Bell XP-77   43-34916

                                 

                                          During the WW II years there were several attempts, both by the U.K. and the U.S. to pro-
                                          duce a simplified lightweight fighter manufactured from so-called "non strategic" materials (i.e.
                                          ply or balsa-wood).  This diminutive prototype by Bell proved somewhat difficult to handle
                                          and the project was cancelled.   Seen above is the second of two prototypes built.   This air-
                                          craft was destroyed in a crash on 2 October 1944 when it entered an an inverted (flat) spin.
                                          The pilot bailed out.