U.S. 'BLACK WIDOW'' NIGHT FIGHTER IN FLIGHT Streaking through white clouds on one of its rare daytime flights is a U.S.

U.S. 'BLACK WIDOW'' NIGHT FIGHTER IN FLIGHT Streaking through white clouds on one of its rare daytime flights is a U.S. P-61 fighter, better know as the 'Black Widow' because it was designed specifically for night operations. Painted black, it is practically invicible, and its many radio detection devices enable it to locate enemy planes or targets without ever seeing them. Its two powerful engines give the plane great speed and climbing powers, and its 20mm. cannon and .50-caliber machine guns enable it to blast ground installations as well as aircraft. The 'Black Widow' is operated by a crew of two or three men very unusual for fighters, which generally carry only the pilot and is useful for all types of offensive, defensive and observation tactics. Northrop P-61 Black Widow.