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XB-39 Superfortress

From PlaneSpottingWorld, for aviation fans everywhere
Boeing XB-39 Superfortress
Type Test-bed bomber aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
Maiden flight 1944
Introduced n/a
Status Never mass-produced
Primary user United States Army Air Forces
Produced 1944
Number built 1

The Boeing XB-39 Superfortress was a prototype bomber aircraft, a single example of the B-29 Superfortress converted to fly with alternative powerplants. It was intended to demonstrate that the B-29 could still be put into service even if the first choice of engine, the Wright R-3350, ran into development or production difficulties.

Starting life as the first YB-29 delivered to the United States Army Air Forces, it was modified by General Motors to use Allison V-3420-17 liquid-cooled inline engines. Testing on it began in early 1944. Since no problems with the R-3350 developed, and most flaws of the B-29 were worked out by the time production began, the XB-39 was never ordered.

Specifications (XB-39)

General characteristics

Performance

Armament


References and external links

Related content

Related development

Designation sequence

345 (B-29) - 367 - 377 - 400
345 (B-39)
345 (B-44)
345 (B-50)

Related lists

See also