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North American XB-28

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XB-28
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North American XB-28 with engines running.
Type High-altitude medium bomber
Manufacturer North American Aviation
Status Design only
Primary user U.S. Army Air Force
Number built 2
Developed from B-25 Mitchell

The North American XB-28 (NA-63) was a plane proposed by the North American Aviation to fill a strong need in the United States Army Air Corps for a high-altitude medium bomber. It never entered into full production and only two aircraft were built.

Design and development

The order for a high-altitude medium bomber was put out on 1940 February 13; the XB-28 first flew on 1942 April 26. The XB-28 was based on North American Aviation's highly successful B-25 Mitchell, but as it evolved it became a completely new design, much more reminiscent of the Martin B-26 Marauder. The overall configuration of the B-25 and XB-28 were fairly similar; the most important distinction was that the twin tail of the B-25 was changed to a single tail on the XB-28. It was among the first planes with a pressurised cabin.

The XB-28 proved an excellent design, with significantly better performance than the B-25, but it was never put into production. High-altitude bombing was hampered significantly by factors such as clouds and wind, which were frequent occurrences in the Pacific. At the same time, medium bombers were becoming much more able at lower altitudes. The models being used at these levels had been used successfully in combat for months and even years. The gains in aircraft performance that came with high altitude flight were not significant enough to justify switching from low-altitude bombing.

Testing and evaluation

Even though the Army Air Force rejected the XB-28 as a bomber, they ordered another prototype. Designated XB-28A, it was meant to explore the possibility of use as a reconnaissance aircraft. This design never progressed past the prototype stage either.

Specifications (XB-28)

Side view of the North American XB-28.

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

  • Guns: 6× .50 in (12.7 mm) machine guns in remote-sighted turrets
  • Bombs: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)


References

External links

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Designation sequence

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