Boeing XF6B
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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 U.S. Navy on 30 June 1931, the fighter aircraft was a derivative of the Boeing F4B; it was almost entirely of metal construction, with only the wings still fabric-covered. The aircraft was powered by a 625 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1535-44 Twin Wasp engine.[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 an improved engine cowling, streamlining around the landing gear, and even a three-bladed propeller (two-bladed props being standard).[1]
Operational history
Performance of the Boeing XF6B remained unsatisfactory with the U.S. Navy instead opting for the Curtiss F11C Goshawk.[1]
Operators
Specifications
References
Citations
Bibliography
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing, 1965.
- Jones, Lloyd S. U.S. Naval Fighters. Fallbrook California: Aero Publishers, 1977, pp. 115–117. Template:ISBN.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 1989. Template:ISBN.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, 1985.
Template:Boeing military aircraft Template:Boeing model numbers Template:USN bomber aircraft Template:USN fighters