The Northrop P-61 Black Widow, named for the North American spider, was the first operational U.S. airplane designed as a night fighter, and the first aircraft designed to use radar. The P-61 had a crew of three: pilot, gunner, and radar operator. | War History Online

Northrop P-61C Black Widow The heavily-armed Black Widow was the United States' first aircraft specifically designed as a night-fighter. The P-61 carried radar equipment in its nose that enabled its crew of two or three to locate enemy aircraft in total darkness and fly into proper position to attack. #avgeek #history | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

12K views · 291 reactions | Join us tonight for CAF Warbird Tube, when we'll explore the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's remarkable restoration of a Northrop P-61 Black Widow, a legendary WWII night fighter! To watch LIVE on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. CDT, register at the link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1498901978850008408?source=SocialMedia | Commemorative Air Force | Facebook