Douglas B-23 Dragon

1939 WORLD WAR 2

• 1 History of the Douglas B-23 Dragon
• 2 Douglas B-23 Dragon Spec
  • 2.1 Basic
  • 2.2 Production
  • 2.3 Roles
  • 2.4 Dimensions
  • 2.5 Weight
  • 2.6 Performance
  • 2.7 Performance
  • 2.8 ARMAMENT
  • 2.9 VARIANTS

History of the Douglas B-23 Dragon

On the eve of World War II, the US bomber force went through a period of continuous improvement. Founded in 1921, the Douglas Aircraft Company is already a household name for large aircraft in the United States.

The Douglas B-18 "Bolo" medium bomber was one of the main types in service in the 1930s. Introduced in 1936, 350 were produced and used by the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), Canadian Air Force and Brazilian Air Force. It originated with the Douglas DC-2 transport aircraft in 1934.

Beginning with the basic design of the B-18, the company began work on an improved version under the prototype designation "XB-22". The aircraft was proposed to be equipped with two Wright R-2600-3 series "twin cyclone" radial piston engines of 1,600 hp each, which resulted in USAAC placing a contract order for 38 aircraft.

These replaced an order of 38 originally intended for Douglas B-18A bombers.

The new bomber was commissioned as the B-23 "Dragon" and had Wright engines paired in nacelles buried in the leading edges of the wings, each driving a three-bladed propeller unit. The wing main aircraft is mounted low along the sides of the fuselage, which tapers from nose to tail.

The bombardier/navigator glazed the nose section for optimal visibility when the cockpit was kicked. The plane was piloted by six people. The landing gear is retractable with a "tail" structure, with the main legs embedded in the engine nacelles of each wing.

Standard armament is 3 x .30 caliber machine guns spread over the aircraft for local defense. A .50 caliber heavy machine gun was also mounted on the tail - the first time such a device was seen on an American aircraft.

In addition to this weapon, the aircraft can carry up to 2,000 pounds of conventional ammunition in the internal bomb bay.

Power from the Wright engine allowed the aircraft to reach speeds of nearly 285 mph while cruising at about 210 mph. It has a range of 1,400 miles and can reach a service cap of 31,600 feet. 10,000 feet was reached in about 6.5 minutes.

Compared to the B-18, the B-23 offered better performance, improved defensive armament, and a larger wingspan. Its prototype made its first test flight on July 27, 1939 just a few months before World War II officially began in Europe (September 1).

Serial production began the same month and ended in September 1940 with all 38 aircraft complete.

By the time the United States entered the war, the capabilities of the B-23 had peaked, as newer, better midsize aircraft entered service with the USAAC. As a result, the B-23 was never considered an active fighter during the war, but was relegated to the United States as a trainer, maritime patrol and transport aircraft. In the latter role, it was renamed "C-67" and then "UC-67" in 1943.

At least 12 were converted from existing B-23 inventory to transport aircraft. Other airframes were shelved, modified and used for various aviation-related tests.

Those that survived the war were eventually sold and extended service on the civilian market. Some are still preserved as exhibits in the United States.

Douglas B-23 Dragon Spec

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

ARMAMENT

VARIANTS