed at WPAF. He has an experimental aircraft photographer who flew a lot of tests in the P61. He worked on the recon and weather test program with the P61 G and the F-15A

[@castlerock58]

The Heinkel He 219 was the first specifically designed night fighter to go into service in 1943. The P-61 did not go into service until 1944. The night fighter version of the Mosquito was over 40 mph faster than the P-61. British and German night fighters saw a lot of combat since they were fighting a night war. The He 219 was even faster than the Mosquito.

[@tkskagen]

Thank you Simon, this is my favorite aircraft of WWII!

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

It was an informative video about the p-61 black widow that was designed by Northrop company ...thank you for sharing

[@everTriumph]

I seem to remember Hurricanes and Defiant's being used (amongst others I guess). Obviously before centimetre radar they were chasing shadows. The advent of airborne radar brought a crop of twin engined such as Mosquito's and Beaufighters (amongst others) to carry it. The crucial thing was less the aircraft, more the radar.

[@derekp2674]

Both the RAF and the Luftwaffe made some use of single seat fighters (Hurricane and Bf 109) for night fighting. But they only worked well if a convenient source of illumination was available. The flames from a burning city did work for that.... A retired Air Marshal I once knew liked the Hurricane for this, because it could be flown with its canopy open, for a better view ...

[@wbertie2604]

​@@derekp2674F6F and F4U were used by the USN, but they had radar in a wing pod. A single-engined option was more practical for carrier use

[@stewarts8597]

It would be amazing to see one fly again

[@robertmiller2173]

Thanks again. I thought they were mainly used in the Pacific.... a loiter time of 8 hours ! Wow The P-61 .

[@ughettapbacon]

My favorite flying machine ever built

[@ParrishStrongman]

Should do a video on the Bristol Beaufighter. That would be awesome

[@backinblack03]

Great plane the P61, but what's the one on the thumbnail?

[@Bryster51]

Seriously hard to believe there was no intercom system with the radar op and pilot. Especially when that equipment is MANDATORY for multicrew fighters and bombers at that time.

[@fpmacko]

That's definitely not true. My dad was a radar observer on P-61s. He always talked about giving vectors to the pilot to put him on the tail of the target aircraft. The gunner was on the same loop.

[@Bryster51]

@@fpmacko Yes, and they had intercom to do so. The video host declairs they had to yell.

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you for that interesting look at an aircraft I did not know existed. I build a model of a P-38 as a kid, but sounds like the P-61 stepped up the air war significantly.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

Mom's Stepfather was a USAC Pilot AND he Survived "THE DEATH MARCH" and her Father was a Sea Bee, 2nd Stepfather's combat position was in the coms area manning an M2 in a glazed window covering over the B-17 in the ETO. Grand ma was a very Hot fun loving 30 something Legal Secretary and stenographer for Lockheed and or Boeing in the LB and Burbank area. RIP GREATEST GEN! I Miss You! Thanks!

[@avd1697]

Fun fact: the assembly line for the black widow is now owned by spaceX and is their Mission Control center

[@fooman2108]

Jack Northrop designed the p-61 full span flaps and slats for control surfaces making it surprisingly maneuverable according to most people who test flew them.

[@wbertie2604]

It was quite probably best in class for its size.

[@mumwifeteacher]

Just saw one of these at the Smithsonian air museum by the Dulles International Airport.

[@keithgunvordahl]

P-61 indeed: Please take care to represent actual history; your viewers certainly do.

[@aardeng]

We support you simon!

[@willocrowley6005]

You forgot the story about the P61 being the plane that brought down the last two planes of WW2. Lady in the Dark brought down the last two planes of WW2 without shooting and using two different crews.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

A personal fave!

[@micaiahgrossmann8058]

One of, if not the most, coolest looking planes to come out of WW2.

[@wbertie2604]

The video will probably say the P-61 was the first purpose-drsugned production night fighter. It was the Hawker Woodcock in the 1920s. Not that the Woodcock was significantly any different from a day fighter of the time, so it is fair to say the P-61 was the first one distinctly different. Some cite the he-219 which entered service first but that was developed from a schnellbomber design.

[@tobiasz6613]

It might not have been made in the numbers of other famous WW2 aircraft, but, this was cool AF. Apparently the turret got included because in the initial enquiries the british were still obsessed with turret fighters (at least on a twin engined fighter it had a chance of working) and I'm quite amused that combat exerience led to removing the turret after all (after the Defiant and Roc had also failed as turret fighters). 4 x 20mm cannons is not exactly nothing to be shooting with.

[@JDFloyd]

You F'd up again FACTBOY - that is not a P-61 in your thumbnail.

[@cleverusername9369]

Simon doesn't edit these videos. Don't blame him for the wrong aircraft in the thumbnail

[@jedironin380]

I've seen the Midnight Serenade P-61 at the USAF museum in Dayton many times! It's one of my all-time favorite aircraft, I even bought the Pilot's Manual at their gift shop. Hey, ya never know when the chance to fly one might suddenly spring up, right?! 😆

[@troyyoung953]

I absolutely love that plane

[@Vyppaaa11]

Am I smoking the highest quality crack cocaine or is the thumbnail absolutely not the P-61 Black Widow?

[@briancooper2112]

Underrated plane! I'd take one up.

[@clubjed6276]

The plane on the thumb nail is different

[@johnparsons1573]

Love this plane

[@milnez]

Kids in Australia don’t see a black widow as scary tbh 😂

[@petehoskins1267]

We know them as “Red Back” and have been very common forever. Not scary. 👍

[@Silverwing2112]

Having seen the P-61 in Dayton's museum, I can confirm that's not what you've got in the thumbnail, fact boy.

[@festusthecat]

Megaprojects episode request. Can you do a video on how the US military started so small in 1940 and became what it did by 1945, including incorporating people, weapons, equipments etc?

[@nathanchristensen824]

My other favorite war bird along side the P 47. Funny, the both share the same engines. I've been to see this deadly wonder in Dayton. She is magnificent!

[@philgiglio7922]

The R2800 powered a lot of different air frames. Probably the most frequently produced radial engine of all time. Be a good idea to do a segment on it Simon

[@user-zx7dp3qp6u]

The thumb nail photo is a US Navy Lockheed Hudson bomber rigged up as a torpedo bomber.

[@daxdadog]

I've never seen a Hudson with a single tail.

[@orangelion03]

Looks kinda like the XP2V-1 Neptune prototype or the Martin P4M Mercator.

[@bjornodin]

Dangerous spider = bad Flying dangerous spider= terrifying Add 11 tons and cannons = I'm out.....🚪

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Nice one mate an old favourite of mine big guns in a big plane what's not to like 😉

[@JAlucard77]

This is one of my favorite planes of WW2, I loved its twin engine and twin tail design. Just like the P-38, there awesome looking planes.

[@lukedaniel7669]

I think the Lightning edges it in beauty - in my eyes it's one of the most beautiful planes ever built, but the Black Widow certainly looks like it means business. I love the twin boom design concept.

[@jetsons101]

At (6:32) The old Northrup plant in Hawthorne California is now owned by SpaceX "Elon Musk." Thanks to Simon and team for another fine watch of Aviation History......

[@nickhorten97]

The first true, and most successful, night fighter was the British designed and built Bristol Beaufighter which predated the Black Widow by about 4 years. The Beaufighter was superceded by the De Havilland Mosquito. The Widow was too late to the party to have any real effect on the outcome of the war.

[@tarikwildman]

P 61 Black Widow... Love ém.

[@danzervos7606]

I think the Mosquito night fighter was faster than the P-61 that was deployed. The P-61C was faster with its turbocharged engines, but did not see service. The claim that a He177 shot a P-61 down is inaccurate. The P-61 tried to engage the He-177 by attacking from above from behind, a mistake because it made the P-61 visible to the tail gunner - an experienced night fighter pilot would know to attack from below to remain invisible. Still although the P-61 was shot up and caught fire, they got the fire out and managed to land safely, however the He-177 crew claimed a P-61 shoot down. The P-61's unique spoiler/aileron system made it one of the most maneuverable fighters in the war despite its size.

[@mokdumoknonsharrall1868]

Just saw this at the NMOUSAF a couple weeks ago.

[@nephalos666]

P-61 Black Widow: looks like a roided out P-38 Lightning covered in black paint. Editor for the video: Here's a random ass black plane that looks nothing like a P-61. Great job, guys. Well done. 🙄😒

[@orangelion03]

Lockheed "roided out" the P-38 themselves: XP-58 Chain Lighting. A beast =)

[@zaco-km3su]

Very interesting, especially the civilian uses.

[@ianashby3626]

Love the p 61 I built the revell 148 scale model

[@marcusbehan7670]

The main British night fighter was the Bristol Beaufighter. Interestingly enough several squadrons of this aircraft were sold to the American forces.

[@robertthiry9712]

Absolutely my favorite all time World War 2 fighter and aircraft.

[@valkyrie013]

For a next episode Do sea planes. Why they were i n use early on, why they fell out of use, and why therecmaking a resurgence with a catalina 2 seaplane and china in the south sea.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Since pilots and radar operators did not always fly as a team, the kills of the pilot and radar operator were often different. On some occasions, a pilot or radar operator with only one or two kills would fly with a radar operator or pilot who was already an ace.

[@WilliamJakespeareProps]

Nice 👍

[@joshuabrown3525]

I think the P-61 Black Widow is the most beautiful night fighter of WW2. However, the Japanese and Germans learned quite well to fear the P-61 as it would come out at night to attack.

[@Idahoguy10157]

The development of the P-61 took so long it entered service late in the war. By the time of the Korean War the USAF considered them too slow. Basically the P-61 first was late to the party, then too slow as a pistol engined aircraft in the jet era

[@Ocrilat]

Google 'Mid Atlantic Air Museum'. They are in the process of restoring a P-61 Black Widow. When finished it will be the only flight-capable P-61 in the world.

[@carlcoapman652]

I was taught the pacific war ended in August 1945, not Sept, but otherwise great documentary

[@Aettaro]

Well, there are all my childhood nightmares in the first 30 seconds. Come to see my favorite plane, and instead get a close up of my juvenile horrors.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Title is incorrect . The bleniem and defiant preceded the P61 by years and both were very successful . There were a number of radar equipped aircraft in there too.

[@robertfrost1683]

How about a project on the " Commemorative Air Force " ?

[@Abusemtex]

Compared to the german night fighters like He 219 with it's unique features like ejection seats the P61 was nothing but a side note during WW2.

[@Argent_99]

Fundamentally, you aren’t wrong, the P-61 came too late to make a big splash. That said, they still deployed twice as many P-61s as HE-219s, which might have been more effective had they had numbers. It should also be noted that the Mosquito pretty much kicked the crap out of the Uhu, and as a night fighter the P-61 was in almost every way superior to the mosquito. The real crux between the P-61 and the mosquito was that the mosquito could pretty much do 90% of everything the P-61 could do while requiring about 25% of the resources. The P-61 was big and sophisticated design that was pretty cutting edge for its time, but that time was very, very short and the absolute ease at which the British could deploy their ‘plywood wonder’ kinda lessened its impact even further.

[@samuelgordino]

​@@Argent_99P-61 being better then the Mosquito at night fighting depends in which expert do you believe. Some say the P-61 was better others ( most of them) says Mosquito was better. I'm not an expert so it's interesting seen the debate.