Boeing XF6B

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.

XF6B
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

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

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

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References

Citations
  1. Angelucci, 1987. pp. 85-86.

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. 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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