More Nighfighter stuff. P61 this time (pics)

[K West]

Using Google Image search for night fighters I found a few nice ones of the P-61 to share.  The P-61 would be one of,  if not THE, most potent NF imo.

[fdiron]

P61 looks like a big p38.  What were its high speed handling characteristics?

[Wilbus]

P61 vs a HE219 during a R/L Night fight, now THAT would be something! HE219, was considered, by many (some not) to be the best night fighter of the war, although it didn't see as much service as 110's and JU88's. It was the first plane ever to intercept Mosquitos at night and shoot them own. In it's first combat sortie ever, it scored 5 lancaster kills.

P61, for what I have read, was a greta plane indeed but don't know much about its combat. Both planes have more or less uber Armement though. He 219 have, for example, 4x30mm Mk103's + 2x20mm MG151.

Hope we get both

[Nashwan]

I hope we get the Mosquito NF XXX

[Karnak]

Ripsnort should like the images.

The only problem I see with the P-61 is that the wartime P-61A and P-61B were quite slow, only making 366mph.  Immediately after the war was over a new version, P-61C, that could do 430mph was introduced.

It would not stack up very well against the Mosquito NF.XXX (430mph) or He219 (~395mph).  That doesn't mean I don't think that the P-61 should be added, I do as its a very interesting aircraft, just don't expect it to be the greatest ever WWII nightfighter.

[Wilbus]

Doubt it was or would have been the best nightfighter. He219 was the best IMO. Would be nice to see them both in AH though.

[Tac]

Su-weet! Look at those lines. Hmm...mmmm!

P-61, we do need one in the game. Its the gringo mossie!

[Karnak]

Wilbus,

Heh.

The Mosquito NF.XXX is markedly superior to the He219 with a higher top speed, better climb and probably more advanced radar.  The only German night fighter that might be as good would be the Me262, but the speed of that might actually be a disadvantage given the night fighter tactics and limitations of the day.

He219s did quite poorly against NF Mosquitos.

[Sundog]

I would say that the Mossie NF.30 was the best WW2 Night fighter as well. The He-219 would be in the same rank as well, however, they were never really given the chance to put these into full production/use. As for the P-61, it was also an excellent night fighter.  I think, with the possible exception of the late mark NF. Mossies, that we must remember these aircraft were mainly designed to intercept bombers.

As for them fighting each other, it would partly depend on the tactics. I would have to say from a maneuverability standpoint, the win would go to the P-61. I remember reading of a dusk engagement between a P-61 and Ki-84, but I don't remember the outcome, except to say the P-61 didn't have a problem holding its own and RTB'ed.

However, from the interceptor standpoint, that would have to go to the Mossie NF.30 then the He-219, IMHO.

[pimpjoe]

the P61's cool for sure. but i dont think it would see much usage in MA. i'd fly it but thats just cause im a U.S. aircraft fan.

[Sarge1]

Some info on the P61

[chunder']

I can tell you one thing I'd sure use the Widow for... can you say ground attack?  4x20mm cannons, 4x50cal MG's, and 6400lbs of bombs (yah baby!!!)

[K West]

Good discussion guys !

I agree the Mossies NF would be tops. And I think I absent mindedly thought of the P-61C figures fwhen thinking how a typical P61 would be in AH.

 Just as an fyi, the top picture is an art rendition of an actual enounter by a P-61 "named the "Lady Gen" making a kill of a German ME-410 in the nightime skies over Belgium in 1944. This crew went on to become one of three ace crews in the 422nd"

The second is a group taking off for patrol over Saipan in 1945.

The third is a standard USAAF shot.

And the fourth are P-61's taking off for night ops in the ETO.

Westy

[Vector]

Originally posted by chunder
can you say ground attack?  4x20mm cannons, 4x50cal MG's

Can you say HO?

[midnight Target]

I believe the P-61 scored the LAST air to air kill of the war.