The purpose of the XB-19 project was to test the flight characteristics and design techniques associated with giant bombers. Douglas Aircraft Company strongly wanted to cancel the project, because it was extremely expensive. Despite advances in technology that made the XB-19 obsolete before it was even completed, the Army Air Corps felt that the prototype would be useful for testing. Its construction took so long that competition for the contracts to make the XB-35 and XB-36 occurred two months before its first flight.
The plane finally flew on June 27, 1941, more than three years after the construction contract was awarded. In 1943, the original Wright R-3350 engines were replaced with Allison V-3420-11 V engines. After completion of testing, the XB-19 served as a cargo carrier until it was scrapped in 1949.
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A man could really work under those flight deck condition….
XB-19 before scrapping. Note the background aircraft also awaiting the smelter…….a shame.
By: J Boyle - 26th February 2009 at 22:09
A real 30’s “giant of the sky” design and a product of its time – I recall reading somewhere a while back that the XB-19 (or the large Boeing designation which escapes me….. XB… ???:confused:)
That would be the XB-15.
By: BSG-75 - 26th February 2009 at 21:57
A real 30’s “giant of the sky” design and a product of its time – I recall reading somewhere a while back that the XB-19 (or the large Boeing designation which escapes me….. XB… ???:confused:) would have made more of an impact if used to attack Japan as a one off (from the Alutians?) than the B-25 raid?
Can’t recall much more detail, interesting though I thought.
By: J Boyle - 26th February 2009 at 21:14
One of the giant wheel/tyres is (or was the last time I was there) on display at the NMUSAF in Dayton. Fun to look at and it seemed kids liked sitting on it.
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February 26, 2009 at 8:12 pm
