|
|
The Northrop XP-61E was a two-man long-range escort fighter version of the Black Widow night-fighter originally developed to escort bombers to Japan. The idea originated in 1944, and in October 1944 two P-61Bs were taken from the production line to serve as the prototypes. The majority of changes were made to the central fuselage. The turret, gunner's position and radar equipment was removed and a new bubble canopy was installed to cover the two crewmen. The radar was replaced by four .50in guns in the nose and extra fuel tanks were installed, allowing the XP-61E to carry 1,158 gallons internally and 2,398 gallons with drop tanks. Two prototypes were produced, differing only in the layout of the canopy and guns.
By the time the prototypes were ready for evaluation their target had changed from Tokyo to Moscow. Although they had the range and speed to perform this new job, the XP-61E was outclassed by the F-82 Twin Mustang, and didn't enter production.