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 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 | |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Vessels |
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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 | |