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The order for a high-altitude medium bomber was put out on 1940 February 13; the XB-28 first flew on 1942 April 26. The XB-28 was based on North American Aviation’s highly successful B-25 Mitchell, but as it evolved it became a completely new design, much more reminiscent of the Martin B-26 Marauder. The overall configuration of the B-25 and XB-28 were fairly similar; the most important distinction was that the twin tail of the B-25 was changed to a single tail on the XB-28. It was among the first planes with a pressurised cabin .
The XB-28 proved an excellent design, with significantly better performance than the B-25, but it was never put into production. High-altitude bombing was hampered significantly by factors such as clouds and wind, which were frequent occurrences in the Pacific. At the same time, medium bombers were becoming much more able at lower altitudes. The models being used at these levels had been used successfully in combat for months and even years. The gains in aircraft performance made that came with high altitude flight were not significant enough to justify switching from low-altitude bombing.
Even though the Army Air Force rejected the XB-28 as a bomber, they ordered another prototype. Dubbed the XB-28A, it was meant to explore the possibility of use as a reconnaissance aircraft. This design never progressed passed the prototype stage, either.
Related development:
Comparable aircraft: B-26 Marauder -
Martin XB-27Designation sequence:
B-25 - B-26 - XB-27 - XB-28 - B-29The Boeing B-29 Superfortress ( Boeing Model 341/345) was a four-engine heavy bomber flown by the United States Army Air Force. It was one of the largest aircraft of World War II to see active service. When it entered service, it was one of the most advan - XB-30The Lockheed XB-30 was the design submitted by Lockheed after the request by the United States Army Air Force for a very heavy bomber, the same request that led to the B-29 Superfortress and B-32 Dominator. Around 1938, General Henry H. Hap' Arnold, the h - XB-31The Douglas XB-31 (Douglas Model 423) was the design submitted by Douglas after the request by the United States Army Air Force for a very heavy bomber, the same request that led to the B-29 Superfortress and B-32 Dominator. Around 1938, General Henry H. -See also:
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