In this video, we talk about the Bell P59 Airacomet, An early or MidWorld War 2 jet fighter designed by the United States. We first look at why America was comparatively behind the curve on jet aircraft and jet propulsion research as a whole. We then talk about how the United Kingdom contributed massively to America starting research and development into jet aircraft. We talk about early British jets like the Gloster E.28/39 and how it influenced American leadership.

We then look at the almost comedic beginnings of the P59 Airacomet program, with its secrecy leading to some comedic problems. We talk about the initial testing of the P59 and how it was, overall, a pretty bad plane. We look at attempted improvements to both the design and engine, and how the overall performance compared to more contemporary fighters like the P51 Mustang, P38 Lightning, and P47 Thunderbolt. We talk about a brief technological exchange program with Britain that led to America receiving a Gloster Meteor jet fighter. We end by looking at the failure of the P59 to be adopted and how its failure, in essence led to later successes, like with the P80 Shooting Star.