Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum  

Go Back   Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum > Discussion > Post-WW2 Military and Naval Aviation

Post-WW2 Military and Naval Aviation Please use this forum to discuss Military and Naval Aviation after the Second World War.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3rd January 2018, 21:39
Bruce Dennis Bruce Dennis is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 533
Bruce Dennis is on a distinguished road
B-36 origins

I hope someone can help with some questions about the B-36.

1) Convair got the contract, but was it put out to tender to other companies as well? If so, what was the name of the project and who else received the invitation to quote?
2) What were the dates of the project tender (if it was tendered) and of issuing the prototype contract?
3) What was the original spec (range and load plus anything else)?

Pretty much anything about the origin of the YB-36 would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.
Bruce
__________________
http://www.filephotoservice.co.uk/
RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES & OTHER UK INSTITUTIONS
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4th January 2018, 23:41
edwest2 edwest2 is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,476
edwest2 will become famous soon enoughedwest2 will become famous soon enough
Re: B-36 origins

The concept of a bomber with intercontinental range was created in 1941 in case England did not survive the Blitz and given further impetus a bit later due to the fact the Germans were developing a similar Amerika Bomber. I have found no code names, just the designation 'Model 36.' It was partly based on the earlier 'Model 35' which had six pusher engines.

1) The Boeing Aircraft Company was invited to bid but was too busy with existing aircraft production, but this was disclosed. Convair was created in 1943 through the merger of Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft. This may have given it an edge at the time. Douglas considered the project but decided it could not meet the requirements due to the technology of the time. Northrop offered its XB-35 flying wing which went into development.

2) General "Hap" Arnold awarded a contract to Consolidated Aircraft on 15 November 1941 for two XB-36. On 23 July 1943, the USAAF sent a "Letter of Intent" to Convair for the production of 100 aircraft. A supplemental Letter Contract (W33-038 ac-7) was issued on 23 August 1943. One year later, a definitive contract was completed.

3) The desired specifications for the B-36 were: Range: 10,000 miles, Speed: 250 to 300 miles per hour, Bomb load: 10,000 pounds, with the ability to carry a 72,000 pound payload for shorter distances, Takeoff distance: 5,000 foot runway.


The first flight of the XB-36 was on 8 August 1946. The production B-36A flew on 28 August 1947. The B-36D had two jet engine pods added, each containing two engines (J47-GE-19) attached toward the far edge of each wing, which increased performance.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5th January 2018, 01:22
Bruce Dennis Bruce Dennis is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 533
Bruce Dennis is on a distinguished road
Re: B-36 origins

Thanks, Ed. I have been looking at some of the US reforms within the defence industries in the 1930's and it is clear that a very long range bomber (as yet un-named) was being included in some of the plans. FDR was actively involved in a lot of the air discussions and the formation of the Air Administration in 1939 allowed him to have much more hands-on control (and less control for congress).

I was told years ago by someone in the aviation industry that the B-36 project was 100% down to FDR saying 'do it, I'll fund it off the books'. Most of what I have found so far in the FDR correspondence leads me to believe the story, but nothing firm. It is now relevant to something I am working on and it is time to find out the real story. Many thanks.

Regards,
Bruce
__________________
http://www.filephotoservice.co.uk/
RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES & OTHER UK INSTITUTIONS
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5th January 2018, 04:00
edwest2 edwest2 is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,476
edwest2 will become famous soon enoughedwest2 will become famous soon enough
Re: B-36 origins

You're welcome, Bruce. Certain things did not allow for long delays. As America prepared for World War II, certain shortcuts had to be taken to get critical equipment to where it was needed.


FDR, 30 October 1940:

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=15887


Good luck in finding what you're looking for.



Best regards,
Ed
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5th January 2018, 05:20
edwest2 edwest2 is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,476
edwest2 will become famous soon enoughedwest2 will become famous soon enough
Re: B-36 origins

And one more thing:


https://www.amazon.com/Douglas-XB-19.../dp/0764352326






Usual disclaimer,
Ed
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5th January 2018, 13:45
Bruce Dennis Bruce Dennis is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 533
Bruce Dennis is on a distinguished road
Re: B-36 origins

Thanks Ed. Ping me an email if you would like me to send you a PDF of FDRs Aviation Administration bill.

email = info@filephotoservice.co.uk

Regards,
Bruce
__________________
http://www.filephotoservice.co.uk/
RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES & OTHER UK INSTITUTIONS
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Birth/Death details of non Ritterkreuz 50+ aces Johannes Luftwaffe and Axis Air Forces 59 15th May 2023 15:38
Sgt James Dennis THORNTON - 36 Squadron adafor Allied and Soviet Air Forces 9 11th March 2015 13:46
36 DRS and 36ADG? lampie Allied and Soviet Air Forces 2 19th August 2012 12:30
Vildebeest K4168 36 Sqn, Jan 42 - code letter? wwrsimon Japanese and Allied Air Forces in the Far East 2 25th October 2011 12:32
Hurricane origins vingtor Allied and Soviet Air Forces 0 22nd March 2009 11:49


All times are GMT +2. The time now is 00:05.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2018, 12oclockhigh.net