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Sikorsky XBLR-3

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
XBLR-3
Wooden mock-up at 1/25th scale
General information
TypeHeavy bomber
National originUnited States
ManufacturerSikorsky Aircraft
StatusCanceled, 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

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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

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Size

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Span: 62.45m (204.9 ft)[1]

Length: 36.58m (120 ft)[1]

Height: 10.67m (35 ft)[1]

Mass

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Takeoff Weight: 54,422Kg (120,000 lb.)[1]

Performance

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Sikorsky XBLR-3". 2011-09-27. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2023-05-21.
  2. ^ a b Jones, Lloyd S. (1974). U.S. Bombers B-1 1928 to B-1 1980's (2nd ed.). Fallbrook, Ca: Aero Publishers. pp. 59–61. ISBN 9780816891269.
  • Jones, L. S. (1962). U.S. Bombers B1 - B70. Los Angeles: Aero Publishers.
  • "Sikorsky XBLR-3". Czterosilnikowy ciężki samolot bombowy dalekiego zasięgu. Projekt. Archived from the original on 2009-03-28. Retrieved 13 November 2022.