XFL-1 AIRABONITA PÓŹNY

The Bell XFL-1 Airabonita was a prototypical American WWII fighter. The machine was built in a low-wing configuration, with a classic layout - retractable in flight. The flight of the first prototype took place in 1940. The machine, however, never entered mass production. The drive was provided by a single engine Allison XV-1710-6 with a power of 1150 hp. The plane was 9.07 meters long with a wingspan of 10.67 meters. The deck armament consisted of two 7.62 mm machine guns and one 12.7 mm machine gun. The XFL-1 Airabonita model was developed by Bell Aircraft in connection with the US Navy's order for a new, advanced on-board fighter to replace the biplane machines in the line. In order to accelerate research and development, the manufacturer based the new aircraft on the P-39 Aircobra, which was being developed at the same time. However, the structure of the aircraft was significantly strengthened, the dimensions of the aircraft were reduced, and flaps were also used. The machine - unlike the P-39 - had a classic chassis layout. During the test flights, the XFL-1 Airabonita showed instability in flight, as well as problems with the power unit. The landing gear of the plane also turned out to be problematic. Finally, the XFL-1 Airabonita did not enter mass production - only one prototype of this machine was made, but it has not survived to modern times.