Northrop XP79
In January 1943, Northrop was awarded a USAAF contract for the design and construction of three prototypes of a highly original rocket-propelled interceptor fighter of all-wing configuration and designated XP-79. To be powered by a single 907kg Aerojet rocket motor, the XP-79 was to have accommodated its pilot in the prone position, but, in the event, development problems with the rocket led to cancellation of the project. However, a contract was placed for the redesign of the fighter for turbojet power, one prototype being ordered as the XP-79B. Manufactured of Heliarc-welded heavy-gauge magnesium plate, the XP-79B featured reinforced wing leading edges which were intended to enable it to withstand ramming attacks on the tail surfaces of enemy bombers. Provision was also made for an armament of four 12.7mm machine guns. The wing was fitted with elevons and bellows-type rudders, and power was provided by two 619kg Westinghouse 19B turbojets. The XP-79B was flown for the first time on 12 September 1945, but in a climbing turn during its second pass over Muroc Dry Lake, an inadvertent roll was followed by a stall and then a spin from which the pilot was unable to recover, and following this accident the programme was cancelled.