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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 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Carrier-based fighter-bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| First flight | 1 February 1933[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]
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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
- 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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