Boeing TB
| TB | |
|---|---|
| Role | Torpedo bomber |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 4 May 1927[1] |
| Number built | 3 |
| Developed from | Martin T3M |
The Boeing TB (or Model 63) was an American torpedo bomber biplane designed by the US Navy and built by Boeing in 1927.
Development and design
The TB was an improved version of the Martin T3M. It was constructed of all dural, with a fabric covering. The equal-span wings were large and unstaggered, and could be folded aft , reducing the span to 21ft 8in for storage. The wheeled undercarriage was a conventional configuration that could be interchangeable with floats. As a landplane, the main gear units carried twin wheels. The underside of the fuselage incorporated a glazed station for the bombardier.[1]
Even before the three XTB-1s were delivered, the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics had changed its opinion about what was needed in a torpedo bomber, and based on experience with the NAF XTN-1 had decided that a twin-engine aircraft would better suit the role. Having thus been made redundant, no TBs past the three prototypes were built.[1]
Specifications
Data from Bowers, 1966. pg. 63.
General characteristics
- Crew: Three - pilot, gunner, and bombardier
Performance
References
- Bowers, Peter M. Boeing aircraft since 1916. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1966.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 170.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 890 Sheet 52.