 | This article includes alist of references,related reading, orexternal links,but its sources remain unclear because it lacksinline citations. Please helpimprove this article byintroducing more precise citations.(April 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| XB-59 | |
|---|---|
 Boeing concept drawing of the XB-59 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Supersonicmedium bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Status | Canceled in 1952 |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 0 |
TheBoeing XB-59 (model number 701), was a 1950s proposal for an American supersonicbomber aircraft.
In 1949 the US government canceled theBoeing XB-55 contract, which had been an effort to produce a subsonic replacement for the just-being-introduced BoeingB-47 Stratojet. The XB-55 project had started in 1947, but by the end of the decade it was apparent that if strategic penetration in warfare were to be successful at all, it would require aircraft much faster than the jetfighter aircraft which were then being placed into operation. Thus, the funding made available by the XB-55 cancellation was earmarked for the study of a supersonic medium bomber, and a request for proposals was extended to several aircraft companies.
Boeing submitted a proposal for a four-engine, high-wing aircraft with a highly streamlinedfuselage. The four engines would be buried in thickened wing roots; the remaining wing planform was highly tapered.
Developed under weapons system designation MX-1965, the XB-59 was to have a crew of three, and would be powered by fourGE J73-X24Aturbojet engines, mounted in the roots of the 73-foot span wings. The landing gear would be similar to thebicycle arrangement found on the B-47 andB-52 Stratofortress, with wingtip-mounted outriggers.
The Boeing contract for the XB-59 was canceled in late 1952 after theConvair company's submission, designatedB-58 Hustler, was selected for development.
The Boeing effort was a design study only, and no construction was involved.
Data from "US Bombers," Lloyd S. Jones, 1974
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
