Talk:Bell XP-83/@comment-2601:646:8F01:D716:7402:8F11:F7B2:213A-20180106011518

I'll bet they should have tried a rocket version. That should close the gap with anything else in 1945 if the jet was too slow.

The Bell X-1 rocket was supersonic before anyone else.

Bell already had a successful swept wing on the L-39.

It could have combined these traits to facedown the MiG-15 before the F-86 could.

So what if it lets the F-82 twin Mustang do the long range escort role?

Trade it's twin J-33s for an RM3 with ample rocket fuel to intercept MiGs.

It recalls the WW2 Me 263 rocket, doesn't it? That is the improved Me 163 outhouse mouse Komet.

The P-83 20mm cannon should be the RAF Mk V Hispano, not the questionable US varsions.