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Northrop P-61 Black Widow

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NOTE: THE RC P-61 IS ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.


Specifications
    US$ Cost:
    Primary Function:
    Crew:
    Engines:
    Horsepower:
    Weight Empty:
    Max. Weight:
    Machine Guns:
    Cannons:
    Length:
    Wingspan:
    Cruise Speed:
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    Ceiling:
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    First flight:
    Year Deployed:
    Year Retired:
$170,000
night fighter
2 or 3
Pratt and Whitney
2 x 2,800 hp. ea.
20,965 lbs.
34,200 lbs.
4- .50 cal.
4- 20 mm.
49' 7"
66' 0"
275 mph
366 mph
2,000 fpm
46,200 feet
3,000 miles
5/21/42
1944
1952






The Northrop P-61 Black Widow was the first U.S. aircraft designed from the start as a night fighter, and was the largest USAAF fighter plane of World War Two. On Aug. 17, 1946 it became the first U.S. aircraft to test a manned ejection seat while in flight.

On the night of July 3, 1944, P-61 Black Widow aircraft were first deployed as night fighter interceptors over Europe. On the night of July 6,1944 a Black Widow scored its first victory in the Pacific.

P-61 Black Widow aircraft pilot Earl Tigner recalls that the aircraft was the only night fighter that was designed for its purpose from the start. Tigner tells us that its guns were fixed in place. He believes that was because bomber aircraft needed all the turrets available at the time. He exclaims that the Black Widow didn't need tail guns because, "We were sneaking up on others, not them on us."

Northrop received a contract to build the aircraft in January of 1941. The prototype first flew in May of 1942 with delivery of production aircraft in late 1943 and deployment in 1944.

Deployment of the aircraft was delayed while the British radar was incorporated in to the model. American pilots and crews were assigned to British airplanes in order to become experienced with night fighter tactics.

A total of 742 Northrop P-61 Black Widow aircraft of all types were produced.


The rc P-61 from ASM.


Pictured above is the P-61 for sale by Advance Scale Models (ASM). It has a 79.5" wingspan, and a length of 59 1/2". Suggested power for are two 45 to 52 two cycle or two .52 to .61 four cycle engines.

There was a rc P-61 for sale at NitroPlanes, but we are not sure if they still carry the scale model radio control airplane.

Pictured first below is a 122" wingspan rc P-61 from Jan Hermkens Plans. The picture is of the actual model built by Jan. His radio control airplane is powered by 2 x Laser 2.40 engines.

Royal/Marutaka has plans for a 72" wingspan rc P-61. Suggested power are 2 x .40 engines. The plans are often found on eBay.

Nick Ziroli has plans for sale for a 114" wingspan rc P-61. Power may be provided by 2 x 35 - 52 cc gas engines. All up weight is from 38 to 45 lbs.

You can find plans from Don Smith for a rc P-61. Wingspan is 99" and length is 74". Suggested power is by a pair of .91 - 1.40 engines.

Pictured second below is the rc P-61 for sale by VQ Warbirds. It is available as almost ready to cover (ARC). Suggested power are 2 x .60 - .75 engines. Wingspan is 89".

The last picture below is of a great looking rc P-61 built by Frenz Schmidt.

If you have a favorite rc P-61 please email us.


RC P-61 from Jan Hermkens.


VQ Warbirds rc P-61.

The rc P-61 by Frenz Schmidt.