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 | |
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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 |
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]
Performance of the Boeing XF6B remained unsatisfactory with the U.S. Navy instead opting for the Curtiss F11C Goshawk.[1]
Data from Angelucci, 1987. pp. 85-86.[1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Boeing military aircraft | |
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Fighters/attack aircraft: | |
Bombers | |
Piston-engined transports | |
Jet transports | |
Tanker-transports | |
Trainers | |
Patrol and surveillance | |
Reconnaissance | |
Drones/UAVs | |
Experimental/prototypes |
Boeing aircraft model numbers | |
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Aircraft |
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Turbine engines | |
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Other |
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USN/USMC bomber designations 1931-1962 | |||||||||||||||
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Bomber |
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Bomber Drone |
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Bomber Fighter |
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Bomber Torpedo |
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United States Navy fighter designations pre-1962 | |
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General Aviation Brewster | |
Boeing | |
Curtiss | |
Douglas McDonnell | |
Grumman | |
Eberhart Goodyear | |
Hall McDonnell | |
Berliner-Joyce North American | |
Loening Bell | |
General Motors | |
Lockheed | |
Ryan | |
Supermarine | |
Northrop | |
Vought | |
Lockheed | |
Wright CC&F | |
Convair | |