United States' Douglas B-18 Bolo bomber
Photos
Design
The Douglas B-18 Bolo was designed to meet a United States Army Air Corps requirement given in 1934 to replace the B-10.1
The B-18 had many parts based on the DC-2 / DC-32 airliner.1
Competition
The DB-1 (Douglas Bomber) won against the Martin 146 and Boeing 299.1 The Boeing 299 crashed and was disqualified.1 It was to develop into the B-17.1
Prototype
The DB-1 prototype was first flown in October 1935.1
Production
In January 1936 133 B-18s were ordered.1 In June 1937 217 B-18As were ordered.1
- B-18: 1331
- B-18A: 2171
- Digby I: 201
- Total: 3701
Variants
- DB-1: Prototype.1
- DB-280: Douglas' designation.2
- B-18: Production model.1
- B-18A: Had longer and reshaped upper nose.1 Added a power operated dorsal turret.1 First flew in April 1937.1
- Digby I: B-18A built for Canadian Royal Air Force.1 Used primarily for maritime patrol.1
- B-18B: 122 B-18As were converted in 1941-42.1 Had nose radomes installed.1
- B-18C: Conversion delivered to Brazil.1
- C-58: Converted to a transport.1
Usage
The countries that used the B-18 were Brazil (2), Canada2 (20), and United States.1
The B-18 entered service with the United States Army Air Corps in 1937.1
Specifications
| Douglas B-18 Bolo | Douglas B-18A Bolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Medium bomber1 | Bomber2, Reconnaissance2, Transport2 |
| Crew | 61 | |
| Engine (Type) | 2: Wright R-1820-451 | 2: Wright R-1830-531 2: Wright Cyclone2 |
| Cylinders | Radial 91 | |
| Cooling | ||
| HP | 930 each1 | 1,000 each1, 1,200 each2 |
| Propeller blades | 3 each1 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Span | 89' 6"1, 90'2 27.28 m1 |
|
| Length | 56' 9"2, 57' 10"1 17.63 m1 |
|
| Height | 15' 1"2, 15' 2"1 4.62 m1 |
|
| Wing area | ||
| Weight | ||
| Empty | 16,321 lb1 7,403 kg1 |
|
| Loaded | 26,000 lb2, 27,673 lb1 12,552 kg1 |
|
| Performance | ||
| Speed @ 10,000' / 3,048 m |
215 mph1, 225 mph2 346 kph1 |
|
| Cruising speed | 167 mph1 268 kph1 |
|
| Range cruising | ||
| Climb | 1,030'/minute1 314 m/minute1 |
|
| Service ceiling | 23,900'1 7,285 m1 |
|
| Range | 1,180 miles1, 1,200 miles2 1,900 km1 |
|
| Armament | ||
| Nose | 1: 0.3" MG1 | |
| Dorsal position | 1: 0.3" MG1 | |
| Ventral position | 1: 0.3" MG1 | |
| Normal bomb load | 4,000 lb1 1,814 kg1 |
|
| Maximum bomb load | 6,500 lb1 2,948 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943
