Description

Book Synopsis
The XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships sometimes referred to as bomber escorters. They were developed during early World War II in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect regular B-17 formations making the round trip from Britain deep into Germany. Using many formerly-classified documents from his large microfilm collection, William Wolf presents their previously-unpublished history. It describes in depth for the first time the politics and development and associated problems of both escorter types. Unfortunately, these protecters were found wanting in several ways - after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems and each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin tur

Table of Contents
1. Bomber Escorter Concept 2. XB-40/YB-40 Bomber Escorter 3. XB-41 Bomber Escorter 4. Other Bomber Escorters Further Reading Index

World War II US Gunships

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    A Paperback / softback by Dr William Wolf, Adam Tooby

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      Book details

      Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
      Published 26 November 2020
      ISBN-13 9781472844699
      978-1472844699
      ISBN-10 1472844696
      Also in:
      History Politics, Philosophy & Society Air forces and warfare Military vehicles

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      The XB-40 and XB-41 were secret, little-known experimental modifications of the B-17F and B-24D, respectively, into heavily-armed bomber gunships sometimes referred to as bomber escorters. They were developed during early World War II in response to the lack of a USAAF long-range fighter aircraft able to escort and protect regular B-17 formations making the round trip from Britain deep into Germany. Using many formerly-classified documents from his large microfilm collection, William Wolf presents their previously-unpublished history. It describes in depth for the first time the politics and development and associated problems of both escorter types. Unfortunately, these protecters were found wanting in several ways - after the addition of guns and ammunition they became overweight and tail-heavy causing center of gravity problems and each encountered numerous delays in the development and delivery of their various armament additions and improvements, particularly the Bendix chin tur

      Table of Contents
      1. Bomber Escorter Concept 2. XB-40/YB-40 Bomber Escorter 3. XB-41 Bomber Escorter 4. Other Bomber Escorters Further Reading Index

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