Boeing XF6B

XF6B
The XF6B-1 in the early 1930s
Role	Carrier-based fighter-bomber Type of aircraft
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 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

 United States

• United States Navy

Specifications

Data from Angelucci, 1987. pp. 85-86.^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• 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 sq ft (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, 170 kn)
• Cruise speed: 170 mph (274 km/h, 150 kn)
• Range: 525 mi (845 km, 456 nmi)
• Rate of climb: 1,190 ft/min (6.04 m/s)

Armament

• 2x .30in machine guns
• 500lb (227kg) bombs

References

• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing, 1965.
• Jones, Lloyd S. U.S. Naval Fighters. Fallbrook California: Aero Publishers, 1977, pp. 115–117. ISBN 0-8168-9254-7.
• Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 1989. ISBN 0-517-69186-8.
• World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, 1985.

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