Aviation Archive Issue 25 - 2016 UK

(^80) HEAVY FIGHTERS OF WW2
Above: Long in development, the P-61 only saw service in the last year of World War 2. Nevertheless, it
saw combat in every theatre and is credited with destroying 127 enemy aircraft and 18 German V-1s.
This aircraft, 42-39684, belongs to the 416th NFS.
Left: Many of the Pacific P-61s were adorned with ‘pin-up’ Widow artwork including 42-39408 ‘Lady in
the Dark’ and 42-5609 ‘Bat Outa Hell’ of the 548th NFS.
Below: The aircrew of this Black Widow pose alongside their aircraft somewhere in France in 1944,
giving a good idea of the imposing size of the big fighter. Note the open rear access hatch for the
aircraft’s radar operator.
Below right: With their distinctive silhouettes highlighted against the Pacific, a pair of Black Widows
from the 548th NFS venture out in daylight hours to look for prey.
Right: This P-61A in an early olive drab and grey camouflage, would go off to join the 419th Night
Fighter Squadron which was deployed to the South Pacific in February 1944.