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| B-56 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Jet reconnaissance bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Status | Canceled |
| Number built | None (not converted) |
| History | |
| Developed from | Boeing B-47 Stratojet |
TheBoeing XB-56 was a proposal byBoeing for a re-engined version of the American jet-powered mediumbomber aircraft, theB-47 Stratojet. The original designation for this modification wasYB-47C.
The B-47 was equipped with sixGeneral Electric J47 turbojets, each rated at 5,200pounds-force (23 kN)thrust. The engines were mounted in fournacelles slung from the high wing, with two engines in the inboard pod and one engine in the outboard nacelle. To reduce complexity and increase commonality, it was proposed that a higher-rated engine be selected such that one engine could be mounted in each nacelle.
TheAllison J35 turbojet engine was being developed during the late 1940s, and it was provisionally rated at 8,500 lbf (38 kN) or 9,700 lbf (43 kN) withafterburner. Thus 4 × 8500 lbf = 34,000 lbf (150 kN) using that engine, as compared to 6 × 5,200 lbf = 31,200 lbf (139 kN) in the production B-47. Thus the conversion would be lighter, simpler and more powerful.[1]
A contract was signed with Boeing in January 1950, calling for rework of one aircraft. A B-47B-20-BW (s/n 50-082) was earmarked for the conversion. The date for first flight was projected as April 1951.[2]
A combination of delays and less-than-expected performance of the J35 led to the consideration of other engines. TheAllison J71 was proposed,[1] however problems with this engine meant that this was not feasible for the by-then redesignated B-56A. ThePratt & Whitney J57, eventually rated at 17,000 lbf (76 kN) thrust, was also considered, but that engine was still in development, and theBoeing B-52 Stratofortress, which was being concurrently developed (first flight was April 1952), had priority for this engine.
The B-56 program was canceled in December 1952 before conversion of the prototype was started. The unconverted B-47 was relegated to a ground instructional airframe and in the late 1960s was in use at theNaval Air Facility El Centro as an egress trainer.[citation needed]
General characteristics
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