#northropxp56

First flying on 30 September 1943, the Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet was a fighter prototype developed for the United States Army Air Forces. A radical, tailless pusher design made of magnesium, it was anticipated to offer less drag than conventional designs.

After several flights, the first prototype was destroyed during a taxi-run when a tyre blew out. The second prototype which incorporated a larger fin first flew in December 1944. Flight testing revealed instability and only moderate speeds, resulting in the projects cancellation.