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Type: Lomg range bomber Origin: Boeing Crew/Seats: Ten Model: Boeing Model 294, XBLR-1 (later XB-15), XC-105 First Flight: Oct. 15, 1937 Production: 1 Powerplant: Model: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-11 Twin Wasp Type: Twin-Row radial piston engine Number: Four Horsepower: 1,000 hp Dimensions: Wing span: 149 ft. 0 in. Length: 87 ft. 7 in. Height: 19 ft. 5 in. Wing Surface Area: N/A |
Weights: Empty: 65,068 lb Loaded: N/A Performance: Maximum Speed: 197 mph Cruising Speed: 171 mph Initial Climb: N/A Service Ceiling: 18,850 ft. Range (with 2,500 lb. bomb load): 3,400 miles Armament: Three .50-cal. machine guns Three .30-cal. machine guns Payload: 12,000 lbs |
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Comments:
Though the XB-15 was the largest bomber ever tested by the U.S. Army at the time of its acdceptance, it was severely underpowered and was eventually rejected for further development. After testing was finished the prototype was converted to a cargo plane by adding a large cargo door to the aft fuselage. Redesignated the XC-105, the aircraft remained in service for a further 8 years. During its career the aircraft carried more than 5,200 passengers, 440,000 lb. of cargo and 94,000 lb. of mail during 70 cargo flights and performed 60 missions including anti-submarine patrol. |
Sources:
USAF Museum, www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/index.htm, 2005.
