Modified in 1946 with an additional cockpit in the nose. Used as a drone controller. Ended its days as a gunnery target at Edwards AFB. Photo from: Larry De Haan / Smithsonian Institution

Acquired by Ed Maloney and the Planes of Fame Museum from the California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, this YP-59A had an observer's seat with a custom canopy forward of the cockpit. The jet would later be displayed inside with the observer canopy in place. In the early 90s, the aircraft was stripped of paint and broken down for restoration. Work is still undergoing for restoration to flight status of this oldest surviving Airacomet at the time of uploading.

With the North American XB-70 Valkyrie 62-0001 behind

Taken during the early stages of a lengthy overhaul targeted to achieve flying status for this early US jet fighter.

Pre-production Airacomet during the course of a lengthy reconstruction at Chino.

Rare example of the USAAF's first jet fighter. This was the sixth production aircraft.

Based at Muroc Army Air Force Base (the base name was changed to Edwards in 1949) to develop jet aviation For the USAAF. Later converted to a drone named "Reluctant Robot". Retired in 1948, the historic jet has been displayed on Rosamond Blvd at Edwards for decades.

Pictured undergoing restoration to flying condition in one of the hangars at the Planes of Fame Museum.

The first of twenty P-59A's built participating in a contrasting formation flight with P-63A Kingcobra 42-69417 (Centre) and P-39Q Airacobra 42-19597 (top). From Bell aircraft 60 years ago.