Adding the Bell XP-77 to War Thunder would introduce a unique and historically significant aircraft that offers a distinct playstyle for enthusiasts of unconventional and experimental fighters. Here’s why it deserves a place in the game:
- Unique Design and Gameplay Experience: The Bell XP-77 was a lightweight, wood-constructed fighter designed to be a nimble and agile interceptor, much like the air racers of the 1930s. With its low weight and small size, it would offer a unique flying experience, emphasizing speed, maneuverability, and tactical dogfighting over raw firepower or armor.
- Historical Rarity and Significance: Only two prototypes of the XP-77 were ever built, making it one of the rarest aircraft of World War II. Adding this aircraft to the game would allow players to experience flying a plane that never saw mass production or combat but played a role in exploring the limits of lightweight fighter design during the war.
- Challenging Flight Characteristics: The XP-77 was known for being tricky to handle, with visibility issues and underwhelming performance due to its underpowered engine. This would provide a challenge to experienced players, offering a different kind of test for their piloting skills compared to more conventional aircraft in the game.
- Historical Experimentation: The XP-77 represents the USAAF’s experimentation with non-strategic materials during wartime. Its inclusion would not only add a unique aircraft but also highlight a fascinating aspect of WWII aviation history—the exploration of alternative materials and designs in response to wartime resource constraints.
- Tactical Versatility: Despite its limitations, the XP-77 was armed with a 20 mm Hispano cannon and .50 caliber machine guns, making it a capable fighter in the hands of a skilled pilot. Its potential loadout options, including bombs and depth charges, would allow players to experiment with various tactical roles, from air-to-air combat to light ground attack missions.
Including the Bell XP-77 in War Thunder would add depth to the game’s aircraft roster, providing a rare and challenging option for players interested in the more experimental side of aviation history.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 22 ft 10 in (6.96 m)
- Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
- Height: 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m)
- Wing area: 100 sq ft (9.3 m2)
- Empty weight: 2,855 lb (1,295 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,028 lb (1,827 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × [Ranger V-770]-7 inverted [V12 engine], 520 hp (388 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
Performance
- Maximum speed: 330 mph (530 km/h, 290 kn)
- Range: 550 mi (890 km, 480 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 30,100 ft (9,180 m)
- Rate of climb: 3,600 ft/min (18.3 m/s)
- Wing loading: 40.28 lb/sq ft (196.5 kg/m2)
- [Power/mass]: .13 hp/lb (213 W/kg)
Armament
-
Guns:
- 1 × [20 mm]) (0.787 in) [Hispano-Suiza HS.404]) cannon, firing through the propeller.
- 2 × .50 in (12.7 mm) [M2 machine guns]) with 200 rounds each.
-
Bombs:
- 1 × 300 lb (136 kg) bomb or
- 1 × 325 lb (147 kg) depth charge
