Northrop TBT-1 Torpedo Bomber - Blue Widow:A Friday afternoon brain fart.
What if in late 1945, the FAA (do you sense a theme in my brain here?) asked the British and US aircraft manufacturers to propose a torpedo bomber which has the following capabilities;
- two radial engines for reliability and long over water flights in the PTO
- long range option (DUH!)
- two to three crew members
- carry at least two torpedoes
- self defense options
- carry radar for night time attacks
- have a top speed in excess of 400 MPH
- Look really cool in a GSB finish and large FAA decals
What if Jack Northrop, a sailor himself, said I have the airplane to do that?
Hi gave the order and in less than 3 months he presented to the Admirals of the FAA the Northrop TBT-1 Blue Widow based on the P-61B. They were immediately impressed and placed an order for 250 aircraft.
The TBT-1 Blue Widow became the scourge of the night sky sinking over 500,000 of Tons of Axis shipping all at night.
Comments?
Carl