1932: The Boeing XP-936, later XP-26, flew for the first time piloted by Boeing test pilot Les Tower. It was the first all-metal monoplane purchased by the Air Corps. The P-26 Peashooter is the last Army pursuit plane to feature an open cockpit, nonretractable landing gear, and external wire bracing for its wings. All these high-drag features adversely affected the Pea Shooter’s performance.
