Boeing XF6B
| XF6B |
| Role |
carrier based fighter/bomber |
| National origin |
United States |
| Manufacturer |
Boeing |
| First flight |
1 February 1933[1] |
| Status |
Cancelled |
| Number built |
1 |
| Developed from |
Boeing F4B |
The Boeing XF6B-1 / XBFB-1 was Boeing's last biplane design for the United States Navy. Only the one prototype, Model 236, was ever built; although first flying in early 1933, it rammed into a crash barrier in 1936 and the design was not pursued further.
Design and development
Ordered by the Navy on 30 June 1931, the plane was a derivative of the F4B; it was nearly entirely of metal construction, with only the wings still fabric-covered. It was powered by a 625 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1535-44 Twin Wasp.[1]
The intended role of this design turned out to be uncertain. While its rugged construction was capable of withstanding high g-forces, it weighed in at 3,704 pounds (700 pounds more than the F4B), and did not have the maneuverability needed in a fighter aircraft. It was, however, suitable as a bomber fighter, and in March 1934 the prototype was redesignated XBFB-1 in recognition of its qualities. Even so, various ideas were tried to improve its fighter qualifications, such as improved engine cowling, streamlining around the landing gear, and even a three-bladed propeller (two-bladed props being standard).[1] Performance remained unsatisfactory and the Navy instead bought the F11C Goshawk.[1]
Operators
- United States
Specifications
Data from Angelucci, 1987. pp. 85-86.[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 22 ft 1.5 in (6.73 m)
- Wingspan: 28 ft 6 in (8.68 m)
- Height: 10 ft 7 in (3.22 m)
- Wing area: 252 ft2 (23.41 m2)
- Empty weight: 2,823 lb (1,281 kg)
- Gross weight: 3,704 lb (1,680 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1535-44, 625 hp (466 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 200 mph (322 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)
- Range: 525 miles (845 km)
- Rate of climb: 1190 ft/min (6.04 m/s)
Armament
- 2x .30in machine guns
- 500lb (227kg) bombs
References
- ^ a b c d e Angelucci, 1987. pp. 85-86.
Bibliography
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
- Lloyd S. Jones, U.S. Naval Fighters (Fallbrook CA: Aero Publishers, 1977, ISBN 0-8168-9254-7), pp. 115–117
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing.
USN/ USMC bomber designations 1931-1962
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| Bomber Drone |
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| Bomber Fighter |
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