Martin XB-16

XB-16
Role Bomber
National origin United States
Manufacturer Glenn L. Martin Company
Status Project only - canceled

The Martin XB-16, company designation Model 145, was a projected heavy bomber designed in the United States during the 1930s.

Design and development

The XB-16 was designed to meet the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) request for a bomber that could carry 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) of bombs 5,000 mi (8,000 km; 4,300 nmi).

The XB-16 (Model 145A) was to use four Allison V-1710 liquid-cooled reciprocating V-engines; contemporary American aircraft used air-cooled radial engines.

In 1935, Martin revised the XB-16 design as the Model 145B. The wingspan was increased from 140 ft (43 m) to 173 ft (53 m), and a set of V-1710 engines added to the trailing edge. This version had a wingspan 20% greater than that of the B-29 Superfortress, the first operational bomber that would fill the role intended for the XB-16.

The XB-16 was canceled for essentially the same reason that the B-15 project was: it was not fast enough to meet the requirements set by the Army. Since both were canceled around the same time, Martin did not have time to produce an XB-16.

Specifications (Model 145A)

Data from U.S. bombers, 1928 to 1980s[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: ten
  • Length: 114 ft 10 in (35 m)
  • Wingspan: 140 ft (43 m)
    Model 145B: 173 ft (53 m)
  • Empty weight: 31,957 lb (14,495 kg)
    Model 145B: 50,660 lb (22,980 kg)
  • Gross weight: 65,000 lb (29,484 kg)
    Model 145B: 104,880 lb (47,570 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 4,238 US gal (16,040 l; 3,529 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 4 × Allison V-1710-3 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engines, 1,000 hp (750 kW) each (Model 145B x6)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 237 mph (381 km/h; 206 kn) at 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
  • Cruise speed: 140 mph (225 km/h; 122 kn)
  • Range: 5,000 mi (4,345 nmi; 8,047 km)
  • Combat range: 3,200 mi (2,781 nmi; 5,150 km) with 12,180 lb (5,520 kg) of bombs
  • Endurance: 24 hours
  • Service ceiling: 22,500 ft (6,900 m)
  • Rate of climb: 740 ft/min (3.8 m/s)
  • Power/mass: 0.049 hp/lb (0.080 kW/kg)

Armament

  • Bombs: 12,180 lb (5,520 kg) of bombs

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Jones, Lloyd S. (1984). U.S. bombers, 1928 to 1980s (4th ed.). Fallbrook, CA: Aero Publishers. ISBN 978-0816891306.
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