Grumman XTB2F-1 (G-55)

History

The Grumman TBF Avenger carrier torpedo bomber was launched in 1942 for the remainder of World War II (1939-1945). This versatility is ideal for various experiments and modifications to further increase the tactical value of this beautiful war machine.

A total of 9,839 Avengers were built and used by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand Air Services for their role in the war. Other operators (including the rebuilding of France) appeared in the post-war period.

The Avenger was a large, heavy aircraft by nature, as it could carry torpedo payloads over long distances. However, in order to squeeze every value out of the airframe, designers increasingly poured into the airframe to expand its usefulness as the war progressed. This continued work prompted United States Navy (USN) authorities to search for a possible Avenger successor that would be built into a more refined production line and possibly produce a unique type of hybrid torpedo/dive bomber in service with the USN at the time replacement of. The main limitation at the time was the operation of large twin-engine aircraft on space-constrained carriers, the most important Essex- and Midway-class carriers, where space was at a premium. Still, the Navy eventually approached Grumman to develop a possible carrier-based bomber candidate.

Grumman's designers responded with the "Type G-55" in December 1942, with a formal proposal the following March. Grumman suggested their aircraft would be war-ready as early as May 1945, but that was certainly a selling point and wishful thinking, to say the least.

However, the Navy liked what it heard and approved the project on August 6, 1943. The initial commitment will include two airworthy prototypes to justify the design.

The final aircraft was named "XTB2F-1" and took the Avenger as an overall starting point, with a pair of wing-mounted engines for the larger attack aircraft (instead of the Avenger's single nose-mounted engine) .The crew, avionics, fuel and combat payload (up to 8,000 lb torpedoes or dropped bombs) will be concentrated in a sleek, rounded fuselage with a traditional monoplane tail at the rear. The nose section is well-glazed to provide a good view from the cockpit, and the radar unit is housed in a pod under the left wing.

Offset from the starboard side of the nose is a 75mm gun mounted in a blister fairing. The port side of the nose was designed to accommodate 2 x .50 caliber machine guns, and the wings were also equipped with 4 x .50 caliber machine guns. Unlike the Avenger, the XTB2F-1 is designed to reach the ground via three-wheeled undercarriage for a better view of the carrier deck.

Like most carrier-based aircraft, the Grumman G-55 uses folding wings for storage, hinged behind the main landing gear leg wells and engine nacelles. Additional weapons will come from a dorsal turret and a ventral turret, each of which will carry 2 x .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

Overall, attackers can rely on a 75mm automatic cannon, 10 x 12.7mm machine guns and 8,000lb bombs (or two torpedoes).

The G-55 is a very powerful aircraft, big and heavy. The total weight is estimated to be around 45,700 pounds, with a wingspan of 74 feet! This monster is powered by 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-22 2,100 hp air-cooled radial piston engines, each driving a three-bladed propeller unit.

The plane was estimated to have a top speed of 335 mph and reached an altitude of nearly 30,000 feet with a range of 3,700 miles (ferry).

Grumman made their new bird model for the US Navy inspection, which was completed in May 1944. Within a month, the Navy realized that the XTB2F-1 was not the answer and cancelled the request on June 14, 1944, crushing all hopes for two contract prototypes. The G-55 is too big and heavy for launchers currently in service with the U.S. Navy, and it performs too few missions compared to the small attack platforms already in service. The U.S.

Navy then continued to explore other options.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service

1945

Origins

United States

Status

Cancel

Development ended.

Crew

6

Production

0

Manufacturer

Grumman Aircraft - USA

Carrier

United States (removed)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

57. 4 feet

(17.50m)

Width/span

74. 0 feet

(22.55m)

Height

21.5 feet

(6.55m)

Cured weight

23,656 lbs

(10,730 kg)

MTOW

45,702 lbs

(20,730 kg)

Wgt Difference

+22,046 lbs

(+10,000 kg)

Performance

Installed:

2 Pratt & Whitney R-2800-22 air-cooled radial piston engines, each producing 2,100 hp and driving a three-blade propeller unit.

Maximum speed

336 km/h

(540 km/h | 292 kn)

Maximum

30,003 feet

(9,145 m | 6 km)

Area

3,700 km

(5,955 km | 11,029 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Weapons

Recommended: 1 x 75mm autocannon in starboard nose bag. 2 x .50 caliber heavy machine guns in port position. 2 heavy machine guns .50 caliber in rear turret. Two .50 caliber heavy machine guns are located in the ventral turret. 4 x .50 caliber heavy machine guns are located at the root of the wing.

Optional: Bomber or torpedo charge (x2) up to 8,000 lbs.