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Convair B-36 Peacemaker
US Air Force strategic bomber (1949–1959) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Convair B-36 "Peacemaker"[N 1] is a strategic bomber built by Convair and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1949 to 1959. The B-36 is the largest mass-produced piston-engined aircraft ever built, although it was exceeded in span and weight by the Hughes Hercules. It also has the longest wingspan of any combat aircraft. The B-36 is capable of intercontinental flight without refueling.
Quick Facts B-36 "Peacemaker", Role ...
B-36 "Peacemaker" | |
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Beginning with the B-36D (B-36J shown), the Peacemaker used 6 radial piston engines and 4 jet engines. | |
Role | Strategic bomber |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Convair |
First flight | 8 August 1946 |
Introduction | 1948 |
Retired | 12 February 1959 |
Primary user | United States Air Force |
Produced | 1946–1954 |
Number built | 384 |
Variants | Convair XC-99 Convair NB-36H Convair X-6 |
Developed into | Convair YB-60 |
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Entering service in 1948, the B-36 was the primary nuclear weapons delivery vehicle of Strategic Air Command (SAC) until it was replaced by the jet-powered Boeing B-52 Stratofortress beginning in 1955. All but four aircraft have been scrapped.