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XF6B
Boeing XF6B-1
The XF6B-1 in the early 1930s
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 fighter-bomber, 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[]

US flag 48 stars 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[]

    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 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. 
    All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
    The original article can be found at Boeing XF6B and the edit history here.
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