Subject: Bomber Series--Boeing Y1B-20

From: [email-masked] (joseph.f.baugher)
Date: 21 Sep 94 02:33:52 GMT

The Boeing XB-15 experimental four-engined long-range bomber of 1937 
proved to be seriously underpowered and was never ordered into 
production.  The prototype was the only example to be built.  

In March of 1938, in an attempt to remedy some of the deficiencies of 
the basic design, the Boeing company offered a more advanced version 
of the XB-15.  It was known by the company as the Model 316, and was 
approximately the same size as the XB-15.  However, in an attempt to 
provide more power, the Model 316 was to have been powered by four 
1400 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2180 Twin Hornet air cooled radials.  The 
Model 316 was offered to the Army in several different forms.  The 
Model 316D version, which featured a high-winged design with an 80,000 
pound gross weight, 152-foot wingspan, seven machine guns, and a 
pressurized canopy, attracted sufficient attention so that two 
examples were ordered by the Army in June of 1938 under the 
designation Y1B-20.  

Shortly after the order, the Army concluded that the Y1B-20 was simply 
too expensive and that they really did not require bombers with range 
or carrying capability beyond those of the B-17.  Consequently, both 
Y1B-20 prototypes were cancelled before anything could be built.  

Specification of the Boeing Y1B-20: 

Four Pratt & Whitney R-2180 Twin Hornet air cooled radials, rated at 
1400 hp each.  Weights: 80,000 pounds gross Dimensions: wingspan 152 
feet Armed with seven machine guns.  

Source: 

Boeing Aircraft Since 1916, Peter M. Bowers, Naval Institute Press, 
1989.  

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