Overview

The Bell XFM-1/YFM-1 Airacuda was the first airplane designed and built by Larry Bell's new Bell Aircraft Corp. (founded in July 1935). This was to be a futuristic and innovative Allison V-1710 powered twin pusher bomber destroyer armed with 37mm canons mounted in the forward engine nacelles. The aircraft carried a crew of five and had both .30cal and .50cal defensive armament. It was also the first fighter to have an Auxillary Power Unit (APU). Fourteen aircraft were built: one XFM-1, nine YFM-1s, three YFM-1A (with tricycle landing gear) and two YFM-1Bs. The Airacuda's first flight was on September 28, 1939 with all aircraft being withdrawn from service in 1941.

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Upon graduation from college, Steve Ginter was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy and became a pilot. After leaving the Navy he entered into corporate human resources at the management level. Steve Ginter founded Ginter Books, Naval Fighters Series in 1980 while working in district and regional management positions for Thrifty Drugs. In the 1990s the Air Force Legends Series was launched. Between the two series, over 112 books have been published thus far promoting the colorful history of military aircraft in America.

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