In the late 1930s, aircraft companies across the world were swept up in a wave of enthusiasm for ‘bomber destroyers’ – heavily armed interceptors that sacrificed agility for firepower.
Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Britain all produced their versions of the type, such as the Bf 110, Potez 630, Fokker G.I, and the Beaufighter. Nor was the United States immune to the trend, with the Bell Aircraft Corporation developing its own unique take on the concept: the YFM-1 Airacuda.
The prototype first flew in September 1937. It was an odd-looking aircraft, with twin pusher engines and a main armament of two 37mm gyro-stabilised cannon, one in front of each engine nacelle. Although each cannon had its own gunner, it was intended that they would normally be fired by the fire-control officer seated directly behind the pilot, who aimed them by an inverted periscopic sight projecting beneath the fuselage.
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