XP-83

The Bell XP‑83 was an experimental jet‑propelled fighter‑bomber developed in the United States shortly after World War II, representing Bell Aircraft Corporation’s first foray into pure‑jet design. Conceived in 1945 to meet a U.S. Army Air Forces requirement for a high‑speed, long‑range interceptor, the aircraft featured two Westinghouse J30‑type turbojets mounted within the fuselage and a sleek, low‑drag airframe constructed of all‑metal stressed skin. Its wing employed a 35‑degree sweep with a thin profile, while the aft‑mounted horizontal stabilizer contributed to stability at transonic speeds. The XP‑83 could carry a modest payload of rockets and bombs, and its internal fuel capacity granted an impressive range for the era, a key attribute for escort and strike missions over vast distances. Though only two prototypes were built, flight testing revealed valuable data on jet engine integration, high‑speed aerodynamics, and structural heating, influencing subsequent Bell designs such as the P‑59 Airacomet and later the iconic Bell X‑1 research aircraft. The XP‑83’s development marked a pivotal transition from piston‑engine fighters to the jet age, underscoring Bell’s role in advancing post‑war American aviation technology.