Northrop P-61 Black Widow
Designed as the first true night time fighter, as well as the first aircraft to fully be equipped with radar, Northrop’s P-61 entered service in the pacific in early June, 1944. Originally used for night intercepts and combat air patrol, the P-61’s were also used in night intruder bombing/strafing missions, as well as escort and ASR (air/sea rescue). While never quite seeing the quantity of Japanese aircraft as many of the day time fighters did, the Black Widow still proved to be an effective addition to the US Army Air Force inventory in it’s many roles.
6th Night Fighter Squadron
Beginning as a fighter squadron till the spring of 1943, the 6th NFS began with Douglas P-70 night fighters before their transition to the P-61 in beginning of 1944. They first saw combat that summer, moving to Aslito Airfield on Saipan.
548th Night Fighter Squadron
The P-61’s of the 548th NFS were first to Iwo Jima (along with the 47th FS) on March 7, 1945. Their immediate role was that of night defense for the island. They would also serve a role as navigation aids for VLR missions, as well as search and rescue help. The squadron made a move to Ie Shima in June 1945 for night defense of the island.
549th Night Fighter Squadron
The 549th NFS arrived on Iwo Jima on March 24, about two weeks after the 548th shown above. They too, would fly to protect the island at night, as well as navigation aide and rescue support for the VLR missions. The 549th NFS stayed on Iwo Jima for the course of the war.
