The Boeing 218 shown here is a model of X66W, only example of the type, which was factory testbed for the new all-metal fuselage P-12E/F-4B-3 series. It was flown by Robert McCawley Short, (1904-32) a US Army trained pilot from Washington State.
On February 19th, 1932, Short engaged a flight of Japanese aircraft and they engaged him, but despite his lack of experience in air fighting was able to at least fight them to a draw and disengage. On Feb 22nd, 1932, he took off from a small military field near Suzhou where the 218 was hidden and engaged three Mitsubishi Type 13 bombers. He intercepted them when three escorting Nakajima A1N2 fighters caught. The Chinese were astonished by Short's action and gave him a hero's funeral.
Submitted by peperez
On February 19th, 1932, Short engaged a flight of Japanese aircraft and they engaged him, but despite his lack of experience in air fighting was able to at least fight them to a draw and disengage. On Feb 22nd, 1932, he took off from a small military field near Suzhou where the 218 was hidden and engaged three Mitsubishi Type 13 bombers. He intercepted them when three escorting Nakajima A1N2 fighters caught. The Chinese were astonished by Short's action and gave him a hero's funeral.
Submitted by peperez
