Engineering:Sikorsky XBLR-3
| XBLR-3 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Wooden mock-up at 1/25th scale | |
| Role | Heavy bomber |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| Status | Canceled, not built |
The Sikorsky XBLR-3 was an experimental bomber design developed by Sikorsky Aircraft to compete in the United States Army Air Corps "Project D" design competition of 1935.[1][2] In March 1936 the USAAC canceled the Sikorsky XBLR-3 in favor of the remaining two competitors: the Boeing XBLR-1 (Later XB-15) and the Douglas XBLR-2 (Later XB-19). The XBLR-3 was one of the last fixed wing aircraft designed by the Sikorsky company.
Design and development
The Sikorsky XBLR-3 was powered four 1600 hp 24 cylinder Allison V-3420 engine driving one 4.57m diameter metal adjustable propeller each. The Allison V-3420 engine was specified for all three entries in the 1935 "Project D" competition.[1][2]
Details of the Sikorsky XBLR-3's armament are not known, however a rotating dorsally-mounted Ball turret was included in the preliminary wooden model, and bombs of unknown parameters can be assumed to be included in the design perimeters.[1]
Specifications
Size
Span: 62.45m (204.9 ft)[1]
Length: 36.58m (120 ft)[1]
Height: 10.67m (35 ft)[1]
Mass
Takeoff Weight: 54,422Kg (120,000 lb.)[1]
Performance
Top Speed: 355 km/h (221 mph / 192 knots)[1]
Cruising Speed: 205km/h (127 mph / 111 knots)[1]
Maximum Range: 12,312km (7,652 mi. / 6,648 nm)[1]
Flight Endurance: 62 hours[1]
References
- Jones, L. S. (1962). U.S. Bombers B1 - B70. Los Angeles: Aero Publishers.
- "Sikorsky XBLR-3". Czterosilnikowy ciężki samolot bombowy dalekiego zasięgu. Projekt.. http://www.samoloty.ow.pl/str344.htm.
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