The WWII Plane That Was So Bad, It Was Used as Landfill

In the history of military aviation, some aircraft are remembered for their successes while others fade away because of problems in design and performance. One such example is the Bell XFL Airabonita. This American fighter was a variant of the Bell P-39 Airacobra and was intended for use by the United States Navy. The Airabonita was created during World War II, but its many flaws prevented it from ever becoming a useful combat machine. Today, its story is known as one of the more unfortunate chapters in naval aviation history.

The Bell P-39 Airacobra and Its Role

Before the development of the XFL Airabonita, the Bell P-39 Airacobra was already in service. The P-39 was designed as a fighter for the United States Army Air Corps. Its layout was unusual because the engine was placed behind the cockpit, and it featured a tricycle landing gear. These design choices allowed for better balance and a streamlined nose, which made it possible to install heavier guns in the front. The P-39 saw limited use by American forces, but it became well known among Allied partners, particularly in the Soviet Union, where it was used at low altitudes during intense ground battles.

The Birth of the XFL Airabonita

In early 1938, the U.S. Navy issued specifications for a lightweight, high-performance fighter that could operate from aircraft carriers. At that time, Bell Aircraft saw an opportunity to build on the design of the P-39. The idea was to create a naval version of the fighter, known as the Bell XFL Airabonita. Bell’s proposal came shortly after the P-39 prototype had demonstrated promising speeds, with reports of a top speed near 390 miles per hour. This success initially gave Bell an advantage in the design competition.

However, the Navy had different needs compared to the Army. Carrier-based operations required changes in the design. While the P-39 was built for land-based use, the new aircraft needed to handle the challenges of taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier. Bell worked on modifying the design, but these changes were not straightforward. The proposed XFL had to overcome issues such as a more experimental engine layout and the use of an inline, liquid-cooled engine, which was less common for a naval fighter. The Navy preferred rugged radial engines for their durability in the harsh conditions at sea.

Modifications for Carrier Operations

Bell made several adjustments to the original design of the P-39 in order to meet naval requirements. The XFL Airabonita was made slightly shorter and wider than its parent model. The original tricycle landing gear was replaced with a more conventional tail wheel arrangement that suited carrier landings better. The wheels on the wings were moved slightly forward, and a tail hook was added to help the aircraft catch the arresting wires on a carrier deck. In addition, the cockpit was raised slightly so the pilot could see the ground more clearly during takeoff and landing. Small bomb bays were also included under the wings to allow the plane to carry a few small bombs aimed at enemy bombers.

The modifications also involved changes to the aircraft’s armament. While the P-39 originally carried a 37 mm cannon and two 30-caliber machine guns, the XFL’s armament was adjusted to keep the overall weight lower. In some cases, a 50-caliber gun was substituted when the originally planned cannon was not available. The engine planned for the XFL was an Allison V-710 derivative, a redesign that promised about 1,150 horsepower. These changes were meant to make the aircraft more suitable for carrier use, yet they also introduced new problems.

Flight Testing and Performance Problems

The first prototype of the XFL Airabonita took its first flight in an unusual way. During taxi tests on May 13, 1940, a sudden gust of wind lifted the plane off the runway unexpectedly. The pilot, Brian Sparks, had little room to react and had to quickly adjust his approach to bring the aircraft down safely. While the accidental flight showed that the plane could leave the ground, it also exposed issues with control and stability. Later tests revealed more problems. The engine failed mid-flight during the second flight, forcing an emergency landing. Repeated test flights in 1940 brought to light persistent cooling issues, poor handling characteristics, and directional instability. Bell tried to solve these issues by enlarging the tail surfaces and adjusting the oil cooler intakes. Although these fixes helped somewhat, they could not fully correct the underlying design problems.

The Final Fate of the XFL Airabonita

Due to its poor performance during carrier acceptance trials and the weight problems that continued to hamper its operation, the Navy chose not to award the XFL a production contract. The promising start seen with the P-39 did not translate into a successful naval fighter. Instead, the prototype was transferred to different naval air stations for further testing. In early 1942, the aircraft was reassigned for target practice, a role far removed from its intended use. Over time, the prototype fell into disuse. After the war ended, the plane was scrapped, and many of its parts were used as landfill. This fate stands as a reminder of the challenges faced when adapting a design to new operational requirements, and the XFL Airabonita is now remembered as one of the less successful attempts in American naval aviation.