The XP-79 was originally supposed to use a 2000 lb motor supplied by Aerojet, the fuels being red
fuming nitric acid and monoethylaniline. As these liquids were both extremely toxic and corrosive, it was
necessary to protect both the plane and the pilot from them in case of battle damage. The plane used a
welded magnesium alloy monocoque structure with the skin thickness ranging from 3/4 inch at the leading
edge to 1/8 inch at the trailing edge.

As the 2000 lb thrust rocket motor never reached a satisfactory stage of development, it was decided to
add two Westinghouse 19-B (J30) turbojets with 1150 pounds thrust and the name was changed to the
XP-79B.

At some point in its history, the XP-79B's mission changed. It's new role was reflected in it's title: The
Flying Ram. In what seems like a near kamikaze attitude, pilots were to use the extremely strong leading
edge to slice the tails off of enemy bombers in flight!

The XP-79B had only one test flight, on September 12, 1945 (10 days after the end of the war). Harry
Crosby had a normal takeoff and flew for 15 minutes. The aircraft entered a roll, the nose dropped, and
the plane fell into a steep vertical spin. The pilot was unable to bail from the plunging aircraft, and was
killed. This ended the XP-79B program.