A Gorilla in the Air: Jack Woolams and the Hilarious P-59 Airacomet Flights
The United States’ first jet-powered fighter aircraft, the Bell P-59 Airacomet, had an intriguing test pilot named Jack Woolams. Known for his sense of humour, Woolams flew wearing a gorilla mask, and derby hat and even held a cigar during test flights.
Woolams achieved several milestones in his career. In ’42, he flew coast to coast in a fighter plane non-stop, a first. A year later, he set a record by reaching 47,600 feet in altitude. His accomplishments were groundbreaking.
The Bell P-59 Airacomet’s existence was a closely guarded secret, shared only with the British who provided jet engine designs. To deceive potential spies, the aircraft would have a fake propeller on its nose during taxiing, making it resemble propeller-driven planes.
Jack Woolams took deception to the next level. While flying the P-59, an aircraft unknown to other pilots, he joined formations of propeller planes wearing the gorilla mask and derby hat. This absurd sight left fellow pilots bewildered and added an extra layer of secrecy.
Although the Bell P-59 Airacomet never saw combat, its speed and manoeuvrability made piston engine planes obsolete. While German and British jet fighters became operational during WWII, the P-59 arrived too late to affect the war’s outcome significantly.
Despite its limited impact in WWII, the technological advancements showcased by the P-59 Airacomet set the stage for the dominance of jet engines in subsequent conflicts. It laid the foundation for the future of jet-powered aviation and its military applications.
Jack Woolams was a true pioneer in aviation. Unfortunately, he met a tragic end in a postwar plane crash in 1946. His contributions to the development of jet-powered aviation will always be remembered.
