DISCONTINUED Valom 72004 Boeing XF8B-1 USN

The plane was to be the largest and heaviest on-board US naval fighter built during World War II. It was constructed as the primary on-board fighter for the new large strike aircraft carriers of the Midway fleet. It was to fulfill the tasks of a classic interceptor to cover both its own group of ships and offensive operations of on-board air groups, a bombing fighter (horizontal and diving) to attack ground and sea targets, a fast torpedo bomber and a long-range escort fighter. The construction of the first prototype of the XF8B-1 was not completed until the fall of 1944. Despite good performance and flight properties, the F8B was not further developed. The US Navy command recognized the then emerging new jet-propelled planes - McDonnell FH "Phantom", North American FJ "Fury" and Vought F6U "Pirate". Until their introduction into service, the previously operated Grumman F6F "Hellcat" and Vought F4U "Corsair" fighters, as well as the new Grumman F7F "Tigercat" and F8F "Bearcat" fighters were sufficient. The machine never entered mass production. Technical data: length: 13.1 m, wingspan: 16.5 m, height: 5 m, maximum speed: 695 km / h, speed of climb: 14.2 m / s, practical ceiling: 11 400 m, maximum range: 2100 km, armament: fixed- 6 M2 machine guns, 12.7 mm caliber, underslung - 1415 kg bombs or 1 torpedo 900 kg.