Based on the Douglas DC-2 airliner, the Douglas B-18 Bolo was chosen to go into production in January 1936 following the crash of the superior, but nearly twice as expensive Boeing B17 flying fortress prototype, it was a bomber of relatively obsolete design and was relegated in the early part of WWII to a patrol aircraft role, the existing bomber role being taken over by the far superior Boeing B-17's.
Specifications: Douglas B-18A Bolo - Crew: 6
- Length: 57 ft 10 in (17.6 m)
- Wingspan: 89 ft 6 in (27.3 m)
- Height: 15 ft 2 in (4.6 m)
- Empty weight: 16,321 lb (7,400 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 27,500 lb (12,600 kg)
- Engines: Twin 1,000 hp (750 kW) Wright R-1820-53 radial engines
- Maximum speed: 215 mph (197 knots, 346 km/h)
- Range: 999 nm (1,150 mi, 1,850 km)
- Service ceiling: 23,900 ft (7,280 m)
Armament: - Guns: Three .30 in (7.62 mm) machine guns
- Bombs: 4,500 lb (2,200 kg) bomb load
|
