chrispisme
Well-known member
With the surplus of airframes left over from "The Big One" and a need for slow, tough, ease of maintenance "low tech" mud movers in the ongoing SEA conflict and, with congress at the time banning further spending on weaponry for that conflict, it was decided to experiment with upgrades to the P-61 family to A-61 standard with terrain following/low light capabilities and semi-smart weapon delivery systems (SSWEAD) the aircraft were also up-gunned and up-engined with Garrett (Honeywell) TPE 331 "dog whistles" and "saber" blade props. The aircraft were also fitted with STOL wing tips, Paralift (tm. reg.) flaperons/ spoilers, anti skid brakes and underwing hardpoints for rocket launchers, napalm, and IR/Laser glide bombs.
Wing fences were added as well (on later models, retrofitted to earlier models) to address stability concerns when loaded with external stores during turning maneuvers....and cause they looked cool.
Sticking with the ugly spider motif the aircraft was re-named "Orb Weaver" because of the deadly circle of death it could put on the ground.
Home made engines:
added STOL wing tips
Wing fences were added as well (on later models, retrofitted to earlier models) to address stability concerns when loaded with external stores during turning maneuvers....and cause they looked cool.
Sticking with the ugly spider motif the aircraft was re-named "Orb Weaver" because of the deadly circle of death it could put on the ground.
Home made engines:
added STOL wing tips