Boeing B-54 (Ultrafortress)

History

Unresolved issues in the design of the original World War II (1939-1945) Boeing B-29 Superfortress strategic bomber prompted the adoption of a more refined form, which became the 1948 "B-50" product. 370 Examples of this type were built and used until 1965.

Similar in shape and function to the B-29 that preceded it, the B-50 was essentially an all-new aircraft, with more powerful radial piston engines, a reinforced fuselage, a larger empennage and many other advantages.

Even with these changes, there were still transmission problems with the production B-50A bomber, which executed an even improved form - the YB-50C. A production B-50A was shelved and converted to a new R-4369 "Variable Discharge Turbine" (VDT) radial piston engine with a 20-foot longer wingspan and 10-foot longer fuselage.

The increase in the overall size of the aircraft required further strengthening of the fuselage, and the extra span of the wings also forced the installation of cantilevered undercarriage legs to support the weight of the wings when operating on the ground. The aircraft promises a better combat area while operating at higher altitudes and carrying a greater war load.

The YB-50C program soon took a development path of its own - in addition to the B-50 family - so it was deemed appropriate to redesignate the new aircraft "B-54". A model was completed for review in 1948.

Despite the program's progress, it is clear that the jet bomber form will be the future of the USAF's strategic bombing needs, rendering the B-54 unusable. This led to the termination of the B-54 program in 1949, without the completion of an airworthy prototype (construction of the prototype had already begun).

The USAF initially intended to order 21 bombers under the guise of "B-54As", and then 52 "RB-54As" - bombers equipped with special reconnaissance equipment rather than bomb-carrying capabilities.

When completed, the B-54 was designed to provide crew quarters for ten operators. Dimensions include a length of 34 meters, a wingspan of 49 meters and a height of 10 meters. Gross weight is 104,326 kg.

The engines chosen became 4 x Pratt & Whitney R-4360-51 series radial piston engines, each rated at 4,500 hp. Estimated performance specs include a top speed of 430 mph, a cruising speed of 305 mph, a range of up to 9,000 miles, and a service ceiling of 40,000 feet.

In terms of armament, 14 x .50 caliber heavy machine guns will be mounted on multiple remote-controlled turrets around the aircraft for local defense of interceptors. The conventional bomb load is rated at 36,000 pounds.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes