josef posted:Super O Bob posted:Hi Dennis...
Martin Aircraft was designing the B-27, but it never progressed past design stage. Martin is known for the B-26 Marauder medium bomber.
Its likely you were originally referencing B-24's as this was about European Theater Operations... B-29's were only used in the Pacific, not in Europe...
Actual designation was XB-27. It was designed as a High Altitude/Medium Bomber. But as mentioned, never got further then design stage and proposal based on the Marauder.
We talked a lot about this plane and what it might have been like to fly since it was based on the Marauder. Its length would have been 2 ft longer, Approx 14ft longer wing span. Speed would have been only 7mph faster. The only really big difference that would have been its ceiling range 33,000 ft compared to 21,000 ft.
I did see some original blueprints of this proposed plane, but only interested in how she might have handled.
As to handling, the B-17 was the best. This plane wanted to fly. 2nd best was the B-25.
Here's my last landing of my favorite plane. The wife was let on the field to record it after a 3 month tour of the plane.
The B26 Marauder had wicked handeling tendancies. This was to be improved in that area. Longer tail moment from increased length and better wing with longer span.
After B26 crews figured out how to fly these beasts, they did quite well... actually developed a great record with them.
All pre production aircraft got the 'x' infront of the designation to signify the development aircraft...
Douglas had a much better aircraft in the A-26 and so those arrived near end of ww2 in ETO. So no real need for the B-27...
Much more modern design, and a close air support star. The A-26 served up and into Vietnam.
Naturally I am biased, being a McDonnell Douglas guy!
